If you’re looking for an online private tutor, you might come across Lingoda. But is it worth your money? Can you trust this platform to achieve your learning goals? In this honest 2025 Lingoda review, we’ll explore everything—from pricing and teacher quality to real user experiences. We’ll also compare it with other popular tutoring platforms to help you decide what best suits your needs.
We delved into real reviews, Trustpilot ratings, and Reddit experiences to uncover the truth. Whether you’re considering joining Lingoda or just exploring different tutoring platforms, this article will help you understand the pros, cons, and key differences so you can make an informed decision.
Looking for a more flexible and cost-effective way to learn English? Check out our ranked list of the top 10 English teachers in the USA (click here to view the list)—perfect for students on a budget.
What is Lingoda?
Lingoda is a reputable global online language learning platform that specializes in providing interactive courses in English, German, Spanish, and French. The platform is designed to offer learners a flexible, efficient, and immersive language learning experience through live, instructor-led classes conducted primarily in small groups. These classes emphasize conversational skills and language fluency, enabling students to practice speaking, listening, reading, and writing in a supportive environment. Lingoda’s curriculum is structured to accommodate varying proficiency levels, from beginner to advanced, and aims to accelerate learners’ progress through consistent, scheduled lessons.
Despite its strengths, some users have raised concerns regarding Lingoda’s subscription-based pricing model, which can be complex to navigate due to multiple plan options and refund conditions. Additionally, there have been comments about the length of course durations, with some learners feeling that achieving fluency requires a longer commitment than initially anticipated. Nonetheless, Lingoda remains a popular choice for individuals seeking structured, real-time language instruction with flexible scheduling tailored to diverse learning needs.
Is Lingoda Legit or a Scam?
Lingoda is a legitimate platform—but some users are confused by the requirements of its Sprint courses, which require students to attend a fixed number of classes over a period to qualify for a refund. Even if they fail to complete the Sprint challenge, they may not receive a refund.
“I thought the courses would be more flexible, but found myself required to attend classes at specific times. It’s not worth it for those who can’t complete it.” — Sarah, USA
Many complaints from Reddit and Trustpilot highlight frustrations with inflexible schedules and the refund process.
How Much Does Lingoda Cost?
Lingoda offers flexible subscription plans tailored to both group classes and 1-on-1 private sessions. Pricing varies depending on the language, lesson type, and the number of classes per month. Generally, Business English and German are at the higher end of the pricing spectrum, while Spanish and French tend to be more affordable.
Unlike pay-per-lesson models, Lingoda requires learners to purchase a package upfront—with options typically available in 5, 12, 20, or 40 lessons per month, renewed every four weeks.
| Language / Plan | Class Type | Classes per Month | Monthly Price | Per-Class Price (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English / Spanish / French | Group (3–5 students) | 5 | $79.99 | ~$16.00 |
| Italian | Group | 5 | $94.99 | ~$19.00 |
| German | Group | 5 | $99.99 | ~$20.00 |
| Business English | Group | 5 | $114.99 | ~$23.00 |
| Any Language | Private | 5–40 | $115–$480+ | $23–$48 |
The Lingoda cost also varies depending on how many lessons you take each week. Subscription packages typically include options for 5, 12, 20, or 40 lessons per month. For example, completing a sublevel in the course can take 2.5 months with 5 lessons per week, while taking 1 lesson per week extends it to 12 months. Additionally, pricing differs by language—German classes are generally more expensive than Spanish, and Business English classes command the highest fees. A sample price for a 5-lesson English, French, or Spanish package is approximately $79.99, with German priced around $99.99, and Business English around $114.99. Lingoda also provides a 7-day free trial with no hidden costs, and all learning materials are fully digital, eliminating extra fees for books or resources.
Lingoda Pricing FAQ
Q: How is Lingoda billed?
Lingoda operates on a subscription basis. Learners choose a monthly package (5, 12, 20, or 40 classes), and payment is collected upfront every four weeks.
Q: What are Sprint and Super Sprint plans?
Lingoda occasionally runs Sprint (30 classes in 60 days) and Super Sprint (60 classes in 60 days) promotions. If you attend every class on time, you can earn up to 50% cashback.
| Sprint Type | Language | Price (Approx.) | Refund Potential |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sprint | Business English | $1,140 | Up to $570 |
| Super Sprint | Business English | $640 | Up to $320 |
| Sprint | Spanish | $320 | Up to $160 |
| Super Sprint | Spanish | $530 | Up to $265 |
Note: Sprint offers are time-limited and come with strict attendance requirements. Not all languages or courses are included, so always review the terms before enrolling.
