The Absolute Best Online Spanish Tutors for Adults (Top 6)
Hi, I’m Jorge Vazquez, a guest writer for SpanishTutoring.com. I hold a Master’s Degree in Spanish as a Foreign Language and have had the privilege of helping over 5,000 students from around the world master the language—by this, I mean speaking Spanish fluently and confidently. In 1998, I began teaching at a time when language learning was limited to textbooks and cassette tapes—a stark contrast to the options available today, where you can learn from excellent online Spanish tutors from around the world.
Learning a language is a significant investment of time and resources, and finding the right online Spanish tutor is critical to your success. After years of teaching on various platforms and speaking with many of my students, I’ve compiled this guide to help you navigate the best options available.
How is the list organized?
This isn’t just another top-six list; it’s a carefully crafted selection of the best online platforms based on what I believe to be the best-case scenario for most adult learners.
The first platform on this list is, in my opinion, the ideal choice if you have the flexibility, the budget, and the desire for top-tier, personalized instruction. The remaining platforms are also strong contenders that will also help you speak Spanish fluently, listed from the best to good options.
However, as with any service, there are important considerations to keep in mind. That’s why each entry comes with a “Word of Caution.” These aren’t just footnotes—they’re essential insights that can help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure you get the most out of your learning experience. Even the best platforms have their limitations, and understanding these from the start will set you up for success.
I’ve included a range of options to cater to different needs, whether you’re looking for Spanish teachers via Zoom, want to focus on relaxed conversational Spanish interactions, or have other industry-specific learning goals. No matter which platform you choose, understanding the cautions I’ve highlighted will make a big difference. This guide is meant to be more than just a ranking; it’s a resource to help you make an informed choice that aligns with your goals, preferences, and circumstances.
I’ll leave you with a quote from one of my Spanish students, Albert Espey, an executive in the healthcare industry from Boston, Massachusetts.
“After so many failed attempts, hiring a qualified Spanish tutor is the single best decision I’ve made in my journey to fluency”.
#1
Spanish55 is an online Spanish academy specializing in one-on-one tailor-made Spanish lessons for adults in the United States. Known for its high level of personalization and commitment to each student’s progress, Spanish55 offers the closest experience to meeting in person with a qualified Spanish tutor at a brick-and-mortar language academy.
Pros:
- Highly personalized learning plans tailored to individual goals.
- All tutors are native Spanish speakers with extensive teaching experience.
- Admissions and Student Success Team assisting you every step of the way
- Tutors are carefully selected by their academic leadership team
Cons:
- Higher pricing compared to other platforms – Average $32/lesson
- Limited to one-on-one lessons; no group options.
- Most tutors are from Mexico, which may limit exposure to other dialects.
- Only works with adult learners
Who It’s For: Spanish55 is ideal for professionals and serious learners who want a highly personalized and flexible learning experience. It’s particularly well-suited for those who need to fit language learning into a busy schedule and prefer the focused attention that comes with one-on-one lessons.
Word of Caution: The cost of this service may be prohibitive for some, so it’s important to consider the long-term investment. Reviews show that many students stay with this platform for several years—sometimes over three years—so it’s crucial to factor this into your decision. Remember, learning Spanish is a marathon, not a sprint. Ensure you’re fully aware of the time commitment required to reach your goals, and weigh this against the ongoing cost to determine if it’s the right fit for you.
Pricing: Spanish55 offers “month-to-month” and “quarter to quarter” plans that range from $30 to $35 per lesson, depending on the frequency of the lessons. The service is priced at a premium, but the quality of instruction and personalized approach justify the cost for many learners.
Free Trial/Consultation: Spanish55 offers a free 55-minute consultation to help you understand the service and determine if it’s the right fit for your needs. This consultation also includes a personalized learning plan. The process is guided by a New Student Advisor who will make sure you are paired with the best possible Spanish tutor.
*Spanish55 compensates tutors when they offer free trial lessons.
What Students Should Expect from Spanish55: Students can expect a highly personalized and professional learning experience. Spanish55 emphasizes tailored lesson plans designed around each student’s specific goals. Whether that’s mastering conversational Spanish for travel, learning medical Spanish, or achieving fluency for everyday interactions with Spanish speakers. The service is praised for its structured approach and the dedication of its tutors and staff. Online reviews mention they are deeply committed to ensuring each student’s success.
#2
Italki is a popular website with thousands of online Spanish tutors. Known for its strong focus on conversational Spanish, it’s an excellent choice for learners looking to improve their speaking skills. This website is perfect for intermediate to advanced learners, each tutor adjusts pricing so there is a tutor for every budget!
