*This article may contain affiliate links. For full information, please see the disclaimer here.
English learners around the world have always enjoyed an abundance of learning resources. After all, learning (and teaching) English as a second language has existed as far back as the 15th century.
Today, one of the most popular sites for learning English is Cambly. With tutors from the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Australia, Cambly is an awesome way to get started with your first English lesson.
But, if for some reason, you find Cambly lacking, or want to try something else, fret not. There are lots of good Cambly alternatives in the market.
What is Cambly?
Founded in 2013 and headquartered in California, Cambly is a language learning site that gives English learners instant one-on-one access to friendly and competent native-speaking English tutors via video chat.
Cambly exclusively offers English lessons. The courses come varied though, with tracks covering conversational English, English for travel, business English, academic English, English for public speaking and exams, and many more. There are also well-crafted courses for kids!
Cambly tutors are mostly native English speakers or non-native speakers with teaching certificates or previous experience. Its app is user-friendly and many of the basic features you’ll find in other language tutoring sites are available on Cambly.
Why look for Cambly alternatives?
While this site does what it set out to do, other apps have features that aren’t available on Cambly. For one, Cambly doesn’t offer trial lessons. This means you don’t have a chance to try out a tutor first before paying and committing to lessons.
Also, Cambly has fixed pricing. Payment is on a subscription basis and it’s not limited to only one tutor or one course. You can choose the duration of the class (15, 30, or 60 minutes per day) and the frequency per week (2, 3, or 5 days). You can choose from monthly, quarterly, or yearly subscriptions.
While this subscription model eliminates the need to pay for every lesson, there also isn’t much room for flexibility. And it asks you to commit to a month of lessons right away.
Furthermore, Cambly neither has a community of learners nor free learning resources that students can tap – features that are almost always available in other apps similar to Cambly.
If the above reasons touch on your priorities, then yes, it’s time to look for Cambly alternatives. Here are some of the best options.
Best Cambly alternatives for finding English tutors online
1. Italki
We can’t talk about online tutors without mentioning italki. One of the most popular sites for language tutors, this alternative for Cambly has over 7,000 English tutors.
A wide variety of native and non-native English speakers offer courses such as English for beginners, English for business, and English test preparation. Through private lessons via video chat, your English tutor will provide practical knowledge and develop a personalized study plan that matches your pace and comfort.
You can easily choose a tutor by reviewing teacher profiles, which contain information such as their proficiency level, other languages they speak, and their course specialties. You can also choose based on your budget and availability. Check out our italki review here.
What I love about italki:
- Only pay per lesson and at the price that meets your budget
- Customized learning
- User-friendly and intuitive app
Pricing: Teachers set the rates. English lessons typically cost around $10 per hour. Avail of the discounted trial lesson.
2. Preply
If you want even more options, consider Preply, which has over 11,000 English tutors onboard!
Preply offers tutoring services in various subjects, not just languages. That said, it does have a solid database of language tutors, particularly for English.
When choosing a tutor, you can set your budget and preferred schedule. If you have preferences on accent and specialties, you can also fill this in. Tutor videos, as well as reviews, are available to help you decide.
A new feature of Preply is the group classes. Catering to learners of all fluency levels, the lessons last for 55 minutes. This is one of the best Cambly alternatives if a small (5-6 students) class is something that appeals to you.
What I love about Preply:
- Plenty of English tutors to choose from with detailed profiles
- Lessons tailored to your needs and skill level
- Money-back guarantee if you’re not happy with your selected tutor
Pricing: Varies per teacher but on average, it costs $15-20 per hour of English lessons. Try it now.
3. AmazingTalker
Whether you want to grow comfortable speaking English, you want to learn English grammar, or you’re a parent who wishes to raise a bilingual child, there’s a good AmazingTalker tutor who can help you.
One of the fastest-growing Cambly alternatives in the market, AmazingTalker has professional English tutors for toddlers, small children, older kids, middle and high school students, and adults of all levels, including tutors for beginner, intermediate and advanced English classes.
Each prospective tutor undergoes a rigorous hiring process so you can be sure that you’re getting quality teaching. Like italki and Preply, AmazingTalker has a pay-as-you-go scheme and allows for flexible scheduling.
What I love about AmazingTalker:
- Instant tutoring option, where you can see the tutor’s available days and times immediately
- Highly qualified tutors from around the globe
- Immersive lessons tailored for each learner
Pricing: On average, English sessions cost $10-30/hour. Book a trial lesson now.
4. Lingoda
Looking for Cambly alternatives with CEFR-aligned English courses? Lingoda has you covered.
This language tutoring site offers comprehensive online English classes that are focused not just on grammar and vocabulary but also on building confidence in speaking. Choose from general English or business English and take online classes solo or with a group anytime, anywhere.
