This review is based on the opinion of coLanguage.

We recommend any student to make an own investigation before deciding what learning method fits best for them.
We are in any case ready to assist you if you decide to study with us!

The best language platform

So, you want to start speaking a new language, but which platform should you choose?

With so many options out there like Preply, Italki, Verbling, and Superprof, it’s easy to get lost in the sea of online tutors and language apps. They all promise fluency, flexibility, and fun… but which one really delivers?

In this blog, we’ll compare the most popular conversation-based learning platforms and show you what makes coLanguage stand out from the crowd. If you're looking for structure, real progress, and a more personal approach to language learning, keep reading!

Preply

Preply is a popular platform where you can book 1-on-1 video lessons with thousands of freelance language tutors. It’s super flexible: you choose your teacher, your schedule, and your budget. There’s strong emphasis on conversation practice, so it’s great if you want to start speaking right away.

Teacher quality

  • Mixed: some certified, experienced teachers, others are simply fluent speakers
  • You need to do your own screening

Guidance and structure

  • No consistent curriculum or learning path
  • Teachers design their own lessons

Learning materials

  • Depends on the teacher: some use their own, some rely on conversation only
  • Vocabulary and homework tools are available through Preply Classroom
  • No standardized materials or CEFR-based structure

Conversation

  • Strong focus on conversation and real-time speaking practice
  • Real-time feedback from your teacher to learn to speak with confidence

Planning

  • Very flexible: you book lessons according to your own schedule
  • Lessons can be canceled/rescheduled with advance notice

Italki

italki is one of the most well-known platforms for finding language tutors online. Like Preply, it connects learners with freelance teachers for 1-on-1 video lessons. You choose the tutor, schedule, and price that suits you. It's flexible and conversation-focused, making it popular among learners who want real interaction.

Teacher quality

  • Wide range: professional teachers, community tutors, and native speakers
  • You need to compare profiles, reviews, and trial lessons to find your match

Guidance and structure

  • No unified curriculum or method
  • Some professional teachers offer structured courses, others are fully conversational

Learning materials

  • Varies by teacher: some provide structured content, others focus on free conversation
  • No centralized resources or platform-wide materials
  • No CEFR-based course structure unless offered by the tutor

Conversation

  • Strong focus on speaking practice with native or fluent speakers
  • Many tutors specialize in conversation, pronunciation, or informal coaching
  • Real-time feedback of a teacher

Planning

  • Very flexible: you can book as many classes as you want at your own pace
  • Schedule lessons based on your availability

Verbling

Verbling is an online platform that connects language learners with professional teachers for 1-on-1 video lessons. What sets it apart is its focus on experienced, certified teachers and its clean, all-in-one learning environment, no need for external apps or tools. Everything happens directly on Verbling.

Teacher quality

  • Strong focus on professional, qualified teachers
  • All teachers have prior teaching experience

Guidance and structure

  • Lesson structure depends on the teacher
  • Some teachers offer tailored learning plans, others focus more on conversation
  • No unified platform-wide curriculum or guaranteed CEFR alignment

Learning materials

  • Verbling has built-in tools: shared documents, interactive whiteboard, and lesson notes
  • No central course structure or standardized progression

Conversation

  • Real-time speaking with trained tutors
  • Teachers provide feedback and help you improve fluency

Planning

  • Flexible schedule: book lessons when you want
  • Once you’ve found a teacher, you can book a free trial

Superprof

Superprof is a global tutor marketplace where you can find private teachers for just about anything, from maths to music, and of course, languages. It’s more of a classifieds platform than a learning environment, so expect to do some digging to find the right match for you.

Teacher quality

  • Highly varied: from certified teachers to casual native speakers
  • Quality and experience can differ a lot between tutors

Guidance and structure

  • No fixed curriculum or learning path
  • Entirely up to the teacher to structure the lessons
  • No platform-wide teaching methodology

Learning materials

  • No built-in learning tools or resources
  • Teachers may provide their own materials, but this varies
  • The platform doesn’t offer content like vocabulary apps or grammar tools

Conversation

  • Depends on the tutor:  some focus on conversation, others on grammar or test preparation

Planning

  • Flexible scheduling between you and the tutor
  • Communication and coordination happen directly with the teacher

What makes coLanguage special?

