Preply Review: 3 Years of Spanish Classes—The Honest Truth from a Student & Tutor
Have you been looking for a real Preply review? I’ve got you covered!
Back in July 2019, I took my first step into the world of learning Spanish online by signing up for classes on Preply.
Over the next three years, I stuck with it—roughly two classes a week, with some breaks here and there for travel and holidays (because I needed a breather every once in a while).
Having tried nearly every language tool out there—Babbel, Duolingo, Lingoda, Lingopie—you name it, I’ve been through it.
Now that I’ve reached a B1 level in Spanish, I’ve reflected on what worked and what didn’t.
And as I begin learning Italian this year, I’ll be revisiting Preply to see how the platform compares to my earlier experience.
If you’re struggling to find the right online method for learning Spanish or another language, I’ve been in your shoes, and I’m here to share what I’ve learned.
Be sure to read to the end, when I share my Spanish tutor’s perspective on his experience as a Preply tutor.
This review mostly focuses on my experience as a student, but I’ve also included a testimonial from him to share insight on what it’s like teaching on Preply.
Could Preply be the key to unlocking your fluency in a new language? Let’s get into it.
Preply
Overall, I recommend Preply because it offers flexible, personalized lessons with tutors who fit your learning style and budget. The one-on-one format makes sure you get the attention you need to make real progress. All you need is a device, Wifi, and the motivation to get started.
What is Preply?
Preply is an online language learning platform that connects learners with tutors from over 180 countries.
If you’re just starting with Spanish or another language, Preply offers one-on-one lessons tailored to your needs, allowing you to learn at your own pace.
The platform provides personalized lesson plans, so whether you’re focusing on grammar, conversation, or specific vocabulary, your tutor will guide you every step of the way.
With over 50 languages available, including Spanish, French, German, Italian, Chinese and more, Preply makes it pretty easy to find a tutor that works for you.
Preply Features
Personalized classes with one dedicated tutor
Ok, let me start this Preply review by saying this: It’s so important to take online language classes with the same tutor.
When you form a relationship with one tutor, working with them one-on-one, they get to know your level and your strengths and weaknesses with the language.
Your Preply tutor will also personalize the class to your skills, which is a huge advantage to new language learners.
Instead of following a generic curriculum that honestly everyone gets bored of (teachers and students included), your tutor can tailor each lesson to your specific needs and learning pace.
This means you can focus more time on areas where you struggle, get immediate feedback, and progress more quickly. It’s crucial to the learning process.
And, building a rapport with one tutor helps you gain confidence speaking and understanding the language over time, much like it would be if you were chatting with a friend in real life.
Learn on your budget and schedule
Learning on your budget and schedule is a game-changer if you’re busy and trying to squeeze in language learning into your day.
I really like how you can browse available tutors beforehand and choose one that has class times available at the time that works best for you.
Preply is also good if you’re learning on a budget. I started learning Spanish on Preply for $5/hr in 2019.
Now that a few years have passed and online language learning has become more popular, prices have gone up, but it’s still possible to find a tutor you like and who also fits within your budget.
Pricing per lesson ranges anywhere from $3-40 on Preply. Tutors set their own hourly rate, and Preply takes a commission from them.
From what I can see, it looks like most tutors charge $15-35 per lesson. That gives you a lot of flexibility to work with!
Vocab, progress tests, and language practice with AI
Preply’s extra features, like vocab practice and progress tests, along with the upcoming AI language practice, are very helpful for new language learners.
The vocab section lets you add words and drill through multiple-choice questions, all in Spanish, making it easier to grasp and remember new terms.
And with the AI practice feature coming soon, you’ll have even more opportunities to practice whenever you need it.
These tools give you personalized feedback and extra practice, helping you improve faster and reinforce the learning you’re doing in class.
Pros of Preply
- Feels like practicing with a friend: Lessons are relaxed and engaging, and if you stick with the same tutor, you might actually form a genuine friendship over time. After taking classes with my Preply tutor, Emmanuel, for over two years, we ended up becoming friends!
- Trial lessons to find your perfect tutor: You can test out different tutors and watch their mini videos to get a feel for their teaching style and personality before committing.
- Practice with native speakers from around the world: Want to nail down a specific accent or dialect? You can choose tutors from the exact region you’re interested in, like Argentina, if that’s where you’re headed on an upcoming trip.
- Fits your budget and schedule: With flexible pricing and lesson times, you can learn without disrupting your routine or breaking the bank.
- Handy placement test: You can take a placement test before you get started with a tutor, so you know what level you’re at.
