Lingoda vs. AmazingTalker: Find the best language learning platform for your goals

tow girls comparing lingoda vs amazingtalker and making a pros and cons list

If you’ve thought about learning a language online, you’ve probably come across Lingoda and AmazingTalker. They’re two big names in online language learning, but they work in very different ways.  

In this guide, we’ll take a close look at Lingoda vs. AmazingTalker to help you decide which platform fits your learning style and budget and will help you reach your goals the fastest. From lesson formats and teacher quality to flexibility and pricing, we’ll break down how each service works in practice. You’ll be able to spend less time comparing and more time learning your new language. 


Quick comparison at a glance

Key differences table

LingodaAmazing Talker
ModelStructured online language school with small-group or private classesOpen tutor marketplace where learners choose individual teachers
Languages offeredEnglish, German, French, Spanish, Italian, and Business EnglishOver 100 languages
Class formatSmall groups (5 students maximum) or 1:11:1 only
Flexibility24/7 booking with fixed lesson structureFully flexible, depending on tutor availability
CertificatesYes: CEFR-based completion certificates for every levelNo formal certificates or level tracking
Speaking focusStrong speaking practice in every classDepends on the tutor’s teaching style
PricingVaries - starts from $7.99 (about €7.35) per group classPay-per-lesson - typically $10–$40/hour (about €9 and €37)

Who each platform suits best

If you like having a clear structure and measurable progress, Lingoda is made for you. Its professionally designed curriculum and certified teachers help you steadily advance from one CEFR level to the next. Plus, you'll receive certificates at each level, which is great if you want to be able to prove your achievements.

On the other hand, if you prefer a casual, mix-and-match approach to learning materials or want to choose one tutor and stick with them, AmazingTalker allows you to do that. It’s a good fit for learners who enjoy flexibility and want to customize every aspect of their lessons without sticking to a fixed path.

What are Lingoda and AmazingTalker?

Lingoda overview

Lingoda is an online language school offering live, small-group and individual classes with native-level teachers. It offers multiple languages, including English, German, and Spanish, with all classes following a CEFR-aligned curriculum. You can get CEFR-certified with Lingoda by attending 90% of your classes at a certain level. 

AmazingTalker overview

AmazingTalker is a global tutor marketplace, offering 1:1 lessons with native-speaking teachers in languages as diverse as Korean and Finnish. Teachers set the pricing with AmazingTalker, and learners have the flexibility to choose their preferred tutor and price. As lessons don’t follow a structured curriculum, learners can enjoy a personalized experience, with classes tailored to their individual needs. 

Discover Lingoda. Reach your goals.

How it works

Teaching model and curriculum

Lingoda’s structured learning path

Learning with Lingoda means knowing exactly where you’re heading. You follow a curriculum aligned to the CEFR framework, which is the international standard for language proficiency used across Europe. 

Lingoda’s courses range from beginner level (A1) to advanced (C1). The lessons are designed by professionals in language education, and each one builds on the last to ensure you make steady progress rather than jumping around to different topics.

AmazingTalker’s personalized tutoring

Lessons with AmazingTalker vary by tutor as there’s no fixed curriculum. This flexible approach is good for students who have a specific goal, like learning phrases for travel or focusing solely on improving your pronunciation. The trade-off is that your learning path might feel less structured. You’ll need to be proactive about setting goals and checking your own progress, or in choosing a tutor who will help you do that.

Grammar and speaking balance

Again, with AmazingTalker, the balance between grammar and speaking varies based on your tutor’s style and how you want the lessons to look. 

With Lingoda, grammar practice and speaking are built into the curriculum together. Your teacher will introduce new structures, then help you use them in interactive conversations. 

Teacher quality and learning experience

Qualifications

AmazingTalker employs native-speaking teachers, but they don’t insist on teachers being certified. This means that the quality of tutoring may vary, and it will be up to you to vet teachers through trial classes. Meanwhile, Lingoda does the work for you by employing only certified, native-level teachers. 

Class format and size

With Lingoda, you can choose what works best for you: small-group classes or private 1:1 lessons. Group sessions include just 3 to 5 students, so they’re small enough for everyone to participate but lively enough for real conversation practice. If you prefer a completely personalized experience, Lingoda also offers private lessons. 

AmazingTalker, on the other hand, focuses solely on 1:1 classes, which can be great for flexibility but means you’ll miss out on the dynamic of learning alongside others.

Feedback and progress tracking

Lingoda offers structured and personalized feedback after each class, helping you to know what you’ve achieved and what you need to work on. As with everything with AmazingTalker, the level of feedback depends on the individual tutor.

Flexibility, scheduling and motivation

Scheduling options

Both Lingoda and AmazingTalker give you flexibility, but in slightly different ways. With Lingoda, you can book classes 24/7, thanks to a global team of teachers. Whether you’re an early riser or a night owl, there’s always a lesson available. Even if you’re signed up for group classes, you’re not tied to a specific time or tutor. For every lesson, you can just pick a time that fits your schedule and join a class instantly.

AmazingTalker is also flexible, but availability depends on individual tutor calendars. You’ll need to coordinate times directly with your chosen teacher, which can be great if you’ve found someone you love learning with, but less convenient if your schedule changes often.

