If you’re searching for a private tutor online, chances are you’ve come across TakeLessons. But is it worth your money? Can you trust the platform with your learning goals? In this honest 2025 TakeLessons review, we’ll explore everything—from pricing and tutor quality to real user experiences. We’ll also compare it with other popular tutoring platforms to help you decide what fits your needs best.
We dug through real reviews, Trustpilot ratings, and Reddit experiences to find the truth. Whether you’re considering joining TakeLessons or just exploring different tutoring platforms, this article will help you understand the pros, cons, and key differences to make an informed decision.
Looking for a more flexible and cost-effective way to learn English? Check out our ranking of the Top 10 English Tutors in the U.S.(Click here to see the list)—perfect for students on a budget.
What is TakeLessons?
TakeLessons is a comprehensive online platform connecting students with tutors for various subjects, including music, languages, and academic topics. With a presence in numerous countries, they offer both online and in-person lessons. Despite having a broad tutor base, some concerns include the variability in tutor quality and the clarity of their subscription model.
Is TakeLessons Legit or a Scam?
TakeLessons is a legitimate platform—but users have reported mixed feelings about its pricing structure. Some have been surprised by recurring charges for services they didn’t fully understand.
“I signed up thinking I’d pay per lesson, but noticed unexpected monthly charges. It was confusing and frustrating.” — Sarah, USA
Many complaints across Reddit and Trustpilot highlight similar frustrations about unclear billing and difficulties with the refund process.
TakeLessons Pricing: What You Really Pay
Here’s a breakdown of what you may actually pay when using TakeLessons:
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tutor hourly rate | $15–$80+ per hour | Depends on subject and tutor experience |
| Subscription fee | $30/month (varies by region) | Required to access certain features |
| Trial lessons | Sometimes free, sometimes paid | No clear rule across tutors |
| Cancellation/Refund policy | Limited refund options | Often denied even if no lesson is completed |
💡 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 | $16 – $26 | Top 10 American Tutors |
| 🇬🇧 British | $18 – $30 | Top 10 British Tutors |
| 🇿🇦 South African | $14 – $22 | Top 10 South African Tutors |
| 🇵🇭 Filipino | $10 – $15 | Top 10 Filipino Tutors |
| 🇨🇦 Canadian | $14 – $23 | Top 10 Canadian Tutors |
| 🇨🇳 Chinese | $14 – $22 | Top 10 Chinese Tutors |
| 🇮🇷 Iranian | $12 – $18 | Top 10 Iranian Tutors |
| 🇦🇺 Australian | $18 – $30 | Top 10 Australian Tutors |
| 🇹🇷 Turkish | $13 – $20 | Top 10 Turkish Tutors |
| 🇹🇼 Taiwanese | $18 – $29 | Top 10 Taiwanese Tutors |
Real TakeLessons Reviews: Mixed User Feedback and Key Concerns
TakeLessons currently holds a 3.2-star rating on Trustpilot (as of May 2025), and user experiences are mixed. Drawing from reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and other platforms, we’ve organized the key takeaways into pros and cons.
✅ What Users Like About TakeLessons
- Wide Selection of Tutors
TakeLessons covers a large range of subjects and languages across different countries. Many users say they were able to find qualified tutors quickly.“Quickly found a good teacher.” — Trustpilot review
“Many teachers to choose from. I’ve taken two different languages and I’m very happy with both. Great communication and smooth process.” — Trustpilot review
- Flexible Platform
The platform allows tutors to manage their own availability and pricing.“TakeLessons provides an easy-to-use system that helps connect with motivated students and manage lessons efficiently.” — Trustpilot review
“Easy profile setup and TakeLessons automatically sends student requests. Very pleased with this platform!” — Trustpilot review
- No Tutor Commission
Tutors keep what they earn, unlike on platforms that take a percentage.“Good tutoring platform. One of the better platforms out there from a teacher’s perspective since no commission is charged.” — Reddit user
❌ Common Complaints About TakeLessons
- Unexpected Monthly Fees
One of the most frequent complaints is the $30–$40 monthly subscription fee charged just to access certain features or resources. This is often not clearly disclosed.“Even though the tutor didn’t respond, I still got charged. There was no clear warning about that.”
