italki is a global online language learning marketplace that connects students with professional and community teachers for live, one-on-one or group lessons. Founded with the mission to make language learning accessible to anyone, anywhere, italki features over 20,000 teachers covering more than 150 languages, from widely spoken ones like English, Spanish, Japanese, and Mandarin Chinese to niche and regional languages.
Unlike subscription-based apps, italki operates on a pay-per-lesson model that gives learners complete flexibility. Lessons start as low as $6 USD, and students can browse teacher profiles, watch intro videos, read reviews, and book trial sessions before committing. Teachers are categorized as either Professional Teachers (certified educators) or Community Tutors (native speakers focused on conversation practice), giving learners clear options based on their goals and budget.
The platform also offers Group Classes, which are structured, scheduled lessons led by expert teachers and designed for interactive learning at a lower price point than private sessions. For learners who want free practice, italki's Community feature allows users from over 190 countries to connect, share language tips, participate in podcasts, take quizzes, and join language challenges designed to build real-world proficiency.
- 150+ languages available for study
- 20,000+ teachers worldwide, including native speakers
- No subscriptions — pay only for lessons you book
- 1-on-1 lessons, Group Classes, and free community practice
- Lessons accessible via web browser or mobile app
- Gift cards, referral programs, and affiliate opportunities available
italki has been featured in major media outlets including BBC News, The New York Times, Business Insider, The Economist, TechCrunch, and the Huffington Post, reflecting its credibility as a leading edtech platform. Whether you are a beginner just starting out, an intermediate learner seeking conversation practice, or an advanced student preparing for a language exam, italki's diverse teacher marketplace and flexible pricing make it a strong choice for real, measurable language progress.