Cons of Preply
- Cancellation policy: You have to cancel at least 12 hours in advance to get your class back. While this can be a bit restrictive, it encourages consistency and commitment to your learning schedule.
- Occasional last-minute cancellations: Sometimes tutors might cancel unexpectedly. My first tutor did this a few times, but I found a second tutor who never canceled. The upside is that you can easily switch to a more reliable tutor if needed.
- Mixed experience levels among tutors: Not all tutors are certified, so it’s important to choose carefully. Look for those with a high number of positive reviews. On the bright side, you’ll always be practicing one-on-one with a real Spanish speaker, giving you focused attention that you wouldn’t get in a group class.
- Path to fluency: While Preply is an excellent way to get practice speaking your target language, if you want to be fluent, you still need additional practice outside of class. Watching TV shows, listening to podcasts, daily writing practice, AND taking online classes in your target language are essential to becoming fluent.
My Experience with Preply
When I first started with Preply, I was eager to dive into learning Spanish and connected with a tutor, Alfy. He was great—knowledgeable, friendly, and really helped me get started.
But after a while, he began canceling classes on me, which got frustrating. My life got busy with travel, so I took a break from Preply for a bit.
When I was ready to pick back up, I found Emmanuel, and I’m so glad I did. My experience with him was excellent. He made the classes fun and engaging, which was exactly what I needed.
Emmanuel had so much patience with my slow speaking and learning curve, and that made all the difference. I actually looked forward to our classes instead of dreading them, which, in my opinion, is the most important part of learning any language.
Practicing Spanish on Preply felt fun –– not like a chore
Each one of Emmanuel’s classes was creative and tailored to my interests; he would even pull clips from videos and films for us to practice with. His approach made learning enjoyable and effective.
I think it also helped that Emmanuel is Colombian — his accent is incredibly easy to understand. I feel lucky to have found one of the best tutors on Preply right from the get-go.
Who is Preply for?
If you’re someone who juggles a demanding job, social commitments, and the occasional spontaneous getaway, traditional language classes might not fit into your life.
You’re driven and goal-oriented, but you need a learning solution that adapts to your pace and lifestyle.
Welcome to Preply!
Preply works for those who value personalized learning. Instead of following a one-size-fits-all curriculum, you want lessons tailored to your specific needs, whether that’s improving conversational skills for an upcoming trip or diving deep into grammar when you have extra time.
If flexibility, tailored lessons, and the ability to learn on your terms are what you’re looking for, Preply is made for you!
Preply Pricing
Once you find a tutor you love, you can sign up for a monthly subscription with a set number of hours per week. Most tutors charge between $10-35 per lesson.
This gives you the chance to schedule lessons at times that work best for both you and your tutor.
It’s a good idea to book weekly classes to make the most of the experience.
The pricing structure is similar to other platforms like Lingoda, which also operates on a monthly subscription model.
Preply Alternatives
There are a lot of other options on the market when it comes to taking language classes online. Let’s go over some of Preply’s competitors.
Preply vs. Lingoda
After taking over 50 classes on Lingoda, I’ve firmly decided that Preply is the better choice for language learning.
The key difference? With Preply, you build a relationship with one dedicated tutor who truly understands your strengths and weaknesses.
Lingoda randomly assigns you to different tutors, so you lose that consistency and connection. Plus, Lingoda’s group classes mean less time speaking and getting individual attention.
Lingoda also doesn’t offer as many languages as Preply does.
If you are undecided between Preply and Lingoda, check out my review of Lingoda to help make your decision.
Preply vs. iTalki
While I haven’t tried iTalki yet, I’ve done my research and can share some key differences based on what I know so far.
iTalki doesn’t offer trial lessons but does provide a discount for your first lesson, with rates as low as $1 for a half-hour video session.
They also have a language exchange feature, which lets you connect with language partners to practice for free—a nice option if you’re on a budget. If group classes are more your style, iTalki offers those too, though personally, I find one-on-one sessions more valuable.
One of the reasons I prefer Preply is its user-friendly interface. It automatically organizes my notes, making it easy to review past lessons whenever I need to.
I’m planning to give iTalki a try when I start learning Italian this year and will update this review then, but for now, Preply remains my go-to platform.
Preply vs. LanguaTalk
LanguaTalk is probably Preply’s toughest competitor, in my opinion. Like Preply, LanguaTalk offers personalized one-on-one lessons with tutors who set their own rates, typically ranging from $14 to $35 per hour.
You can easily check out each tutor’s number of lessons, ratings, pricing, and more, which helps you make an informed choice.