Pros:
- Wide variety of tutors, including community tutors and professional teachers.
- Flexible, pay-per-lesson pricing model.
- Strong focus on conversation practice.
- Lots of extracurricular content
- Community Tutors (italki review)
- Great for casual conversational Spanish (B1 level students and above)
Cons:
- The quality of tutors can vary significantly, as they are not thoroughly vetted
- No structured courses, better suited for self-directed learners.
- No support for teachers or tutors
Who It’s For: italki is ideal for learners who want flexibility and prefer to pay per lesson. It’s especially useful for those who want to focus on conversational Spanish and interact with native speakers regularly. Great if you’re looking for a more casual and relaxed experience.
Word of Caution: Italki has many positive reviews, but keep in mind that their appealing affiliate program may influence some of the praise. While this doesn’t necessarily detract from the platform’s value, it’s worth considering. Also, since there are no barriers to entry for tutors, it’s up to you to find a qualified tutor that fits your needs.
Pricing: Tutors on Italki charge between $10 and $30 per hour. The pricing varies depending on whether the tutor is a community tutor or a professional teacher. As a general rule, tutors that charge less are less experienced.
Free Trial/Consultation: Italki doesn’t offer free trials, but many tutors provide discounted rates for the first lesson, allowing you to assess if they’re the right fit.
*iTalki does not compensate tutors when they offer free trial lessons.
What Students Should Expect from Preply: Students using iTalki can expect a relaxed and friendly learning experience, with a strong emphasis on conversational Spanish. However, it’s important to note that not all tutors on the platform are professional teachers. While this means that the quality of instruction may vary, the platform offers a wide range of options to suit different budgets and learning styles, making it a versatile choice for language learners.
#3
Preply stands out as a leading platform for finding quality Spanish tutors. With thousands of online Spanish tutors available, it’s certainly possible to find someone who matches your learning style and budget. If you have the time for a bit of trial and error, give Preply.com a try!
Pros:
- Wide selection of native online Spanish tutors
- Flexible scheduling and pricing.
- User-friendly platform with a robust filtering system.
Cons:
- Quality of tutors can vary widely.
- What the teacher does or what their teaching style may be is completely up to the teachers.
- Trial lessons are not always free.
- Time zone challenges
Who It’s For: Preply.com is ideal for learners at all levels (and all ages) who want flexibility in both scheduling and pricing. It’s particularly useful if you’re looking for Spanish teachers via Zoom who can tailor lessons to your specific needs, whether that’s business Spanish or conversational Spanish.
Word of Caution: Flexibility goes both ways so expect your tutor to request last minute changes, raise prices, or even move to a different online platform.
Pricing: Prices on Preply.com can vary significantly, with tutors charging anywhere from $10 to $50 per hour, depending on their experience and qualifications. There’s also an option for a trial lesson, which typically comes at a discounted rate.
Free Trial/Consultation: While Preply offers trial lessons, they are usually not free. However, they provide a cost-effective way to assess if a tutor is the right fit for you.
*Preply does not compensate tutors when they offer free trial lessons.
What Students Should Expect from Preply: Students on Preply should expect a fun learning experience. The platform allows you to set your own goals and preferences, ensuring that the tutor you choose is aligned with your objectives. Many users praise the convenience of finding online Spanish tutors who can adapt to different learning styles and offer lessons at a time that suits them. If you are an A2 level student or above and wish to improve your conversational Spanish abilities, Preply may be a great option for you.
#4
Wyzant is known for offering some of the best teachers across a variety of subjects, including Spanish. The platform is praised for its highly qualified tutors and flexible scheduling options.
Pros:
- Access to highly qualified, often certified, tutors.
- Pay-as-you-go model with no subscription required.
- Option for in-person or online lessons.
- On-demand content
Cons:
- Typically more expensive than other platforms.
- Large corporation with little to no customer service.
- Overly broad range of offerings
- Mixed customer experiences
Who It’s For: Wyzant is ideal for learners of all ages who want to work with highly qualified tutors, often with teaching certifications. It’s a great option for those who prioritize quality over cost and are looking for a more structured learning environment.
Word of Caution: If you’re new to hiring tutors, it can be tough to assess a tutor’s proficiency on this platform. The service offers a wide range of tutors without vetting them, so you must rely on their profiles. This isn’t an issue if you know what you’re looking for, but it’s important to note since the service is priced at a premium.
Pricing: Tutors on Wyzant tend to charge higher rates, often between $40 and $70 per hour, reflecting their qualifications and experience. However, the platform’s flexibility in scheduling and session length can offer good value.
