Learn over 150 languages with certified online tutors on italki, the best language learning app. Discover a world of languages!
Features
- 1-on-1 Lessons with Certified Tutors — Access over 20,000 professional teachers and community tutors across 150+ languages including English, Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, French, and more. Each teacher has verified credentials, ratings, and reviews from real students. Lessons are fully customizable to your learning goals, whether you're a beginner or advanced learner.
- Flexible Pay-As-You-Go Model — No subscriptions, no contracts, no rigid schedules. Book lessons when you want, as often as you want. Choose from 30-minute, 45-minute, or 90-minute sessions. Teachers set their own prices starting from as low as USD 6.00 per lesson, giving you complete control over your learning budget and pace.
- Group Classes with Expert Teachers — Join fun and engaging online group classes designed and led by expert teachers. Group classes offer a collaborative learning environment where you can practice with other students, making language learning more interactive and social while keeping costs lower than individual lessons.
- Vibrant Global Community — Connect with millions of language learners from over 190 countries. Share posts, receive feedback, participate in language challenges, and engage with native speakers. The community features include assessments, podcasts, articles, topics, prompts, and quizzes to supplement your learning journey.
- Free Language Assessment Tools — Test your current language level with free assessments available in multiple languages. Track your progress with vocabulary sets, listen to podcasts from around the world, practice with prompts, and challenge yourself with quizzes—all designed to reinforce learning outside of lessons.
- Instant Lesson Booking — For impulsive learners or those needing immediate practice, italki offers Instant Lessons. Book a trial lesson and start learning right now without waiting. This feature is perfect for last-minute preparation before a trip, interview, or exam.
Use Cases
Busy Professionals Learning for Career Advancement
Working professionals who need to learn a new language for business opportunities, international assignments, or career growth can use italki to schedule lessons around their busy calendars. With flexible 30-minute lunch break sessions or evening classes, they can progress at their own pace without committing to rigid class schedules. Target Audience: Working professionals, corporate employees, entrepreneurs expanding internationally
Students Preparing for Language Proficiency Exams
Students preparing for exams like TOEFL, IELTS, JLPT, DELE, or DELF can find specialized professional teachers who understand exam formats and requirements. They can take targeted 1-on-1 lessons focusing on weak areas, practice speaking with native speakers, and use free assessment tools to track their progress. Target Audience: University students, exam candidates, academic learners
Travelers Learning Essential Language Skills
People planning international trips can quickly learn essential phrases, cultural nuances, and conversational skills from native speakers. The Instant Lesson feature allows last-minute learning, while community tutors can share authentic cultural insights beyond textbook knowledge. Target Audience: Travelers, digital nomads, expatriates preparing for relocation
Language Enthusiasts Maintaining and Improving Skills
Polyglots and language hobbyists who want to maintain multiple languages or explore new ones can browse 150+ language options. The community features, podcasts, and vocabulary tools provide continuous exposure, while occasional 1-on-1 lessons help refine pronunciation and advanced skills. Target Audience: Language hobbyists, polyglots, heritage language speakers
Pros
- No subscription or long-term commitment required—pay only for lessons you take, with prices starting as low as USD 6.00 per lesson, making it affordable for learners on any budget.
- Massive selection of 20,000+ teachers across 150+ languages means you can always find a tutor matching your specific needs, learning style, budget, and schedule preferences.
- Complete scheduling flexibility with lessons available 24/7 from teachers worldwide, allowing you to learn at any time that suits your lifestyle, including weekends and holidays.
- Multiple learning formats including 1-on-1 lessons, group classes, community interactions, podcasts, quizzes, and assessments provide a comprehensive learning ecosystem beyond just tutoring.
- Verified teacher profiles with ratings, reviews, lesson counts, and credentials help you make informed decisions and find the perfect teacher for your learning goals.
Cons
- Teacher quality can vary significantly since italki hosts both professional teachers and community tutors—finding the right match may require trying multiple teachers and reading reviews carefully.
- Without a structured curriculum or subscription model, self-motivated learners may struggle with consistency and progression, as there's no built-in accountability system or learning path.
- Costs can add up for frequent learners, especially with highly-rated professional teachers who charge premium rates, making it potentially more expensive than subscription-based apps for daily practice.
- The platform relies heavily on self-direction—learners must independently book lessons, choose teachers, and structure their learning, which can be overwhelming for complete beginners unfamiliar with language learning strategies.