What’s more, Lingoda offers a placement test and the Linguaskill test from Cambridge. Both tests assess your English skills, with certificates that can boost your CV.
What I love about Lingoda:
- Option to have private classes or group sessions
- Native-speaking trained teachers
- Helps build practical English skills
Pricing: Monthly subscriptions start at $60. Sign up for a 7-day free trial.
5. Live Lingua
Language immersion is a technique often touted for its efficiency. This is what Live Lingua focuses on with its personalized language programs.
With Live Lingua, you’ll learn from certified, native-speaking English tutors who will help you immerse in the language. Not only will you speak in English but also think in English. Along the way, you’ll build vocabulary as well as get to know your tutor’s culture, too.
To create a personalized path for you, Live Lingua first assesses your learning style, skill level, and learning goals. Then, it matches you to a tutor. You can then take a 30-minute trial lesson before committing to a tutor. Neat, right?
What I love about Live Lingua:
- Learning program customized to one’s learning style and needs
- Practical vocabulary and cultural insights
- Flexible scheduling and personalized feedback
Pricing: Starts at $20/hour for standard English lessons and $25 for exam prep. Sign up for a free trial now.
6. Novakid
Find an English tutor on Novakid
Parents looking for passionate teachers for your child, this one’s for you.
Novakid is an online English learning platform designed for children aged 4-12. This website (also available as an app) offers interactive lessons in a virtual classroom setting, taught by native English-speaking teachers. Through interactive lessons, games, and even virtual tours, children can develop their communication skills and confidence in using English.
Children learn via 1:1 classes, giving them individual attention and personalized feedback. The curriculum is based on the CEFR framework and is designed to be age-appropriate and cater to different proficiency levels, ensuring a smooth learning journey for every child.
What I love about Novakid:
- Interactive lessons focused on improving children’s speaking skills
- Certified ESL teachers with experience in teaching kids
- Parent’s account allows parents to monitor progress
Pricing: Starts from $11.8/lesson on the 1-month plan. Get discounts when you sign up for more months or try Novakid for free first!
7. Wyzant
For English learners looking for Cambly alternatives that offer both online and in-person lessons, Wyzant is worth looking into. The platform has over 6,000 private English tutors to choose from.
You’ll find a variety of English courses on Wyzant, from grammar to literature and exam preparations. Many of the tutors here have English-related degrees and have years of experience teaching the language.
Even better, with Wyzant, you only pay for the time you need. In fact, you’ll only be charged after your first lesson is complete!
What I love about Wyzant:
- A huge database of vetted English tutors
- Option to take online classes or face-to-face sessions
- No subscriptions, costly packages, or upfront payments
Pricing: Varies per tutor. On average, tutors charge $35-55/hour. Find a tutor now.
8. Lingopie
Find an English tutor on Lingopie
Maybe you want to learn English in a more casual and engaging manner. And what can be more engaging than learning through TV shows and movies? This is exactly what Lingopie offers.
Lingopie is one of the best apps to learn English. Through clickable subtitles on TV shows and films, you can gain new vocabulary and a bit of grammar. But Lingopie is not limited to self-learning.
In fact, you can set up private sessions with top English tutors on Lingopie Classroom. These tutors can help you process what you’ve learned from shows and take you through the technicalities of the language. This helps you actively apply the new vocabulary you’ve just gained.
What I love about Lingopie:
- Hand-picked English tutors from around the world
- Lessons supported by TV shows, movies, and music videos
- More casual learning environment
Pricing:Â Tutors charge $20/hour on average. You can book a session now or explore Lingopie first.
9. British Council English Online
Find an English tutor on the British Council
Founded in 1934, the British Council is an organization that champions British culture in the UK and abroad. It has offices worldwide and is known for advancing the UK’s foreign policy. But did you know that it also has a strong English education program?
The British Council’s Learn English program offers various tools such as online and face-to-face English courses for adults and kids, corporate training and assessments, mobile apps, and more. English Online, its online tutor platform, connects English learners with the best tutors via private one-to-one classes or group sessions.
Whether you’re a newbie or an advanced learner, English Online has the perfect course for you. You can choose your lesson themes, set a schedule, and pick a payment plan that suits your budget. Plus, you get British Council badges and certificates!
What I love about British Council:
- Option to learn privately or with a group
- Customizable lessons and schedules and flexible pricing plans
- Tutors vouched for a reputable organization
Pricing: Monthly subscriptions start at $88/month, which allows for five group sessions or two private classes. Try it for free for 7 days!
10. Promova
Find an English tutor on Promova
Relatively new in the market but promising, Promova is a Ukraine-born language-learning platform that offers self-paced courses in English, Spanish, Korean, French, Ukrainian, Portuguese, Arabic, Chinese, German, and Italian. However, for English learners, it offers more: private and group tutoring.