Free Trial/Consultation: Wyzant does not typically offer free trials, but some tutors may be willing to discuss your needs in a brief consultation before the first paid session.
*Wyzant does not compensate tutors when they offer free trial lessons.
What Students Should Expect from Wyzant: Students should expect a professional and structured learning environment. Many tutors on this platform are certified teachers, offering a high level of expertise. The platform is especially recommended for those looking for rigorous and high-quality instruction, whether you’re focusing on grammar, vocabulary, or conversational Spanish.
#5
Verbling is a dedicated language learning platform that connects students with quality online Spanish tutors around the world.
Pros:
- Offers a seamless online classroom experience.
- All tutors are required to have teaching experience.
- Strong focus on language immersion and cultural learning.
- Good for casual conversational Spanish (A2 level students and above)
Cons:
- Higher pricing compared to other platforms.
- Fewer tutors available compared to larger platforms with a similar structure
- Mixed experiences since Verbling got acquired by Bussu
Who It’s For: : Verbling is ideal for learners who want a more immersive experience and are willing to invest in a tutor with verified teaching experience. It’s also a great choice for those who appreciate a well-designed, user-friendly platform.
Word of Caution: Some tutors, as independent contractors from around the world, have raised concerns about stricter rules since the company’s acquisition. Additionally, Verbling has an affiliate program, which might influence some of the positive reviews you see. Make sure your tutor is happy with the platform and committed to your long-term progress.
Pricing: Prices on Verbling start around $20 per hour, with most tutors charging between $20 and $40 per hour. Given the required qualifications of the tutors, generally, the cost reflects the quality of instruction.
Free Trial/Consultation: Verbling offers free trial lessons with many tutors, allowing you to test out the service and see if it meets your needs.
*Verbling does not compensate tutors when they offer free trial lessons.
What Students Should Expect from Verbling: Students on Verbling can anticipate a high-quality, immersive Spanish learning experience that goes beyond just language instruction. The platform places a strong emphasis on cultural learning, which many reviews highlight as a standout feature. Verbling’s proprietary video-calling software and advanced online classroom tools further enhance the learning process, making it easier to engage with your online Spanish tutor and monitor your progress. This combination of cultural focus and cutting-edge technology sets Verbling apart from other language-learning platforms.
#6
Live Lingua is a well-regarded platform offering personalized tutoring from quality online Spanish tutors. Known for its professional approach, it’s a great choice for learners who want tailored lessons that match their specific goals.
Pros:
- Tutors are certified and experienced.
- Personalized lessons based on individual needs.
- Strong focus on student-teacher interaction.
Cons:
- Higher pricing compared to similar offerings
- Free trial is free for student but not paid for the teacher
- Manual scheduling over email
Who It’s For:
Word of Caution: Live Lingua operates as a boutique service, with teachers primarily from Latin America. However, this also means that processes like scheduling are often handled manually through email, which can be inconvenient and time-consuming for busy professionals in the United States. Additionally, while they advertise the free resources, students have noted that these are often scanned PDFs from old books used by the Peace Corps, so the quality may not always meet modern standards.
Pricing: Live Lingua’s pricing starts at around $27 per hour, unless you are willing to commit to a larger purchase of lesson credits. Specialized or what they call “professional” lessons start at $32 USD.
Free Trial/Consultation: Live Lingua offers a free 30-minute trial session, allowing you to meet a tutor and discuss your goals before committing to a paid lesson.
*Live Lingua does not compensate tutors when they offer free trial lessons.
What Students Should Expect from Livelingua: Students can expect a quality learning experience with friendly tutors from Latin America. The platform’s tutors are known for their professionalism and ability to create a supportive and effective learning environment. Reviews often highlight the strong student-teacher relationships.
Parting words
I hope my selection of Spanish tutors helps guide you toward the right choice for your language-learning journey as an adult. Over the years, I’ve dabbled in learning French, Portuguese, and even Russian, so I understand the challenges and rewards that come with picking up a new language as an adult. One thing I’ve learned is that having the right tutor can make all the difference. Whether your goal is to refine your conversational skills or achieve fluency for professional purposes, each platform in this guide offers something unique.
Take the time to explore these options, and don’t forget to read the “Word of Caution” sections carefully—these insights are there to help you avoid potential pitfalls and make the best possible decision for your situation. Starting with a free trial or consultation is a great way to get a feel for the platform and see if it matches your learning style.
Remember, language learning is a journey that requires patience and persistence, but with the right tutor by your side, you’ll find yourself making progress more quickly than you might expect. Best of luck on your path to mastering Spanish—I’m confident that with the right support, you’ll achieve your goals.