Learning consistency

Lingoda’s fixed curriculum promotes accountability: you can see where you started and where you’re going. With AmazingTalker, you have more freedom to pursue your own learning path, but less structure and fewer measurable outcomes. 

Motivation tools

While all language learning as an adult relies on self-discipline to an extent, Lingoda offers an incentive in the form of its Sprint challenges. The Sprint rewards learners who commit to regular attendance with cash-back prizes or discounts. It’s a great way to stay accountable while making progress fast. If you learn with AmazingTalker, it will be up to you to stay on track. 

Pricing and value for money

Lingoda’s subscription model

Lingoda works on a subscription model, offering monthly packages for both small-group classes and private lessons. You also get access to over 100 hours of self-study materials so you can continue your progress between classes. You can cancel, pause or change your plan at any time, and certification is included in the price. 

AmazingTalker’s pay-per-lesson model

On the AmazingTalker platform, prices are set by tutors and average between $10 and $40 (about €9 and €37) per class, though some teachers set prices higher. You pay per lesson, giving you maximum flexibility, but no set path. 

Cost vs. results

With Lingoda, your subscription buys you structured progress and measurable outcomes. You know exactly where each dollar you spend is taking you. However, if you have a short-term goal, let’s say you booked a spontaneous trip to Spain and want to pick up a few phrases before you go, AmazingTalker might be a better fit. 

Certification and recognition

The CEFR scale is widely recognized by employers, particularly in Europe. A certificate issued by Lingoda can help prove your language level and ability to work in that language. AmazingTalker doesn’t offer formal certification or follow a recognized level system. 

Pros and cons summary

Choosing between Lingoda and AmazingTalker comes down to what kind of learner you are and what you expect from a language course. Here’s a quick breakdown of the pros and cons of each:

Lingoda pros: 

  • You follow a structured CEFR-aligned curriculum for steady, measurable progress. 
  • You learn from qualified, native-level teachers with professional training. 
  • There’s a strong focus on live speaking and real communication. 
  • You receive certificates for each level you complete. 
  • You benefit from a flexible online schedule, with classes available 24/7. 

Lingoda cons: 

  • The subscription model may feel less flexible if you prefer to take occasional lessons or aren’t ready to commit to a full course. 

AmazingTalker pros: 

  • You have flexibility in your choice of tutor, and you choose who you learn with. 
  • The pay-as-you-go pricing gives you maximum flexibility. 
  • Lessons can be completely personalized to your needs and interests. 

AmazingTalker cons: 

  • The quality of tutors and lessons may be inconsistent. 
  • There’s no standard structure or defined curriculum. 
  • You won’t receive a certificate showing your progress. 

What learners say

Find a couple of quotes on UGC about each platform.

  • On Reddit’s r/languagelearning space, user indzan writes, “I did a sprint in December and it got me completely hooked on Lingoda.” You’ve been warned! Additionally, they write about their apprehension about taking group classes but say they have come to enjoy interacting with other learners, with the average class size being just three people. 
  • Meanwhile, over on Trustpilot, one poster was 5 classes into learning Spanish with Lingoda and wrote, “I feel like it’s helping my speaking skills already.” He also loves the fact that teachers and his fellow students are from all over the world. 
  • AmazingTalker learners are happy on Trustpilot, too, with one commenting that the lessons with their teacher were “casual and fun” and another praising their tutor for help with pronunciation for their work as an actor. However, you may want to be careful when choosing a teacher, as Redditors in the r/OnlineESLTeaching forum note that many of the teachers claim to be native speakers when they’re not, and many on Trustpilot have had issues with the website interface. 

How flexible are Lingoda vs AmazingTalker with scheduling and lessons?

Both are flexible but in different ways. With Lingoda, you can choose classes 24/7, every day of the year. With AmazingTalker, you’ll need to coordinate with your chosen tutor to schedule lessons. 

Which platform is better for beginners vs advanced learners?

Beginners in particular will benefit from Lingoda’s structured approach, building on new vocabulary and grammar and introducing it in conversations. Advanced learners may do well on either platform, depending on their goals. 

The bottom line: Which platform wins for your learning style?

Both Lingoda and AmazingTalker have something to offer depending on what kind of learner you are. If you value structure and steady, measurable progress, Lingoda’s certified teachers and CEFR-aligned materials make it a clear winner. Lingoda specializes in major European languages, so it’s a strong choice if you’re hoping to learn English, German, French, Spanish, or Italian, and get a certificate to prove the progress you’ve made.  

However, if you’re hoping to learn a more niche language and you value freedom and flexibility, AmazingTalker’s open marketplace model might suit you better. But for learners looking for real progress, Lingoda offers the right combination of structured curriculum and conversation practice to get you on your way. 

Discover Lingoda. Reach your goals.

How it works

Laura Jones

Laura Jones

Laura is a freelance writer and was an ESL teacher for eight years. She was born in the UK and has lived in Australia and Poland. She loves travelling and that’s the other major topic that she writes on. Laura likes pilates and cycling, but when she’s feeling lazy she can be found curled up watching Netflix. She’s currently learning Polish, and her battle with that mystifying language has given her huge empathy for anyone struggling to learn English. Find out more about her work in her portfolio.