Preply was founded in 2012 in Ukraine by three co-founders who recognized that learning a language is fundamentally a social activity — you need a real person to practice with. The platform connects students with tutors for live one-on-one video lessons, primarily focused on language learning but also covering other academic subjects.
The marketplace hosts over 35,000 tutors teaching 50+ languages. Tutors come from all over the world, which means students can find native speakers of virtually any language at a wide range of price points. Rates start as low as $5/hour for tutors in lower-cost regions and go up to $50+ for highly experienced instructors.
Preply’s matching algorithm considers learning goals, budget, schedule, and preferred teaching style. After an initial trial lesson, students can switch tutors at no cost if the fit isn’t right. This low-risk trial structure helps students find the right match without committing upfront.
The platform includes a structured curriculum alongside live lessons. Students get access to vocabulary tools, homework assignments, and progress tracking. Preply also offers corporate language training programs, working with companies that need to upskill multilingual teams.
Since relocating its headquarters to the US after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Preply has raised over $100 million in funding. The company serves millions of students across 180+ countries and has become one of the top three language tutoring platforms globally.
For learners who’ve hit a wall with apps like Duolingo and want real human conversation practice, Preply offers a practical next step with tutors available around the clock.
