GoStudent vs Italki: Which is better for learning languages?

In a world where more and more students choose to learn from home, online learning platforms have become an essential tool to ensure access to quality teacher. Among the most popular platforms GoStudent and Italki are among the most popular platforms - these two options have very different approaches, but with the same goal: helping you learn a language effectively.

Choosing between them isn’t always easy. While GoStudent provides a structured system with continuous support and an assigned tutor, Italki offers the freedom to choose your teacher, schedule, and type of lesson.

So…GoStudent or Italki? Which one best suits your learning style?

In this comparison guide, we’ll analyse GoStudent and Italki in depth: how they work, how much they cost, their pros and cons, and which option works best depending on your needs and study goals. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of which platform is best for you!

Contents

1. Key takeaways
2. Comparison: GoStudent vs Italki - key differences at a glance
3. What is GoStudent and how does it work?
4. Who is GoStudent best for?
5. What is Italki and how does it work?
6. Who is Italki best for?
7. Advantages and disadvantages of GoStudent and Italki
8. GoStudent or Italki: Which is better for your language needs?
9. Prices: GoStudent vs Italki
10. FAQs about language learning platforms

Key takeaways

• Both GoStudent and Italki offer a range of language options for learners to explore

• GoStudent is a fantastic option for students seeking academic support for language exams

• Italki can be a good choice for enthusiasts who enjoy dabbling in new languages

• GoStudent tutors are vetted, qualified teaching professionals, while Italki offers an accessible community learning experience

• The ideal language learning platform is a personal decision - taking time to explore your options helps you find the study solution that fits you best

This GoStudent vs Italki guide is also helpful if you’re comparing other sites, such as Italki vs Preply, Preply vs GoStudent or other sites that offer online language tutoring.

Comparison: GoStudent vs Italki - key differences at a glance

Before we explore each platform in depth, there are some important differences that you should take into consideration:

Quick summary

• Choose GoStudent if you want tailored structure, consistency, and measurable progress.

• Consider Italki if you want flexibility, casual conversations with native speakers, and affordable individual lessons.

What is GoStudent and how does it work?

GoStudent is one of Europe’s leading platforms for personalised, one-on-one online lessons, covering a range of languages in addition to other subjects that students may need. The platform is a particularly effective option for families looking for ongoing learning support, or students preparing for exams.

GoStudent takes a tech-forward without compromising on human expertise, giving students access to an enhanced educational environment that blends the best of AI and traditional learning techniques.

A structured platform designed for progress

GoStudent offers a fully guided language learning journey, complete with:

• A dedicated language tutor assigned to each student

• Personalised lesson plans based on goals, strengths and weaknesses

• Support for both school-level studies and miscellaneous foreign language learning

• Consistent schedules to help students stay disciplined

• Progress reports for parents and guardians

• AI-powered tools, including a secure digital classroom and interactive virtual whiteboard

• Games and quizzes supplement academic exercises to keep students focused and engaged

• The GoMigo AI tutor app is a dynamic supplement to human-led language classes, suitable for all ages and available 24/7 for practice sessions

These features make GoStudent ideal for younger learners, secondary school students, and anyone who benefits from extra structure while building new language skills or improving their core knowledge of reading, grammar and writing.

Professional, vetted tutors

GoStudent hires professional tutors who are subject to a rigorous internal verification process, which includes enhanced DBS checks. The platform's language tutors specialise in:

• English, French, German, Spanish, and Italian, in addition to other popular languages

• Academic support for school-aged pupils through to university students

• Exam prep for IGCSE, A-levels and international certifications

GoStudent's private teachers typically have formal teaching experience and offer comprehensive long-term learning strategies.

Pricing and lesson packages

GoStudent offers lesson packages rather than a per-class payment option.

• Price per lesson typically ranges from £27.81 to £32.09 depending on the subscription selected

• The actual price depends on how many lessons you choose each month, with a higher frequency of classes reducing the overall cost

• You can choose monthly, quarterly or long-term plans

• A full free trial lesson is included

This subscription-based system allows for regular, structured classes that encourage younger learners to study on a consistent basis.

Who is GoStudent best for?

GoStudent is ideal for:

• Students in school or college

• Learners looking for a clear, guided study path

• Parents who want progress tracking

• Learners who need support across additional subjects, such as maths and science

• Students preparing for exams or test preparation

If your priority is stability, accountability for tutors and students, and academic improvement, GoStudent is an ideal choice.

