italki vs Lingoda at a glance
| italki | Lingoda | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Set by each tutor; italki says $4 to $60 an hour for Frenchchecked 2026-10-09 (italki.com/en/teachers/french) | From €184.99 per 4 weeks (5 group classes) |
| Levels | A1–C2 (beginner to advanced) | A1–C1 (beginner to advanced) |
| Free to use | No (trial or sample only) | No (trial or sample only) |
| Real-speed French | Yes | Yes |
| Transcripts or subtitles | Not a feature | Not a feature |
| Taught in | French, English | French |
| Platforms | iOS, Android, Web | Web |
| Best for | The cheapest way to speak French every week, if you choose the tutor well. | Real classes on a timetable; costly per minute of speaking. |
Prices as shown on the official site on the date given; they vary by country and change often.
Which is better for speaking?
italki, for most learners. A one-to-one lesson gives you the whole hour to speak. Lingoda's 60-minute group classes have 3 to 5 students, so each person gets only a few minutes of speaking; its private classes avoid that but cost more.
Which is cheaper?
Usually italki, because each tutor sets their own price and many offer discounted trial lessons, though italki says no tutor gives fully free lessons. The cheapest Lingoda group plan we saw was 5 classes for €184.99 per four weeks, with a 7-day free trial of 3 group classes or 1 private class.
Which has more structure?
Lingoda. Classes run on a timetable with certified teachers and a curriculum, on a plan that renews every four weeks. On italki, structure depends entirely on your tutor, and a lesson without a plan quickly turns into small talk.
Which is better for beginners?
Either works. Lingoda's levels and timetable suit a beginner who needs a course; an italki professional teacher can build one for you, but you have to ask.
Which has better teachers?
Lingoda uses certified teachers; italki lists both professional teachers and community tutors, and quality depends on the one you pick. Read reviews and book a trial lesson before committing.
Can you use both?
Yes: Lingoda for structured classes, italki for extra one-to-one conversation. It adds up quickly, so watch the monthly cost.
What neither does
Neither gives you French at real speed between native speakers outside the lesson, and both depend on your preparation. Teachers slow down for learners. Keep listening to real French between classes, and bring topics and mistakes to each lesson.
How it compares
| App | Price | Levels | Real-speed French | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| italki | Set by each tutor; italki says $4 to $60 an hour for Frenchchecked 2026-10-09 (italki.com/en/teachers/french) | A1–C2 | Yes | The cheapest way to speak French every week, if you choose the tutor well. |
| Lingoda | From €184.99 per 4 weeks (5 group classes) | A1–C1 | Yes | Real classes on a timetable; costly per minute of speaking. |
| French with Amélie | Free weekly lesson; Premium $24/mo or $240/yr | B1–C1 | Yes, with a slow version and a transcript | Real-speed dialogues by email and a private podcast. Not an app. Visit |
Prices as shown on the official site on the date given; they vary by country and change often.
Read more
The full listings: italki (website) and Lingoda (course). More like these: Apps to practice speaking French.