Are you considering signing up for Preply but confused about how the pricing works? Still wondering which option gives you the best value?
Preply lessons typically range from $15 to $50 per hour, depending on the tutor’s experience, subject, and your lesson package. The more lessons you buy in advance, the cheaper each session becomes. But is Preply really worth it? According to feedback on popular U.S. forums and review sites:
- Pros: Flexible scheduling, wide tutor selection, and a stable platform
- Cons: Varying tutor quality, unclear refund policies, and no free trial options
This article breaks down everything you need to know about Preply’s 2025 pricing structure, real student experiences, and platform comparisons. After spending hours digging through Reddit, Trustpilot, and personal blogs, and even calculating various pricing scenarios, I’ve compiled a full guide to help you decide.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- How Preply’s lessons and pricing actually work (yes, I did the math for different packages)
- What real students are saying—what they love and what frustrates them
- A direct price and feature comparison with other popular platforms like AmazingTalker, Wyzant, and Superprof
Preply Course Types and Pricing Overview (2025 Update)
Preply is an online tutoring platform that offers flexible, 1-on-1 lessons across various subjects. Tutors set their own hourly rates, which generally range from $15 to $50/hour. Instead of fixed subscription plans, Preply operates on a prepaid package model. This allows students to buy a set of hours and schedule lessons at their own pace.
Key Features:
- Customized lesson goals (business, exam prep, daily conversation)
- Global tutor availability
- Pay-as-you-go flexibility
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Price Range | $15 – $50/hr |
| Trial Lessons | Paid by student (not free) |
| Scheduling | Fully flexible |
| Refund Policy | First lesson satisfaction guarantee |
Real Preply Student Experiences: What Learners Are Really Saying
Preply currently holds an average rating of 3.4 out of 5 stars across major review platforms (as of May 2025), with user opinions split between satisfied learners and those who faced challenges. Based on insights from multiple online forums and review sites, we’ve summarized the most common experiences into clear pros and cons.
I found my business English tutor on Preply, and she helped me become much more confident in meetings. I liked how I could test a few tutors before settling on the right one.
James R., Financial Analyst in Downtown LA
Not every tutor was a perfect fit, but I found the right match after two trial lessons. It’s a solid platform for serious learners.
Veronica T., UCLA Student
Way better than high school Spanish. I actually started enjoying learning because of my tutor’s energy and local slang tips.
Eric K., High School Junior from Pasadena
These positive stories from students highlight Preply’s strengths: personalized learning, flexible tutor selection, and the ability to trial lessons before committing. However, feedback across platforms like Reddit and independent blogs offers a more complex and balanced picture.
Some users on Reddit report frustration with Preply’s pricing model and customer service. One user stated, “They make you subscribe before the class. It’s a scam!” Others noted automatic charges and refund difficulties: “Preply has taken so much of my money with their deceptive policies… they refuse to give refunds.” Additionally, users expressed concerns over misleading trial lessons: “They say the initial lesson is free. It isn’t.”
Despite these criticisms, Preply’s official site showcases a wide array of positive testimonials from satisfied learners, praising the convenience, tutor variety, and interface. But it’s important to recognize that the student experience can vary significantly depending on expectations and how well one navigates the platform.
Preply Learning Experience: Platform, Tutors & Interactivity
Preply offers a built-in virtual classroom that supports video lessons, real-time messaging, and shared materials. Many tutors offer their own materials or adapt based on student preferences.
Video quality is stable, and the tools are decent. I’ve used worse on other platforms. Preply makes scheduling simple.
Linda S., English Tutor
Learning Flow:
- Browse tutors by price, reviews, and availability.
- Book a paid trial lesson.
- Purchase lesson hours in bulk and continue learning.
Preply Pros and Cons: Who Is It Best For?
Pros
- Large selection of tutors
- Flexible scheduling
- Customized lesson content
- Strong user review system
- Safe payment and refund process
Cons
- First lesson unpaid for tutors
- Tutor quality varies widely
- High commission rates for new tutors
Best For:
- Students looking for structured or goal-based learning
- Professionals seeking flexible scheduling
- Anyone who prefers personalized learning over fixed curriculums
Price Comparison with Other Popular Platforms
| Platform | Price Range | Trial Lesson | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preply | $15 – $50/hr | Paid by student | Global tutors, flexible packages |
| AmazingTalker | $11 – $40/hr | Paid by student | Transparent pricing, AI match tools |
| Wyzant | $30 – $70/hr | Varies | In-person & online options |
| Superprof | $10 – $50/hr | First lesson often free | Local and online tutors |
Is There a Cheaper Way to Use Preply? 4 Proven Saving Tips
- Filter by price: Use the price filter to find tutors offering lessons under $15/hour.
- Trial strategically: Some tutors set low prices for trial classes — test first.
- Use bulk discounts: Book a larger package to reduce per-hour rates.
- Look for new tutors: New tutors often price competitively to build reviews.
Which Platform Did I Choose? Why I Didn’t Stick with Preply
While Preply offers flexibility and variety, I ultimately chose AmazingTalker. The key reason? Transparent pricing and better trial policies. I appreciated that I could see tutor experience, student ratings, and clear lesson structures upfront. Preply was solid, but AmazingTalker felt more tailored to my needs as a learner who values structure and clear results.
Key FAQs: Preply Pricing, Policies & Teacher Pay
Q1: How much does Preply cost for students?
Prices vary by tutor, typically ranging from $15 to $50 per hour. Preply uses a prepaid package system, not a monthly subscription.
Q2: Can I switch tutors or get a refund?
Yes, students can change tutors at any time. Refunds are possible after the first lesson if you’re not satisfied—but many users report that the process is difficult or unclear.
Q3: Are trial lessons really free?
This is a hot topic. While Preply markets trial lessons as low-risk for students, Reddit and blog users emphasize that students are charged for them, and tutors don’t get paid for these sessions. As one tutor put it: “It’s work for free. So your ethics suck.”
Q4: How does Preply pay its tutors?
Preply starts by taking a 100% commission on the first lesson with any new student. Afterward, tutors receive between 67% to 82% of their hourly rate, depending on cumulative teaching hours. Comparatively, platforms like iTalki take only a 15% flat commission and pay tutors for trial lessons.
Q5: Is Preply good for casual learners or hobbyists?
Yes, especially for learners who value flexibility and informal conversation. However, platforms like Cambly or iTalki might offer an even more casual, drop-in style learning environment.
Q6: How reliable is customer support?
This is another polarizing issue. Officially, Preply claims to offer responsive chat-based support. In practice, many users disagree. “There’s no phone number, no real person, just a bot,” one user complained on Reddit. Others say their issues went unresolved or that they never received replies to refund requests.
Q7: What are the teacher complaints?
Teachers often cite the unpaid trial lesson model, high commission rates, and lack of direct support as major drawbacks. One teacher summarized: “You have to teach over 200 hours just to get a decent payout percentage. Until then, they keep a third of what you earn.”
Conclusion: Choose the Best English Learning Option for You
Preply is a strong choice for learners who want flexibility and variety. Whether you’re preparing for an exam, a business trip, or simply trying to improve conversation skills, Preply gives you the tools to grow — but it’s still worth comparing with platforms like AmazingTalker to find your best fit.
Use your trial wisely, research your tutor, and make the most of personalized learning.