What is Italki and how does it work?

Italki is a popular online language tutoring platform, known for its network of language learners, private teachers, and community tutors.

The platform works on a flexible, pay-as-you-go model, making it an attractive option for adults, travellers and those who like to learn a new language in a natural, conversational way.

A flexible platform for laid-back learning

Italki lets you:

• Choose from many teachers

• Select tutors based on teaching style, price, accent, or personal interests

• Chat with other learners in their native languages

• Book individual lessons, group classes, short trial lessons, or multiple lessons blocks

• Try various teaching styles by switching between different teachers

The platform is a useful space for people who enjoy learning at a more leisurely pace.

Professional teachers vs community tutors

Italki offers two main tutor categories, both of which offer certain pros and cons:

Professional teachers

These tutors usually have:

• Teaching certifications

• Official academic studies

• Professional teaching experience

• Specialisations such as business English, exam prep, pronunciation, etc.

Community tutors

These individuals are typically:

• Native or fluent speakers

• Not formally certified

• Focused on casual conversation and real-world communication

• Able to offer cheaper classes

New teachers from both categories join the platform on a regular basis, giving students access to fresh teaching approaches.

Pricing and payment

Italki uses a simple payment method: pay only for each class that you take.

• Most tutors charge between £13 to £22 per hour

• Trial lessons can cost as little as £2.50

• No subscription fee

• You decide how many lessons you want

These factors make the platform useful for students who prioritise flexibility, or who only need occasional help with their language studies.

Who is Italki best for?

Italki is suitable for:

• Adults, university students, travellers

• Learners who want to focus on conversation practice and cultural exploration

• People studying business English for work

• Independent learners who enjoy choice and variety

Italki is geared towards speaking-heavy language practice, building confidence through real-world conversations.

Advantages and disadvantages of GoStudent and Italki

Here’s a deeper look at how each platform compares:

Conclusion:

If progress measurement, grammar and vocabulary coaching, and grade enhancement matter, choose GoStudent.

If flexibility and freestyle conversation are priorities, choose Italki.

GoStudent or Italki: Which is better for your language needs?

Your unique learning goals determine the right platform for you:

School students

• GoStudent: Best for grammar, exam prep, and consistent support

• Italki: Useful as extra conversation practice

A-Level and university students

• GoStudent: Ideal for tracking improvement and enhancing academic writing skills

• Italki: Good for building general fluency

Adult learners and professionals

• GoStudent: Perfect if you need structured, personalised learning routines

• Italki: Suitable for business English and travel preparation

Travellers and expats

• GoStudent: Helps you understand the details of core grammar and vocabulary, and how to use them

• Italki: Best for quick language exchanges and skills revision

Corporate training

• GoStudent: Excellent for organised group training programmes

• Italki: Flexible for global teams needing language practice

Prices: GoStudent vs Italki

Here’s you can see a cost comparison for these two learning platforms:

If your goal is regular language learning sessions with a solid academic framework, GoStudent offers the best long-term value.

If you only plan to take occasional lessons or want to try classes with multiple teachers, Italki is a more cost-effective option.

So, is GoStudent or Italki better overall?

After comparing all factors:

Choose GoStudent if…

• You want tailored, guided learning

• You prefer having one consistent tutor

• You're in need of academic-style support

• You’re school-aged or need exam prep support

Choose Italki if…

• You want to practise with native speakers

• You like having the freedom to switch tutors

• You're seeking affordable lessons

• You enjoy low-commitment, conversational learning

Both platforms offer benefits, but the key to success is knowing what you aim to get out of the language learning process.

Your ideal tutor is waiting for you!

FAQs about language learning platforms

Which is the best platform for online tutoring?

It depends on your goals!

• GoStudent: best for structure, progress tracking, academic support

• Italki: best for flexible speaking practice and affordable tutoring

Which is the best platform for teaching Spanish?

• GoStudent provides professional support for tutors, in addition to educational tech tools

• Italki offers pricing freedom within a large marketplace.

Which is the best platform for learning English?

• GoStudent excels in structured grammar and vocabulary coaching and exam preparation.

• Italki is suitable for practising with native speakers and developing general fluency.

Are group classes available?

• Italki: some tutors offer group classes.

• GoStudent: focused mainly on one-on-one lessons.

Which platform is better for business learners?

• GoStudent offers tailored support depending on your individual learning goals.

• Italki also has teachers specialising in business English.