Preply vs italki: key differences explained for beginners

By FastBuySale Newsroom · 9 Nov 2026 · 8m ago

How both platforms work

On both marketplaces, tutors create profiles with a photo, introduction video, description, prices and availability. Students search, filter by price, language, country, availability and specialities, then book lessons. Lessons take place by video call through the platform's classroom or approved tools. The platform handles payments and takes a commission, then pays tutors through supported payout methods. Reviews and ratings help students choose and affect tutor visibility.

Lesson formats and subjects

italki focuses on languages, with lessons ranging from conversation practice to structured courses and exam preparation. Preply covers languages and many academic and professional subjects, such as maths, coding and music. Both support lesson packages, and both allow tutors to specialise in areas such as business language, children's lessons or exam preparation.

Pricing and commissions

Tutors set their own hourly rates on both platforms. On Preply, the platform typically keeps the payment for the first trial lesson with each new student and then takes a commission that decreases as tutors complete more hours. On italki, the platform takes a set percentage of each lesson price, and trial lessons are offered at a price the tutor chooses within limits. Payment processing or withdrawal fees may also apply. Check current terms, since commission rates and policies change.

Trial lessons

Trial lessons are short or discounted introductory sessions that help students decide whether to continue. On Preply, tutors usually are not paid for the first trial with a new student, so converting trials into regular students is essential. On italki, tutors earn from trial lessons, though at lower prices. A strong trial lesson includes understanding the student's goals, a short demonstration of your teaching style and a clear learning plan.

Worked example: comparing monthly earnings

Carlos charges 20 dollars an hour and teaches 40 lessons a month. On a platform with a 33% commission, he keeps 13.40 dollars per lesson, or 536 dollars. If his commission falls to 25% after more hours, he keeps 15 dollars per lesson, or 600 dollars. On a platform with a flat 15% commission, he keeps 17 dollars per lesson, or 680 dollars. If 8 of his lessons were unpaid first trials on the first platform, his paid lessons would drop to 32, reducing earnings to 428.80 dollars at 33%. The percentage calculator on this site helps you compare scenarios with current rates.

Tutor requirements

Both platforms review tutor applications. Requirements may include proof of identity, a profile video, a description of experience and, for professional teacher categories, teaching certificates or degrees. Some languages have more tutors than demand, so applications may be paused or more selective at times.

Discovery and ranking

Search ranking on both platforms depends on factors such as reviews, response times, booking rates, student retention and profile completeness. New tutors often get a temporary boost. Responding quickly to messages, keeping your calendar open at popular times and converting trial lessons help maintain visibility.

Scheduling and cancellations

Tutors set availability in their calendars. Both platforms have rules on cancellations, rescheduling and no-shows, which affect payment and rankings. Students in other countries book in their local time, so check settings carefully. The time zone calculator on this site helps you understand when demand peaks.

Payouts

Earnings are paid out through supported methods, such as online payment services or bank transfers, sometimes with fees or minimum amounts. Check available methods for your country.

Who Preply suits

Preply suits tutors who teach many hours, want access to a wide subject range and are confident converting trial lessons into regular students to benefit from lower commissions over time.

Who italki suits

italki suits language teachers who want predictable commissions, paid trial lessons and a clear distinction between professional teachers and community tutors.

Using both platforms

Listing on both can help fill your schedule faster. Keep prices consistent, use a single calendar and focus on building regular students, who provide the most stable income.

A checklist for choosing

Compare current commissions, trial lesson rules, payout methods, demand for your language or subject, application requirements and your expected hours. Calculate your effective hourly rate on each.

Writing a strong tutor profile

Your profile is your shop window on both platforms. Start with a short headline that names your language or subject and speciality, such as conversational Spanish for busy professionals. In the description, explain who you help, how your lessons work, your experience and what students can expect to achieve. Keep paragraphs short and friendly. Your introduction video should be one to two minutes long, filmed in good light with clear audio, and should show your personality and teaching style. Many students decide within seconds, so first impressions matter.

Setting your first prices

New tutors often start slightly below the average for their language or subject to win early bookings and reviews, then raise prices gradually. Look at tutors with similar experience and ratings to understand typical rates. Remember to account for commissions and unpaid trial lessons when deciding what you need to charge. Raising prices for new students while keeping existing students at their rate for a while is a common approach.

Converting trials into regular students

A trial is your chance to show value. Ask about the student's goals, level and schedule, give a short, useful activity and finish with a clear plan for the next lessons. Suggest a regular weekly time and a package if available. Follow up with a short message summarising what you discussed. High conversion rates improve your ranking on both platforms and reduce the impact of commissions.

Keeping students long term

Track each student's progress, adapt lessons to their interests and celebrate improvements. Share homework or materials between lessons. Students who see progress and enjoy lessons tend to stay for months, which is the foundation of steady income on either platform.

Avoiding scams and off-platform risks

Be cautious of people who contact you asking to pay outside the platform, send cheques or request personal details. Off-platform payments often break platform rules and remove protections. The FTC warns about fake job offers that ask you to pay or handle money transfers.

Taxes and records

Tutoring income is generally self-employment income. Keep records of earnings, platform fees and equipment, and check local tax rules. The salary calculator on this site helps compare tutoring income with other work.

Equipment and teaching space

Both platforms need a reliable computer, stable internet, a good headset or microphone, a webcam and a quiet, well-lit space. Digital whiteboards, shared documents and prepared materials make lessons smoother and more professional.

Specialising to stand out

Both marketplaces have many tutors for popular languages, so specialising helps. Options include exam preparation, business language for specific industries, lessons for children, pronunciation coaching, beginner confidence building or lessons for travellers. Mention your speciality in your headline, video and description, and gather reviews from students in that area. Specialists often command higher prices and attract students who stay longer because they have clear goals.

Reviews and reputation

Reviews strongly affect bookings on both platforms. Deliver consistent, well-prepared lessons, start on time and respond quickly to messages. Politely ask satisfied students to leave a review after a few lessons. Never offer incentives for positive reviews, which breaks platform rules. Respond professionally to any negative feedback and use it to improve.

Building a weekly schedule

Open your calendar at times when demand is highest for your target students, often their evenings and weekends. Block regular slots so students can book the same time every week. Leave short breaks between lessons to prepare and rest. A steady weekly rhythm makes income more predictable and reduces stress.

Planning your first month

In week one, apply to both platforms and prepare your profiles and videos. In week two, set prices and availability and prepare trial lesson materials. In weeks three and four, teach trials, follow up and adjust your profile based on which one gets more bookings.

Reader questions

Questions about online tutoring? Send them through the Ask page on this site.

Disclaimer

This article is for general information only. Commissions and policies change; check official sources. No income is guaranteed.

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