How Much Does italki Cost? Complete Pricing Guide (2026)

Key takeaways:

• italki lessons range from $4 to $40 per session depending on the teacher you choose
• There are no subscriptions or monthly fees. italki works on a pay as you go model
• Community tutors are the most affordable option; professional teachers charge more for structured lessons
• Trial lessons let you test a teacher before committing to regular one-on-one lessons

italki’s pricing depends on one thing more than anything else: the teacher you choose. Lessons typically range from $4 to $40 per hour, and unlike most language learning apps and websites, there is no subscription or monthly plan required. You pay for lessons only when you book them.

This guide is for anyone weighing up italki before signing up. Whether you’re a complete beginner planning your budget or you’ve read an italki review and want clarity on real-world pricing, here’s everything you need to know about italki pricing in 2026.

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How much does italki cost?

italki lessons range from $4 to $40 per hour. The exact italki price you pay depends on the type of teacher you choose, the language you are learning, and the length of the lesson.

There are two main teacher types on the platform: community tutors and professional teachers. Both offer private lessons, but they serve different needs and sit at different price points.

Community tutor pricing

Community tutors are native speakers or fluent speakers who are not formally trained teachers. They typically charge between $4-$20 per lesson, making them the most affordable option on the platform.

They are best suited for conversation practice, casual speaking skills work, and learners who want to practice speaking with native speakers without the structure of a formal lesson. If your goal is speaking confidence and getting comfortable with your target language in real conversation, a community tutor is a strong choice.

Professional teacher pricing

Professional teachers have formal teaching qualifications, language certifications, or structured lesson plans. They typically charge between $15-$40 per lesson.

They are better suited for structured learning, foundational skills, grammar, exam preparation, and learners who need a clear learning plan. If you are working toward a language exam or starting as a complete beginner who needs proper grounding in English grammar or another language’s structure, a professional tutor is worth the higher rate.

Trial lesson pricing

Most teachers on italki offer trial lessons, usually 30 minutes long and discounted at 30-50% off regular rates. Trial lessons exist specifically so you can test a teacher’s style before booking regular sessions.

It is worth taking three trial lessons with different teachers before committing. Many learners find that teacher quality matters more than price, and a slightly more expensive teacher who suits your learning style will get you further than a cheaper one who does not. Trying multiple teachers upfront saves both time and money in the long run.

Pro tip: Check student reviews and the number of lessons taught on each teacher’s profile. A high lesson count is a good sign, but a newer teacher with a detailed profile, a clear video introduction, and a few strong early reviews can be just as good, often at a lower price.

Book a trial lesson to test the platform before committing to regular sessions.

How does italki pricing work?

italki operates on a pay as you go model. There is no subscription, no monthly minimum, and no lock-in. You book lessons when you want them and pay per session.

What are italki credits?

When you pay for lessons on italki, you are purchasing italki credits, which are then used to book lessons with teachers. Credits are pegged to USD, so the conversion is straightforward. You add credits to your account and spend them as you book.

You can purchase credits in various amounts depending on how many lessons you plan to book. There is no pressure to buy in bulk, though some learners top up in larger amounts to keep things simple.

Do teachers offer lesson packages?

Yes. Many teachers on italki offer lesson packages, which bundle multiple sessions at a slightly lower per-lesson rate. If you have already tried a teacher and want to commit to weekly lessons or a consistent lesson frequency, a package can reduce your overall italki cost.

Lesson packages are set by the individual teacher, so availability and discounts vary. Not every teacher offers them. It is worth checking the teacher’s profile before assuming this option is available.

What else does italki cost? (italki Plus)

Beyond lessons, italki offers an optional subscription called italki Plus. This is entirely separate from lesson pricing and not required to book lessons or use the platform.

italki Plus costs $5.99 per month, or $4.99 per month if you pay annually ($59.99 per year). New users can try it free for 30 days.

The subscription adds AI-powered study tools on top of your regular lessons. After each session, italki Plus generates an automatic lesson summary, personalized vocabulary lists, flashcards, and practice exercises based on what you covered. You also get progress and goal tracking, and access to exclusive member events. The yearly plan includes a free italki language test in seven languages.

It is worth noting that italki Plus does not affect lesson pricing at all. You still pay for lessons separately as part of the standard pay as you go model. Think of italki Plus as a study companion that sits alongside your lessons, not a replacement for them.

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Is italki worth the cost?

For most learners, yes, particularly compared to the alternatives.

A private tutor outside of italki typically costs $40 to $100+ per hour depending on where you live. italki language lessons with equally experienced tutors start at a fraction of that price because teachers set their own rates competitively and are based across the world.

Compared to language learning apps, italki is a different category of tool. Apps are good for vocabulary and listening comprehension, but they do not give you real speaking practice with another person. One on one lessons with a real teacher build the kind of speaking skills that apps simply cannot replicate.

Many learners find that a mix of structured app use and regular italki lessons is the most effective approach to language learning overall.

Student reviews consistently highlight the quality and variety of teachers on the platform. With 10M+ learners and 30,000+ teachers across 150+ languages, the volume of feedback available on each teacher’s profile makes it much easier to find someone who suits your needs before spending anything.

If you want a fuller picture of the platform before committing, read the italki review or learn more about what italki is and how it works.

How to get the most value from italki

Getting the most out of your italki cost comes down to a few straightforward habits:

Start with trial lessons. Before booking any regular sessions, use the discounted trial lessons to test at least two or three teachers. Pay attention to how they explain things, whether they adapt to your language level, and whether their teaching style fits how you learn.

Be clear about your goal. A learner focused on exam prep needs a different teacher than someone who just wants to practice speaking. Being specific when you message a teacher upfront saves you from booking lessons that are not the right fit.

Book lessons consistently. Steady progress in language learning comes from regular exposure, not occasional deep sessions. Weekly lessons with the same teacher will get you further than one long session every few weeks. Many learners find that two to three lessons per week hits the right balance between progress and cost.

Review your notes after lessons. Whether you use italki Plus or take your own notes, reviewing vocabulary and corrections between sessions makes each lesson more effective. The more you retain between sessions, the fewer lessons you need to reach your goals.

Find the right teacher for your budget and learning style from 30,000+ expert tutors trusted by over 10 million learners worldwide. Book a trial lesson today.

FAQ

How much does italki cost per month?

There is no fixed monthly cost on italki. Your total spend depends entirely on how many lessons you book and at what price. As a rough example, a learner booking two 60-minute lessons per week with a community tutor at around $10 per hour would spend approximately $80 to $90 per month on lessons.

Is italki free to join?

Yes. Creating an account on italki is free. You only pay when you book a lesson.

Does italki charge platform or booking fees?

italki takes a commission from the teacher’s side of the transaction. As a student, you pay the lesson price shown on the teacher’s profile. There are no hidden booking fees added at checkout.

Can I get a refund if I cancel a lesson?

Tutors allow free cancellations within a set window, typically 24 hours before the lesson. Check the individual teacher’s cancellation policy on their profile before you book a lesson.