Q: What does a Lingoda class include?
Every lesson is a live 60-minute video session, supported by downloadable course materials. All content is designed to help learners speak actively and apply the language in real-world contexts.
Q: How many languages does Lingoda offer?
Currently, Lingoda focuses on five core languages: English, Business English, German, French, and Spanish.
Lingoda Pricing: What You Really Pay
Lingoda operates on a subscription-based pricing model, where the Lingoda price you pay depends on factors such as the class type, number of lessons per week, and the subscription plan you select. For instance, one-on-one classes range from $23 to $48 per lesson, while small group classes with 3 to 5 students cost between $11 and $23 per lesson. Monthly subscriptions for small group classes can start as low as $10 per class according to PCMag. Lingoda offers various subscription plans, including the flexible Flex plan, the intensive Sprint plan with partial refunds upon full attendance, and the Teams plan that simulates a fixed schedule with consistent classmates and teachers, mainly for German language learners. These options allow learners to customize their study intensity and budget accordingly.
| Class Type | Price Range (per lesson) |
|---|---|
| One-on-one classes | $23 – $48 |
| Small group classes | $11 – $23 (starting at $10*) |
* Monthly subscription pricing for small group classes as reported by PCMag.
💡 Hidden Fees Alert: Even if no tutor responds to your message, you’re still charged the full month’s fee.
When choosing an English tutor, many learners wonder: Can I choose my own teacher? Are there differences in nationality, teaching style, or pricing? If you’re comparing different types of English lessons, we’ve got you covered. Below is a breakdown of the average hourly rates by tutor nationality—plus a curated list of the Top 10 highest-rated English tutors online. Whether your priority is teacher background or budget, this guide helps you find the best fit.
Average English Tutor Rates by Nationality (USD/hour)
| Tutor Nationality | Average Hourly Rate (USD) | Top 10 Recommended English Tutors |
| 🇺🇸 American | $14 – $24 | Top 10 American Tutors |
| 🇬🇧 British | $17 – $29 | Top 10 British Tutors |
| 🇿🇦 South African | $12 – $20 | Top 10 South African Tutors |
| 🇵🇭 Filipino | $8 – $13 | Top 10 Filipino Tutors |
| 🇨🇦 Canadian | $12 – $21 | Top 10 Canadian Tutors |
| 🇨🇳 Chinese | $12 – $20 | Top 10 Chinese Tutors |
| 🇮🇷 Iranian | $10 – $16 | Top 10 Iranian Tutors |
| 🇦🇺 Australian | $17 – $29 | Top 10 Australian Tutors |
| 🇹🇷 Turkish | $11 – $18 | Top 10 Turkish Tutors |
| 🇹🇼 Taiwanese | $16 – $27 | Top 10 Taiwanese Tutors |
Real Lingoda Reviews: Mixed User Feedback and Key Concerns
Lingoda currently holds a 4.2-star rating on Trustpilot (as of May 2025), with noticeable divisions in user experiences. From Trustpilot, Reddit, and lingoda.com reviews, we’ve organized key points into pros and cons.
✅ What Users Like About Lingoda
- Efficient Learning Method
Lingoda offers a structured course design, and many users report significant improvement in their language skills in a short time.“The course design is great, the teachers are professional, and my language skills have improved a lot.” — Trustpilot Review
- Flexible Learning Schedule
Users can choose learning times that suit them, allowing many to fit studying into their busy schedules.“I can schedule classes flexibly, which fits my timetable perfectly.” — Trustpilot Review
❌ Common Complaints About Lingoda
- Inflexible Course Timing
Some users complain about the Sprint course requiring completion within fixed times, which is difficult for them.“I can’t schedule classes flexibly, which is very inconvenient for me.” — Reddit User
- Complex Refund Process
Users report difficulty obtaining refunds even if they fail to complete paid courses.“The refund process is very complex, and I can’t get a refund even if I didn’t complete the courses.” — Trustpilot User
- Inconsistent Course Quality
Some courses are of high quality, but users also report that some course content is not in-depth enough.“Some courses are great, but others lack rich content.” — Reddit User
Tutor Quality: Are Lingoda Teachers Any Good?
