Preply is one of the biggest names in online tutoring, especially for languages. If you are weighing it up against iTutorOnline, the two platforms work in genuinely different ways, and the right choice depends on what matters most to you. This guide lays out the facts so you can decide.
How Preply works
Preply is a global marketplace with a huge catalogue of tutors, particularly for language learning. You search by subject, watch intro videos, and book a trial lesson to test the fit. Tutors set their own hourly rates, and you then subscribe to a number of hours over a recurring 28-day cycle.
Two things about Preply's model are worth understanding before you commit:
- The trial lesson. Preply keeps 100% of the fee from a new student's first lesson with a tutor. This funds Preply's free-replacement guarantee if you are unhappy with that first session, but it also means your tutor earns nothing from it.
- Tiered tutor commission. On every lesson after the trial, Preply takes a commission that starts at 33% for new tutors and drops with experience, reaching 18% only after a tutor has logged 400+ hours on the platform. Most tutors sit somewhere in the 25% to 33% range.
A 33% commission is a large slice. In practice, many tutors raise their listed rates to make up for it, which means the cost is often passed back to students.
How iTutorOnline works
iTutorOnline is built around two ideas: you should be able to trust the tutor you find, and you should pay a low, transparent fee to reach them.
- One flat 15% commission. Tutors keep 85% of what they earn, on every lesson, from day one. There is no tier to climb and no 100% cut on a first lesson.
- The price you see is the price you pay. A €5 per hour platform fee is already included in the rate shown. There are no subscriptions, no 28-day cycles, and no booking or transaction fees added at checkout.
- Every tutor is verified. All tutors pass ID and age verification before they can teach, with optional diploma verification on top. You are not guessing whether a profile is genuine.
Lessons happen in an encrypted video room with a collaborative whiteboard you can revisit afterwards, and many tutors offer a free first 30 minutes so you can check the fit before paying for anything.
Who each platform is best for
Preply makes sense if you want the largest possible catalogue of language tutors and you are comfortable with the subscription cycle and the trial-lesson rule. The sheer volume of tutors is a real strength.
iTutorOnline is the better fit if you want verified tutors, a low commission that keeps rates honest, and pay-as-you-go pricing with no subscription to remember to cancel.
Fees at a glance
| iTutorOnline | Preply | |
|---|---|---|
| Tutor commission | Flat 15% | 18% to 33%, tiered |
| First lesson | Tutor paid as normal | 100% to the platform |
| Student model | Pay per lesson, fee included | 28-day subscription |
| Booking fees | None | None, but billed in cycles |
| Tutor verification | ID + age, optional diploma | Varies by tutor |
The bottom line
Both platforms can connect you with a good tutor. The difference is in the economics and the trust model. If you value a low, predictable fee, verified tutors, and the freedom to pay only for the lessons you take, iTutorOnline is designed for exactly that.
Ready to compare for yourself? Find a tutor or read more about our transparent pricing.