If you're always on the lookout for new skills to learn, you'll be pleased to hear that learning a language has been made easier, more affordable, and more accessible thanks to the rise of language-learning apps and platforms.
This means that qualified language teachers are readily available online for both 1-on-1 and group language lessons. But how does italki stand out from the crowd? Is the platform and app worth it?
In this italki review, we'll be covering all bases, including how to get started, italki pricing, and its best features.
What is italki?
italki is a global language learning community that allows eager language learners to connect with professional teachers, both 1-on-1 and in a group setting.
Launched in 2006 as a social network for language exchange, italki aimed to connect users around the world to learn from one another. Just two years later, italki expanded into a community marketplace where language learners could pay online for 1-on-1 language classes.
Looking to teach on italki? Read this article to discover how to teach languages on italki
What languages can you learn on italki?
There are currently over 150 different languages available to learn on the italki platform. There are over 20,000 available teachers on the platform from over 190 countries, making language learning incredibly accessible, no matter your schedule.
Some of the most popular languages to learn on italki include:
- Japanese
- French
- Spanish
- German
- Italian
- Dutch
- Czech
- Arabic
- Korean
italki's main features
Whether you're looking to brush up on your language skills or start learning a new language entirely, italki learners will benefit from the platform's many features.
While we'll discuss the pros and cons of italki a little later on, here are some of italki's main highlights:
Personalized learning 🎯
Teachers on italki can personalize their teaching methods according to learning needs. One language lesson can be very different from the next!
To find the best teacher for an overall great italki experience, check out their profiles and try learning your new language with a couple of different tutors.
Most teachers on italki mention their different ways of teaching, so you'll be sure to find a teacher (and learning style) that suits you.
Flexible learning and language variety 🌍
italki is pretty flexible when it comes to booking and paying for your language lessons. There is no subscription fee, so you can learn as much or as little as you like and pay as you go.
With over 150 languages to choose from, you'll even find less-common language lessons available, such as Basque or Tsonga.
Language exchange 🔄
A quick look in the #LearningPartner discussion on italki will help connect you with other students looking to learn your native language.
This can be a great way to learn from others (for free) while helping them learn your native language in exchange. Since italki is free to sign up, this is an option to explore if you're low on budget.
Single and group classes đź‘Ą
italki has the option to participate in single classes or group courses. This allows you to dip in and out and learn specific areas of a language, as well as test your skills in conversation.
For example, upcoming classes on italki may include a focus on phrasal verbs, discussing the news, or interview practice.
How to learn a language with italki
Download the italki app
Available on both the App Store and Google Play store, italki's app is free and easy to use. Being accessible both on the app and via the web makes italki easily accessible even when you're on the go—so you'll never miss a lesson.
When it comes to taking a language class, you can use one of the following communication tools:
- The italki classroom
- Skype
- FaceTime
- Google Hangout
- Zoom
The italki classroom is a form of video communication tool with screen-sharing capabilities. If you prefer to keep your language learning on the platform, rather than the likes of Zoom, the italki classroom is a suitable learning space.
It is accessible directly from the app as well as the web version of italki.
Sign up and create your profile
Getting started is pretty straightforward. Once you're logged in, you'll quickly be asked to select the primary learner (whether an adult or child/teen) before choosing the language you'd like to learn.
Here you can choose the language you'd like to study, with the platform offering some initial suggestions.
Can't see the language?
Simply search to choose another.
From here, you'll be asked to choose your experience level, your motivation for learning the language, and topics of interest. Interestingly, the platform then uses an AI learning assistant to offer recommended italki teachers, or you can search on your own.
If you choose to browse the italki community yourself, you'll quickly be met with a whole list of teachers according to the settings you chose at the beginning.
Find a language teacher
We all learn differently, no matter what the topic is. So it's crucial to find a language teacher who suits your learning style.
The italki community has two different types of tutors:
- Professional teachers
- Community tutors
But what's the difference?
Professional teachers require a degree and teaching certifications and are required to upload these when joining italki.
Community tutors do not need a degree, but they do need to be native speakers or near-native.
To find the right teacher for you, first head to the italki homepage. Then, use the navigation bar to choose the language that you want to learn. The most highly-rated teachers will appear on the first page.
For more options scroll down and click 'find more teachers'.
On this next screen you can get much more specific about the type of teacher you want to work with. Here you can choose a lesson category (such as language essentials, test prep, lessons for children, etc), price range, lesson day and time (general or specific), what languages the teacher speaks, and where the teacher is from.
Once you have set your parameters you will be presented with teacher who match what you are looking for.
Choose the teacher you want to work with and book a trial lesson. That's it! You're on your way to learning a new language.
Take a group class
As already mentioned, you can take part in group classes. There are single classes - like this 'Let's Talk Italian' class, which is a once-off opportunity to converse with others in a group setting.