While many platforms connect you with tutors, coLanguage goes further it’s built not just for talking, but for actually learning a language in a structured, measurable, and supported way. Here's what makes the difference:

  • Qualified, experienced teachers: we select experienced and professional teachers to guide you in the conversation classes. Many have certifications and years of teaching experience.
  • CEFR-aligned learning paths: our curriculum follows official guidelines. This means our learning materials, grammar topics, and vocabulary development follow the CEFR levels. You’re not just chatting, you’re moving forward, level by level.
  • Rich learning materials: Every course includes PDF handouts, exercises, audio/video lessons, and revision materials.
  • Exam preparation and professional goals: our courses are designed to prepare for official exams like DELE, SIELE, TELC, GOETHE,… We have specialized lessons for job interviews, academic goals, travel,…
  • True conversation training: we focus on real-life speaking and practical conversations. During the classes, teachers give you detailed feedback and tips.

Our approach

Our approach is designed to keep you engaged, motivated, and on track. This way you can reach fluency without feeling overwhelmed. Here's how we do it:

  • Personalized guidance from experienced teachers
  • Clear and structured course plan following official language guidelines
  • Practical conversation classes
  • Flexibility in lesson format and timing
  • Short supportive revision materials for reinforcement

Each CEFR level at coLanguage consists of 6 modules and can be completed in 1-2 months. You’ll learn 800 new words per level, covering key vocabulary, grammar, and real-world dialogue. 

We make sure you’re not only learning the language but also ready to prove your skills with a recognized certificate. Whether you're aiming for the DELE, SIELE, or another certification, we ensure you have the tools to succeed.

Which platform should you choose?

If you’re just looking for casual conversation or a quick way to try out a new language, platforms like Preply, Italki, Verbling, or Superprof can be a decent place to start, especially if flexibility and budget are your top priorities. But if your goal is real progress, structured learning, and reaching a solid language level (A1–C2), coLanguage is the clear winner. It combines the best of both worlds: professional teachers, personalized guidance, and CEFR-based lessons, without losing the flexibility or human connection. Choose coLanguage if you’re serious about learning, not just talking.

We make sure you’re not only learning the language but also ready to prove your skills with a recognized certificate. Whether you're aiming for the DELE, SIELE, or another certification, we ensure you have the tools to succeed.

Don’t wait any longer and start your learning journey with coLanguage! Sign up and start today!

Why coLanguage?

You do not waste time, lessons are just fun, and you stay motivated!

Conversation classes coLanguage Informal conversation classes Local schools
Classes at coLanguage are situation and conversation based.  
Practise with a native teacher
Flexible teacher choice, but fixed follow-up
Group lessons and peer learning
Learning history and lesson personalization
Flexible lesson scheduling
Small group sizes
Full skill training: listening, reading, writing, speaking.
Personal follow-up coLanguage Informal conversation classes Local schools
Personal follow-up and care are our key concerns.  
Track your learning history and difficulties
All-in-one agenda and document management
Personal teachers, fixed groups
Feedback on homework
Personalized learning materials
Self-study materials coLanguage Informal conversation classes Local schools
We have developed a structured syllabus to facilitate conversational learning.  
Access to podcasts, music, sketches,...
Access to digital syllabus and exercises
PDF handouts and lesson presentations in the language of each student
Syllabus translated to the language of each student
Fun and structured conversation exercises

Learn with a professional and personal teacher

Your teacher is your mentor. You meet minimum once per month for conversation classes and he/she adapts your learning plan to your progress and interest.

Our teachers studied at, among others...


University of Cambridge
University of Oxford
University of Edinburgh
University of Manchester
University of York
University of Sheffield
University of Leeds
Queen Mary University of London
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The lessons are completely tailored to my wishes and level, with communication being paramount. In addition grammar and vocabulary are also discussed. Julia speaks clearly so that I can understand everything properly and carefully corrects my mistakes . I look forward to the next lesson .
  • 5/5

Julia K.

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150+ Verified Teachers

Julia K.

Julia K.

  • 5/5
Emmanuel A.

Emmanuel A.

  • 5/5
Neda V.

Neda V.

  • 5/5

4.75/5

Based on 1555 ratings

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I was looking for a middle-aged teacher, I found Emmanuel and I'm very happy about it. His lessons are very effective and tailored precisely to my needs. He also selects the appropriate texts and teaching materials for my topics. Really great. The lessons are a lot of fun. I can highly recommend Emmanuel.
  • 5/5

Emmanuel A.

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