Preply vs Talk4Now: Which Language Learning App Is Best in 2026?

TL;DR: Talk4Now offers instant, free conversation practice, while Preply provides a massive marketplace of professional tutors, a 4.8‑star rating, and structured learning tools. Choose Talk4Now for casual speaking drills; choose Preply for guided, tutor‑led progress.

1. Talk4Now: Instant Free Speaking

Talk4Now removes every barrier between learner and conversation. Users land on the site, join a live voice room, and start speaking in under 10 seconds [1]. No account, no booking, no subscription. The platform is positioned as the “closest free competitor for real speaking” [1]. Because it focuses solely on live practice, it is ideal for learners who have already built a foundation and need “flight time” to maintain fluency.

Key points

• Zero‑cost entry – there is no pay‑per‑lesson charge.
• Immediate access – the interface loads instantly, allowing spontaneous practice.
• No tutor‑selection fatigue – the platform does not present thousands of profiles, avoiding the “profile fatigue” described for Preply [1].

Talk4Now’s model works best for learners who want frequent, low‑pressure speaking sessions without the overhead of scheduling.

2. Preply: Structured Tutor Marketplace

Preply remains the largest online marketplace for language tutoring, connecting learners from 180 countries with more than 100 000 tutors who teach over 90 languages [2]. Prices start at $10 per lesson, and the platform offers a money‑back guarantee or a free tutor replacement if the first lesson is unsatisfactory [2]. The app is rated 4.8 out of 5, and 92 % of learners report that 1‑on‑1 lessons are more enjoyable than other methods [2].

Preply also includes AI‑powered tools that let users add vocabulary from lessons, practice flashcards, and receive progress notifications [2]. However, the platform has been criticized for a “subscription trap” that pushes monthly hour bundles, which can expire unused [1]. Tutor commissions of 18 %–33 % can also inflate prices [1].

Key points

• Extensive tutor pool – over 100 000 native speakers.
• Broad language coverage – more than 90 languages.
• Structured learning tools – flashcards, progress tracking, and AI assistance.
• Paid model – lessons start at $10; no free tier for live conversation.

Preply suits learners who need personalized instruction, curriculum guidance, and reliable feedback from qualified tutors.

3. When to Choose One Over the Other

If a learner’s primary goal is to get as much spoken practice as possible without spending money, Talk4Now’s free, instant rooms are a clear advantage. The lack of a booking system means practice can happen whenever motivation strikes, which is especially useful for intermediate speakers who need “flight time” between formal lessons.

Conversely, learners who prefer a curated learning path, want to track progress, or need feedback on grammar, pronunciation, or business language will benefit from Preply’s extensive tutor network and AI‑enhanced tools. The ability to select a tutor based on native status, price, and availability gives a level of personalization that Talk4Now does not provide.

In short, the “best” app depends on the learner’s stage and objectives: free speaking practice versus structured, paid tutoring.

FAQ

Is Talk4Now truly free? Yes. The service does not require a subscription or per‑lesson payment; users can join live voice rooms without creating an account [1].

What is Preply’s refund policy? If a learner is unhappy with the first lesson, Preply will either refund the payment or replace the tutor at no additional cost [2].

How many languages does each platform support? Preply lists support for over 90 languages [2]. Talk4Now’s language coverage is not detailed in the source material, so the exact count is unspecified.

Comparison Table

Feature	Talk4Now	Preply
Cost	Free, no subscription	Paid lessons start at $10; no free live conversation
Access Speed	Immediate (under 10 seconds) [1]	Requires account creation and booking
Tutor Selection	No individual tutor profiles	>100 000 tutors, searchable by native speaker, price, availability
Rating	Not listed	4.8 / 5 [2]
Languages Supported	Not specified	90+ languages [2]
Subscription Model	None	Monthly hour bundles; “use‑it‑or‑lose‑it” pressure [1]

Sources

[1] https://talk4now.com/blog/preply-alternatives-5-best-apps-for-1-on-1-lessons-and-speaking-2026 [2] https://preply.com/en/blog/best-language-learning-apps/