While this group class happens regularly you are not required to attend each week, which is why it is a 'single class'.
If you like the idea of learning in a group setting but want more structure then you can join a 'group course' and work through the language material on a structured basis.
Get involved in the italki community
As well as language classes, italki has some other tools, such as these free features:
- Language partners: Connect with language partners for free to practice speaking your chosen foreign language and teach each other.
- Written corrections: Got a document or paper you need to check? Ask the italki community to give it a read and offer any corrections. Other students will be on hand to help, as well as tutors.
How much does italki cost?
One thing about italki is that you don't need to sign up for a certain period or pay a monthly subscription. It allows you to pretty much pay as you go, with language teachers setting their own prices.
When you first sign up for italki, you'll typically see a 'trial lesson' cost once you search for a specific language, so you can get a feel for the tutor. From there, it costs upwards of around $8 per 1-on-1 lesson or $4 for a community lesson.
Trial lessons are definitely worth doing, so you can get a feel for the tutor and their teaching style. If you work well together, you can decide to move forward and continue learning with them.
Depending on your learning goals, it's totally up to you on how much time (and therefore dollars) you want to commit to each month.
Unlike other language learning platforms that require a subscription, italki works well as a pay-as-you-go system.
italki Plus
When you join italki, you'll automatically be on their usual free platform; however, there are opportunities to maximize your language learning with their italki Plus plan.
There's a free trial available as a part of their beta testing, with a few features worth mentioning:
- Automated lesson summaries
- Unlimited self-study practice
- Learning progress tracking
Overall, italki Plus gives you access to several premium AI features, available promotions on selected partner platforms, and other services. There is limited information available on italki Plus, but once you start using the platform and taking part in italki lessons, it becomes a lot clearer.
What are italki credits?
italki credits are a virtual currency you can use on the platform. These can be used to pay for language lessons, join activities, and participate in language challenges.
It's up to you how many credits you'd like to buy as you go. Buying italki credits is super simple and can be done by credit card, debit card, PayPal, Skrill, eWallet, or bank transfer. It's important to remember that your italki credits will expire if you're inactive for over 12 months.
The pros and cons of italki
Now we've learned about the italki platform and overall community, let's take a closer look at how well the platform performs and its potential drawbacks.
italki benefits
Here are some of the greatest features and aspects of italki.
1. Easy to get started
Getting started with italki is incredibly easy. The platform is simple to use, and you can find a teacher to suit your needs in just minutes.
2. Huge community of teachers and learners
There are so many skilled teachers on the italki platform, but finding the right tutor for your language journey is pretty straightforward. The platform connects students with teachers easily, with plenty of information on each teacher profile available to help you decide.
3. Affordable language learning
Compared to other language learning apps and platforms, italki is very affordable. Not only is there no subscription fee, but you decide how much you're willing to spend each month, with tutors as cheap as $8 for 1-on-1 language classes.
4. Learn on your own schedule
With availability shown based on your timezone, it's easy to see when a teacher has lessons available. This is a great feature of italki, so whether you're an early bird or a night owl, you'll always be able to learn new language skills according to your schedule.
Plus, with no subscription fee, there is no rush to cram in as many lessons as possible, since you pay as you go.
5. There's no commitment to a language teacher
Unlike opting for a school or private tutor, there's no need to commit to a specific teacher or program with italki. It's worth having a little look around to get to grips with different learning styles and see what works best for you.
Once you've found a teacher you work well with, you can decide how much you want to spend depending on your language goals.
italki drawbacks
Does italki have any drawbacks? We take a look at the potential disadvantages of the platform.
1. Pricing structure may mean sudden increases
Since an italki teacher sets their own prices, teachers don't have to let anyone know when they choose to adjust their rates. This means that you may find a suitable teacher that ticks all the boxes, including matching your budget, only for their price to quickly change.
2. Teacher quality and style can vary greatly
With a huge variety of qualified language teachers and community tutors on italki, the quality can vary quite a lot. This doesn't necessarily mean that a language tutor is incorrect, but some styles of teaching may not be suitable for everyone.
You might not find a language tutor that suits your learning style right away, but don't be afraid to shop around a little until you find the perfect match.
3. Evaluating lessons can be time-consuming
After each lesson, students are asked to evaluate the session. As a user of italki, this can be a little exhausting and time-consuming.
However, this feature can be helpful for other users to judge lesson quality and help them find a good teacher that suits their needs.
italki alternatives
If you're not sure if italki is for you, don't worry. We've done some digging around and come up with some italki alternatives, so you don't have to.
🏆 Whop
Whop is a social commerce platform offering a marketplace full of communities focused on various niches, including languages. Connecting with other learners through these communities can help you supercharge your language-learning journey. From online courses to digital downloads, Whop has everything you can imagine when learning a new language.