Plus, LanguaTalk even offers its own Spanish language-learning podcast, which is a nice extra resource.
That said, LanguaTalk tends to be more expensive overall. I’ve already booked my first Italian class for next week and will update this review once I’ve given it a try.
For now, though, Preply’s combination of affordability and quality keeps it at the top of my list.
Preply Tutor Shares Why Preply is Best for Learning Spanish
A few words from my Spanish tutor, Emmanuel:
“As a teacher, I couldn’t be happier or more grateful for the stability that Preply has given me, speaking only from my own experience. After several years of experience, I’m confident that I’ve developed a strong sense of self-confidence, passion, and reliability.
As for my students, I understand that virtual learning isn’t the most optimal tool for everyone; in my experience, 50% of students show significant improvement in less than six months. Of course, these figures can vary greatly with more experienced tutors or different types of students, depending on many variables. However, this doesn’t mean that the rest of my students don’t learn—it just means they might need a more intensive, immersive, or realistic approach compared to what virtual learning provides.
As for the Preply experience, when I started five years ago, Preply was an acceptable platform, and the user experience it provided wasn’t bad. But today, I can confidently say that it’s one of the best-positioned platforms, if not the best.
Its monthly subscription model might seem a bit strict for some students, encouraging them to take classes consistently, especially for those with very busy and rotating schedules. But without a doubt, this ensures a win-win situation for teachers and students who are committed to teaching and learning, respectively.
For those students who want to learn a language, I give you my word that Preply won’t take a cent from you unfairly, and your voice will be heard. And, I wish you the best of luck in finding an excellent tutor.”
FAQs About Preply
Is Preply a reliable source?
Yes, Preply is a reliable source for language learning. With an overall rating of 4.1 out of 5 from over 10,000 reviews on TrustPilot and the trust of more than 1 million learners worldwide, Preply has established itself as a dependable platform for personalized, one-on-one language lessons.
What are the cons of Preply?
Preply’s main cons include the fact that almost anyone can become a tutor, which means the quality and experience of tutors can vary widely. Some students have criticized customer support and reported being charged without realizing it.
Additionally, you must cancel lessons at least 12 hours in advance to avoid losing the session, which can be a pain. Tutors occasionally cancel last-minute, though you can switch to a more reliable one (like I did).
Preply is excellent for speaking practice, but to achieve fluency, you’ll need additional practice outside of lessons, such as watching shows, listening to podcasts, and writing daily.
How do I find the right tutor for me?
You can search for tutors by language, country, availability, price, and more. Each tutor has a profile with ratings, reviews, and an intro video. You can also take trial lessons with different tutors to find the one who matches your learning style and goals.
How much does Preply cost?
Tutors set their own rates, so prices vary. You can find lessons ranging from as low as $5 per hour to $40 or more. This allows you to choose a tutor that fits your budget.
What if I don’t like my tutor?
If you’re not satisfied with your tutor after a trial lesson, you can try another tutor at no additional cost. Preply makes it easy to switch until you find the right match.
How often should I take lessons?
This depends on your goals and schedule. I would say that if you want to make significant progress learning a new language, taking class 2-3 times per week works best. You can adjust the frequency based on your needs and how quickly you want to progress. But remember, everyone learns at their own pace, so what works for someone else might not be the same as what works for you. I suggest trying at least two classes a week to start and you can decide whether you prefer more or less classes.
Final Thoughts: Is Preply Worth It?
All in all, Preply is a powerful tool for aspiring language learners who want personalized, flexible lessons that fit their busy lives.
While it has some cons, like varying tutor experience levels and a strict cancellation policy, the ability to connect with a tutor who understands your unique needs makes it worth considering.
Whether you’re just starting or looking to boost your skills, Preply can help you get there.
Ready to explore more language learning options? Check out my next post, I Tried Lingopie for 2 Weeks & Now I’m Spilling the Tea — A Lingopie Review, where I dive into another exciting platform that will complement your learning journey.
Read More:
- I Took 50 Classes on Lingoda: My VERY Honest Lingoda Review
- I Tried Lingopie for 2 Weeks & Now I’m Spilling the Tea — A Lingopie Review
- I Practiced Spanish with Babbel Every Day for Two Weeks — An Honest Review
Planning a trip right now? Here are a few top resources I use on every trip:
🏨 Booking.com for great deals on hotels.
🎟️ GetYourGuide for incredible tours around the world.
🌍 Faye for travel insurance with great customer support.
📞 eSIM for staying connected in the air, on a cruise ship, or exploring on foot.
🗣️ Babbel for brushing up on my language skills.
