To choose an online language tutor, write down your goal, shortlist three tutors who teach exactly that, book a trial lesson with each, and keep the one you speak most comfortably with. Before you pay for a package, check the tutor’s time zone, cancellation policy and reviews on the platform. A good tutor makes you talk for most of the lesson.
Prices were checked on 18 October 2026. We have not booked lessons on these platforms ourselves. The facts below come from Preply’s, italki’s and Lingoda’s own pages. See how we research.
1. Start with a clear goal
“Learn Spanish” is too vague to choose a tutor. Be specific:
- pass a B1 exam by June;
- hold a work meeting in German;
- talk to your partner’s family in Italian;
- fix pronunciation for job interviews in English.
Then filter for tutors who list that goal on their profile, such as exam preparation or business language. Tell the tutor your goal in the first message.
2. Book trial lessons with two or three tutors
A trial is the only real test of a tutor. The platforms handle trials differently:
-
Preply
- 1:1 tutors
- Trial
- If the first tutor isn't a match, try up to 2 more for free
- Refunds
- Refund if you're not happy with your first lesson
- Average hourly rate, US tutors of EnglishEach tutor sets their own priceUS$30/hour
- Average hourly rate, non-native tutors of EnglishUS$23/hour
from US$23/hour Go to Preply -
italki
- 1:1 tutors
- Trial
- Discounted trial lesson, priced by each tutor
- English tutors, per hourRange given by italki; depends on the tutorUS$4–US$60/hour
- Trial lessonLowest trial price we saw on tutor profilesUS$5/lesson
from US$4/hour Go to italki -
Lingoda
- Group classes
- 1:1 tutors
- Trial
- 7 days free: 3 group classes or 1 private class
- Refunds
- Refund within 14 days, minus classes taken
- Group classes: 4 per 4 weeksPlan renews every 4 weeks; unused classes roll over€44.99
- Private classes: 4 per 4 weeks€109.99
- Group classes: 32 per 4 weeks€180.99
from €44.99 Go to Lingoda
Prices checked on 18 October 2026. They change often; check the final price before you pay.
- Preply: according to Preply, if the first tutor isn’t a match, you can try up to 2 more for free, and you can get a refund if you are not happy with your first lesson. See Preply’s tutors.
- italki: trial lessons are discounted and priced by each tutor. The lowest trial price we saw on tutor profiles was $5. Browse italki’s teachers.
- Lingoda: this is a school, not a marketplace. According to Lingoda, the free trial lasts 7 days and includes 3 group classes or 1 private class. See Lingoda’s plans.
For a detailed comparison of the two marketplaces, read Preply vs italki.
3. What to look for in the trial
- Did you speak for more than half of the lesson?
- Did the tutor correct you, and did you understand the corrections?
- Did they ask about your goal and suggest a plan?
- Did you feel relaxed enough to make mistakes?
If the answer to two of these is no, try the next tutor.
4. Native or non-native speaker?
Both can be excellent. A native speaker is strong on natural phrasing, slang and accent. A non-native tutor learned the language as you are doing now, so they often explain grammar clearly, and they may speak your first language.
Price is also a factor. According to Preply, the average hourly rate is $30 for US tutors of English and $23 for non-native tutors of English. Each tutor sets their own price.
5. Check price, schedule and time zone
| Platform | Price | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| Preply | Average $30 per hour (US tutors of English), $23 (non-native), according to Preply | Each tutor sets their price |
| italki | $4 to $60 per hour for English tutors, according to italki | Each tutor sets their price; payments in USD |
| Lingoda | From €44.99 for 4 group classes every 4 weeks | Fixed plans; unused classes roll over |
Look at the tutor’s calendar before you book. A tutor in another time zone may only be free when you are at work. Regular lessons at the same time each week work better than random slots. For full price ranges, read how much an online language tutor costs.
6. Read the cancellation and refund rules
Each platform and often each tutor has rules for late cancellation. Find out how many hours before a lesson you can cancel without paying. With Lingoda, according to its pricing page, you can get a refund within 14 days, minus classes you have taken. Read the rules before you buy a package of lessons.
7. Use reviews on the platform
Reviews on the platform come from students who paid for lessons. Look for reviews that mention your goal, for example exam results or business English. Several recent reviews tell you more than one perfect score from years ago.
If you want to build a base first, start with an app or free resources and add a tutor later. See free ways to learn a language and our list of the best online tutoring sites.
Quick checklist
- My goal is written down in one sentence.
- I have a shortlist of three tutors who teach that goal.
- I have booked trial lessons.
- The tutor’s free slots fit my week and time zone.
- I know the cancellation and refund rules.
- I have read recent reviews on the platform.
Frequently asked questions
Should I choose a native speaker as my tutor?
Not always. A native speaker helps with natural speech and pronunciation. A non-native tutor who learned the language often explains grammar well and may share your first language. Preply's own figures show non-native English tutors are cheaper on average.
How much does an online language tutor cost?
Each tutor sets their own price. According to Preply, the average hourly rate is $30 for US tutors of English and $23 for non-native tutors of English. italki gives a range of $4 to $60 per hour for English tutors.
Are trial lessons worth it?
Yes. A trial shows you the tutor's teaching style before you commit. On italki, trial lessons are discounted and priced by each tutor; the lowest we saw was $5. Preply lets you try up to 2 more tutors for free if the first one is not a match.
How many tutors should I try?
Two or three is usually enough to compare. Book trials with tutors who have different styles, then choose the one you felt most comfortable speaking with.
What if I prefer a fixed course to choosing a tutor?
A school with a set curriculum may suit you better. Lingoda, for example, runs group and private classes in English, German, French, Italian and Spanish.
Sources
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