TFA Academy is just one example of a language-learning community on Whop, with opportunities to make new friends, practice a wide range of languages, and find conversation partners.
Similarly to italki, there are no sign-up fees or monthly subscriptions for the platform; you pay as you learn. Sign up to Whop in minutes and browse the marketplace for your whop—you'll find various language-learning communities for a range of prices.
Preply
With a sleek, user-friendly interface, Preply is a cool contender to go up against italki. The platform, which also has an app, has 44,000+ experienced tutors, with 120+ subjects taught across 180+ nationalities.
Like italki, on Preply you'll be taken through the steps as you get started to identify your goals. Your goal could be to get a brief understanding of basic conversational Spanish for culture/travel/a hobby, for example.
You'll then be able to decide if you're looking for native speakers only or for a specific region/accent. Preply asks a few more questions than italki does at first (some of which are skippable), including the days/times you're available and your budget per 50-minute lesson.
One thing though that we have noticed compared to italki is the lack of reviews for Preply teachers.
Verbling
Unlike italki's 150+ languages, Verbling only offers 70 different languages. The platform works in a similar way, with the ability to search for teachers and book lessons to learn your target language.
Much like italki, you can also look for those that specialize in particular niches on Verbling, from exam preparation to support with accents to total beginners.
With lessons starting from as little as $1, all on a flexible schedule, Verbling is a pretty epic alternative to italki. You can also book a free trial to discuss your goals with a teacher, so you can test the water before diving into taking online classes.
Lingoda
Lingoda is a pretty cool alternative to italki; however, it does have some limitations. The platform only offers Spanish, French, German, and English.
If you're at the very beginning of learning your target language—and it falls within one of the languages above—Lingoda could be a potential alternative. The platform only offers language courses between A1-C1 (only in English and German), so it may not be suitable for more advanced language learning outside of these two.
Unlike italki, Lingoda requires a subscription. This can get pretty expensive too, depending on whether you opt for group classes (3-5 students) or 1-on-1 learning, your target language, and how many classes you'd like to take.
Looking to learn a new language or skill? Explore Whop
Overall, italki is an impressive platform for learning a new language, no matter your skill level. With its own italki classroom, the platform is safe for users and teachers with the flexibility to learn according to their schedule.
Much like italki, Whop has built its own ever-growing community online, so you'll never be short of like-minded individuals to learn from. You can find whops teaching languages from across the globe. Whether you want to practice speaking your chosen language with a native speaker or download a full course, Whop has it all.
Perhaps you're learning a language to visit a new country; there are also communities centered around travel advice and even working abroad as a digital nomad.
So if you're looking to master another language or a niche skill, check out Whop's marketplace to find a community for you.
italki FAQs
Still unsure if learning a foreign language on italki is for you? Here are some popular questions (and their answers) about the platform below.
Is italki safe?
italki is a growing community of teachers and language students, so you can rest assured the platform is safe to use. The web and app versions are safe and reliable, so you can get stuck into lessons right away.
If you do have any problems on italki, you can report or block users easily should you need to.
How long are the language lessons on italki?
Finding time to learn a language can be difficult. Thankfully, italki offers a variety of language lessons, so they can easily fit around your schedule. Individual lessons can be 30, 45, 60, or 90 minutes long. When you search for a language teacher, you can choose the duration.
Are all 'teachers' on italki language professionals?
italki lessons are taught by two different categories of teachers:
- Professional teachers
- Community tutors
As we touched upon earlier, italki professional teachers require a degree and teaching certifications. Community tutors do not, but they must be native or near-native speakers.
How do I know what style of teaching works for me?
italki is great at connecting language learners with native speakers, whether you're a total newbie or know a few words already in your chosen language.
Before getting started, it's worth considering what's important to you as a language learner and where you'd like to focus your efforts. For example:
- Do you want to be able to order food in a restaurant? Maybe you're just looking to brush up on your skills for a vacation.
- Maybe you want to learn how to write in your chosen language as well.
Whatever your language learning goals on italki, think about how you learn best and how your native teacher can teach you the most effectively:
- Would you prefer your teacher to explain things in your native language when you get stuck?
- Do you want to focus on learning specific grammar points?
- Would it be easier to learn through casual conversation practice?
It's your language journey. Taking advantage of the italki app and platform can help find different learning methods, to see what works best for you.
Does italki offer language exchanges?
While italki doesn't directly connect students, the community does have a space for language exchanges. Users can post in a forum-style thread with the language they are a native speaker of and what language they want to learn/improve.
This is a great way to connect with others via italki and learn directly from other students.
Can kids use italki?
Yes, they can. To help you find the perfect teacher for your child, be sure to select the 'Kids' lesson category to help you find teachers with experience in teaching younger students.
Take full advantage of the italki platform to connect with other parents and share your experiences as well. To create an account with italki, the account owner needs to be at least 18 years old.
