Preply vs Lingoda: Which Helps You Learn English Better?

Preply vs Lingoda: Side by Side

What Is Preply?

Preply is a global tutoring marketplace with over 40,000 tutors teaching 50+ languages. You choose your tutor based on price, specialty, and availability. Lessons are 1-on-1 via Preply's video platform, and you pay per lesson with no subscription commitment.

Preply is ideal for learners who want maximum flexibility. You can switch tutors anytime, schedule lessons at any hour, and focus on exactly what you want to learn. The platform uses AI-powered tutor matching to help you find the right fit.

Read our full Preply review for a detailed breakdown of pricing, tutor quality, and tips for choosing the right teacher.

What Is Lingoda?

Lingoda is a structured online language school offering live classes with certified teachers. Unlike tutor marketplaces, Lingoda provides a fixed curriculum aligned with CEFR levels (A1 to C1). You can join group classes (up to 5 students) or book private 1-on-1 sessions.

Lingoda is famous for its Sprint program. If you attend a set number of classes per month (30 or 45 classes), you get up to 50% cashback or even 100% refund. This makes Lingoda highly motivating for learners who need accountability.

Beyond the Sprint, Lingoda offers a standard subscription model. You can choose between group-only plans, private-only plans, or a mixed plan. Group classes are more affordable but give you less speaking time. Private classes cost more but give you the teacher's full attention.

Pricing Comparison

Pricing is one of the biggest factors in choosing between these two platforms. Here is a direct comparison of what you can expect to pay.

The key pricing difference: Preply lets you take 1, 4, or 20 lessons a month and pay only for what you use. Lingoda charges a fixed monthly fee whether you attend 5 classes or 20. If you are consistent, Lingoda can be cheaper per class. If your schedule is unpredictable, Preply saves you money.

Real Cost Scenarios

Casual Learner (4 lessons per month)

Preply costs $40-60/month (4 lessons at $10-15 each). Lingoda's cheapest group subscription starts around $40/month for 4 classes. Both are similar, but Preply gives you 1-on-1 attention for the same price as Lingoda's group classes.

Regular Learner (8 lessons per month)

At 8 lessons per month, Preply costs $80-200/month depending on tutor price. Lingoda's Sprint requires 30 classes in 60 days (about 15 per month), which is a bigger commitment. For 8 private lessons, Preply is more affordable and flexible.

Sprint Target (30 classes in 60 days)

If you commit to the Lingoda Sprint, you attend 15 classes per month for 2 months. At the group rate, this costs about $120-160/month. With up to 50% cashback, the effective cost drops to $60-80/month. To match 15 1-on-1 Preply lessons, you would pay $150-375/month. The Sprint is significantly cheaper if you can maintain the pace.

Teaching Method: Structured vs Flexible

Preply uses a tutor-led model. Each tutor designs their own lessons. This means you can find a tutor who specializes in exactly what you need: conversation practice, business English, exam preparation, or grammar. But quality depends on the individual tutor.

Lingoda uses a school model. Every class follows the same curriculum. You always know what topic comes next, and the material is aligned with international standards (CEFR). This structure helps learners progress through levels systematically.

Learning Materials

Preply does not provide learning materials. Your tutor brings their own resources. Some use textbooks, PDFs, or Preply's built-in lesson space. Quality depends on your tutor.

Lingoda provides all materials as part of your subscription. Each class has downloadable PDFs with slides, exercises, and homework. Materials are professionally designed and consistent across all classes at the same level.

Lingoda Sprint: How It Works

You choose between two challenges: the Half Sprint (30 classes in 60 days) or the Full Sprint (45 classes in 60 days). You attend live group classes, and every class counts toward your goal. Complete all classes on time and you earn up to 50% cashback on Half Sprint or 100% on Full Sprint.

The catch: you must attend every scheduled class. Missing one breaks the streak and you forfeit cashback. This is incredibly motivating for some and stressful for others.