“I paid €30 to talk to one tutor who never replied, and they wouldn’t refund me.” — Reddit user
- Misleading Free Trial Claims
Some users felt misled by the promise of “free first lessons.”“I thought the first class would be free, but I got charged just for contacting someone. That felt like a scam.” — Reddit user
- Inconsistent Tutor Quality
Some tutors are excellent, but others are inactive or unqualified.“The tutor looked great on the profile, but didn’t reply. Waste of money.” — Reddit user
- Difficult Refund Process
Users report that refunds are almost never granted, even if no lesson took place.“They told me I had used the service just by messaging a tutor, so I couldn’t get a refund. That’s ridiculous.” — Trustpilot user
- Customer Service Frustrations
While TakeLessons responds to most Trustpilot reviews, users say actual support is slow or unhelpful.“Customer service just sends copy-paste replies. They don’t actually resolve anything.” — Reddit user
- Tutor-Side Problems Too
Some tutors report difficulties with payment setups, non-serious students, or being forced to give unpaid trial lessons.“I had students who booked and disappeared. I ended up wasting time and giving a free class for nothing.” — Reddit user
📌 Real Quote from a U.S. User
“The tutor was fine, but I didn’t like that I had to pay $30 just to talk to someone. And there’s no easy way to cancel or get your money back.” — Jackson, USA
Tutor Quality: Are TakeLessons Teachers Any Good?
Tutor quality varies significantly. Some tutors are certified professionals; others are hobbyists. Unlike platforms that verify credentials or require demo lessons, TakeLessons does not thoroughly vet tutors. There is no centralized rating or training requirement, making it hit-or-miss, especially if you’re serious about consistent learning.
If it were up to me, I’d go straight for one of the top 10 English tutors in the U.S. with plenty of real student reviews — it’s a safer bet for real results. Still unsure? Just drop a comment with your needs and I’ll help you find the right fit.
TakeLessons vs Other Tutoring Platforms: How It Stacks Up
Choosing a tutoring platform depends on what you value most—pricing transparency, tutor qualifications, or platform flexibility. Here’s how TakeLessons compares with several major platforms based on key features and real user experiences.
| Platform | Price Range | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| TakeLessons | $15–$80+/hr + $30/month subscription | Large tutor base, wide subject range, but inconsistent tutor vetting and required monthly fee to access certain features |
| AmazingTalker | $11–$40/hr | Verified tutors, AI-powered matching, no subscription, customizable budgets, and 95%+ satisfaction rate |
| Preply | $15–$50/hr | Goal-oriented tutor categories, some group class options |
| Wyzant | $30–$70/hr | In-person availability, tutor-controlled pricing, more common in the U.S. |
| TutorOcean | $20–$50/hr | Newer platform, flexible schedules, detailed tutor bios |
Pros and Cons of TakeLessons
✅ Pros
- Large global tutor database
- Offers a wide range of subjects
- Some tutors offer in-person lessons
❌ Cons
- Mandatory subscription fee to access certain features
- Lack of refund transparency
- Uneven tutor qualifications
- Poor customer support
By now, you probably have a clearer picture! Still feeling unsure? Just go with a tutor who has great reviews — it’s the safest choice. Here’s where you can find the top 10 English tutors in the U.S. Or, leave a comment with your needs and I’ll recommend one for you. It’s faster to start a chat directly with the tutor!
Best Alternatives to TakeLessons
If you’re looking for alternatives to TakeLessons that offer greater transparency, verified tutors, or more flexible pricing, here are four popular platforms worth considering:
- AmazingTalker – Ideal for language learners. No subscription required, all tutors are verified, and you can set your own budget. The platform uses AI to match students with tutors, with a reported 95%+ satisfaction rate.
- Preply – Offers a wide tutor selection and scheduling flexibility. Pricing is categorized by fluency goals, though some users report inconsistencies in rates and refund clarity.
- Wyzant – More common in the U.S., especially for academic subjects. Tutors set their own hourly rates, and in-person lessons are available in some regions.
- TutorOcean – A growing platform with flexible scheduling and detailed tutor bios. It’s newer to the market but gaining popularity for its user-friendly setup and straightforward pricing.
TakeLessons FAQ: Cost, Policies, and Better Alternatives
How much does TakeLessons really cost?
Expect to pay $30/month (or local equivalent) just to access certain features. This is in addition to lesson fees and is often not clearly communicated upfront.
Can I get a refund?
Refunds are rare. TakeLessons considers the service delivered once you access certain features—even if no lesson takes place.
Are tutors verified?
Not always. Some are licensed professionals, but others may lack formal qualifications or fail to respond at all.
Are there better platforms?
Yes. Many users switch to AmazingTalker, Preply, or Wyzant—platforms known for transparent pricing, no subscription fees, and verified tutors.
Final Verdict: Is TakeLessons Worth It?
If you’re looking for an affordable, easy-to-use tutoring platform, TakeLessons might not be your best bet. The mandatory subscription, unclear fees, and mixed reviews make it a risky choice, especially for first-time users. While TakeLessons may work well for some learners, especially those seeking in-person options or niche subjects, others may prefer platforms with clearer pricing and tutor vetting. Ultimately, choosing the right tutor platform depends on your preferences, goals, and budget. 👉 My personal recommendation for the most flexible way to learn English: check out the Top 10 English tutors (Click here).