Teacher quality varies greatly. Some teachers are experienced professionals, while others may lack formal qualifications. Unlike platforms that verify teaching credentials or require demo lessons, Lingoda’s teacher screening is not as rigorous.
Without centralized evaluations or training requirements, finding a suitable teacher can be a gamble, especially for serious learners.
If it were me, I would directly choose one of the top 10 English teachers in the USA, who have numerous real student reviews—a safer choice for real results. Still unsure? Just leave your needs, and I’ll help you find the right match.
Lingoda vs Other Tutoring Platforms: How It Stacks Up
Choosing a tutoring platform depends on what you value most—price transparency, teacher qualifications, or platform flexibility. Here’s a comparison of Lingoda with several major platforms, based on key features and real user experiences.
| Platform | Price Range | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Lingoda | $23 – $48 | Offers multi-language courses but has mandatory packages and inflexible time requirements |
| AmazingTalker | $11–$40/hour | Verified teachers, AI-driven matching, no subscriptions, customizable budget, over 95% satisfaction rate |
| Preply | $15–$50/hour | Goal-oriented teacher categorization, some group class options |
| Wyzant | $30–$70/hour | Offers face-to-face lessons, teachers control pricing, more common in the USA |
| TutorOcean | $20–$50/hour | Emerging platform, flexible scheduling, detailed teacher profiles |
While Lingoda stands out for its multi-language courses and international reach, its mandatory package model and uneven teacher screening may not suit everyone. If you’re seeking a more transparent and flexible experience, platforms like AmazingTalker or Wyzant might offer features more aligned with your needs.
Pros and Cons of Lingoda
✅ Pros
- Extensive database of international teachers
- Offers multi-language courses
- Some courses offer offline options
❌ Cons
- Mandatory package fees
- Lack of refund transparency
- Uneven teacher qualifications
- Poor customer support
By now, you might have a clearer understanding of Lingoda! Still unsure? Just choose a teacher with good reviews—it’s the safest bet. Here’s where you can find the top 10 English teachers in the USA. Alternatively, leave your needs, and I’ll recommend one for you. Chatting directly with a teacher is faster!
Best Alternatives to Lingoda
If you’re looking for alternatives to Lingoda that offer more transparency, verified teachers, or more flexible pricing, here are four popular platforms worth considering:
- AmazingTalker – Ideal for language learners. No subscription required, all teachers are verified, and you can set your own budget. The platform uses AI to match students with teachers, with a reported satisfaction rate over 95%.
- Preply – Offers a wide range of teacher options and flexible scheduling. Prices are categorized by fluency goals, but some users report inconsistencies in pricing and refunds.
- Wyzant – More common in the USA, especially for academic subjects. Teachers set their own hourly rates, and face-to-face lessons are available in some areas.
- TutorOcean – An emerging platform offering flexible scheduling and detailed teacher profiles. Though new to the market, it is gaining popularity for its user-friendly setup and straightforward pricing.
Lingoda FAQ: Cost, Policies, and Better Alternatives
How much does Lingoda really cost?
Expect to pay around €99 per month (or local currency equivalent) to participate in Sprint courses, an additional expense not clearly communicated upfront.
Can I get a refund?
Refunds are rare. Lingoda considers that as long as you’ve registered for a Sprint course, even if not completed, the service has been provided, hence no refund.
Are tutors verified?
Not necessarily. Some are experienced professionals, but others may lack formal qualifications or fail to respond.
Are there better platforms?
Yes. Many users turn to AmazingTalker, Preply, or Wyzant—platforms known for transparent pricing, no subscription fees, and verified teachers.
Final Verdict: Is Lingoda Worth It?
If you’re looking for an affordable, easy-to-use tutoring platform, Lingoda might not be your best choice. Mandatory packages, unclear fees, and mixed user reviews make it a higher-risk option, especially for first-time users.
While Lingoda may suit some learners, particularly those seeking face-to-face options or niche subjects, others might prefer platforms with clearer pricing and teacher screening. Ultimately, choosing the right teacher platform depends on your preferences, goals, and budget.
👉 Personally, I recommend the most flexible way to learn English: Check out the top 10 English teachers in the USA (click here).
