italki: pay-as-you-go language lessons with teachers in 150+ languages

Shopping at italki? See all current italki discount codes and deals, checked regularly.

italki is an online marketplace for language lessons. It started in 2006 as a language-exchange network and now connects learners with more than 30,000 teachers, the company says, across over 150 languages. It suits anyone who wants real conversation practice rather than another app streak, from holiday Spanish to business English or exam preparation.

There's no subscription. You choose a teacher, book a lesson of 30 to 90 minutes at a time that suits you, and pay for that lesson. Teachers set their own prices, so you can pick a community tutor for relaxed conversation or a qualified professional teacher for structured study. Prices are shown in US dollars by default.

What's worth a look

Here are six ways to use italki, from paid lessons to free extras.

Learn Spanish onlineSpanish tutors with trial lessons and pay-per-lesson.From US$5View at italki English teachers and tutorsOver 4,000 English tutors for conversation or exams.Pay per lessonView at italki Group ClassLive small-group classes, e.g. news discussion.From US$7View at italki italki Language TestSpeaking test, up to four attempts per purchase.US$30View at italki 2026 Language ChallengeLesson leaderboard challenge, ends 15 October.FreeView at italki Refer a Friend$10 for you and $5 for a friend in italki Credits.FreeView at italki

Most learners start on a language page such as Learn Spanish online, which highlights trial lessons so you can try a few teachers before committing. Spanish tutors listed there today start at around US$5 a lesson. If one-to-one feels like too much, group classes are listed today at US$7 to US$16 each, with small groups of up to four on some courses.

If you need proof of your level, the italki Language Test costs $30 for up to four attempts and gives a speaking score in around 15 minutes. Results line up with scales such as CEFR and IELTS. The speaking test covers English, French, Spanish, German, Japanese, Portuguese and Italian.

English learners have the biggest choice, with over 4,000 English tutors listed. Many specialise in IELTS preparation, business English or relaxed conversation, and you can filter by price, lesson time and the other languages a teacher speaks. Each profile shows how many lessons the teacher has taught, which is a useful guide when you're choosing.

You can book as many lessons a week as you and your teacher have time for. For learning on the spot, Instant Lessons let you start a trial lesson with an available teacher straight away. Free extras include podcasts, quizzes and a community where you can post writing and get corrections from other learners.

Current offers

We don't have any italki codes yet. On the italki site:

• Teachers offer trial lessons, so you can try several before booking a full package.
• Refer a friend: once they buy $20 of italki Credits, you get $10 and they get $5.
• The 2026 Language Challenge is free to join and runs until 15 October; the top 500 learners win a collectible magnet and a digital certificate.

How to save more

• Use the price filter when searching for teachers, and compare community tutors with professional teachers for conversation practice.
• Prices are in US dollars, so pay with a card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees.
• If a friend already uses italki, ask for their referral code and enter it within 24 hours of signing up.

Products, prices and offers checked on the store's own website on 7 Oct 2026. Prices and stock can change.

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