If you crave individualized attention and a tailored learning plan, Promova’s private lessons are ideal. Certified tutors assess your strengths and weaknesses, crafting a learning path that addresses your specific goals. Here, you receive immediate feedback on your progress and set your learning pace.
For a more interactive and social learning environment, Promova also offers engaging group lessons. With this, you connect with fellow learners, practice communication skills, and participate in conversations. The discussion is still led by a certified tutor and you still get immediate feedback but you also get encouraged by fellow learners of the same fluency level.
What I love about Promova:
- Option to get individual coaching or group sessions
- You can set 25-minute, 50-minute, or 90-minute sessions with your tutor.
- Goal-oriented classes with engaging materials
Pricing: As low as $5/class. Book a private trial lesson here or join small group lessons!
11. TutorABC
Sign up for classes on TutorABC
Want to converse with your foreign friends? Perhaps you’re planning to work abroad? No matter your English learning goals, TutorABC has a course designed to help you.
If you’re seeking to boost your conversational fluency, TutorABC’s AI Matching and Oxford Speak Now courses prioritize real-world communication. These interactive courses help you practice using English in everyday situations to build confidence and practical speaking skills.
However, if your goal is to ace standardized tests like the TOEFL or IELTS, you can opt for TutorABC’s comprehensive exam preparation courses. Expert tutors will guide you through exam strategies, test-taking techniques, and targeted practice exercises. These courses focus on both practical communication and academic achievement.
What I love about TutorABC:
- Has a variety of courses for specific goals
- You can choose from private courses, group courses, or a combination of both
- High-quality curriculums and exam-prep materials
Pricing: Varies per course. Check out the learning plans here.
12. English4Today
Find an English tutor on English4Today
You can think of English4Today as a multipurpose resource for English learning, and not just a tutoring platform.
This comprehensive platform combines online courses (with a teacher or for self-study) with a grammar reference, video mini-lessons, sound files, podcasts, forums, a dictionary, and a vocabulary builder. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, you can find something helpful here.
English4Today also has assessments that will give you an accurate CEFR / CAELT level, a report, and an authenticated certificate.
What I love about English4Today:
- Variety of resources for English learners of all levels
- Option to self-study or learn from a trained teacher
- Flexible and interactive materials
Pricing: Premium monthly membership starts from €5.99. Check out English4Today here.
13. Verbling
Featuring top-notch teachers and easy scheduling, Verbling is one of the most competent Cambly alternatives for English learners.
Verbling tutors are required to have previous teaching experience and at least a C2 proficiency level, which means you’re getting excellent teachers. What’s more, booking a lesson is super easy. You can even see if a teacher is online at any given time.
The tutor profiles on Verbling are as detailed as you’d want them to be. You’ll see info such as the tutor’s expertise, the number of students and lessons taught, response time, attendance rate, and even an online resume! The profiles help trim down your choices.
What I love about Verbling:
- Expert English tutors
- Competitive pricing
- Flexible and instant scheduling
Pricing: English lessons cost an average of $15-30 per hour. You may book the 30-minute free trial first.
14. Tutlo
Similar to Cambly, Tutlo offers only English lessons. Based in Poland, this English language platform offers on-demand lessons even without prior appointments. Service is available from Monday to Friday, 7 am to 10 pm, and also on weekends from noon to 6 pm.
You simply log in to the site to check if there are available teachers. Creating an account is free. Classes last for 20 minutes and are conducted by English native speakers or experienced local (Polish) tutors.
Tutlo tutors are tasked to determine your initial level of English before mapping out a custom learning path. What’s great is that you can try it for free first before committing to a plan. No strings attached!
What I love about Tutlo:
- Uses a modern teaching method based on immersion
- No appointment needed
- Choose from general English, business English, grammar, English for kids, and more.
Pricing: Prices range from $5-7 per lesson unit, depending on the level and length of the course.
15. Fluent City
Like Lingoda, Fluent City lets you choose between one-on-one lessons with an English online tutor or a group lesson. Whatever you choose, you get passionate and well-trained tutors.
Fluent City offers monthly study plans personalized to your interests and goals. What’s great here is that you’ll learn content that’s relevant to you and applicable to real-life scenarios.
Whether you’re a total beginner or looking for an accelerated learning path, Fluent City has study plans for you.
What I love about Fluent City:
- Option to take private lessons or study with a group
- Lessons based on your goals and interests
- Can work with the same teacher or select a new one if you wish to
Pricing:Â Monthly plans start at $49.
16. Verbalplanet
Like the other Cambly alternatives listed above, Verbalplanet offers one-to-one English lessons at flexible schedules and rates.
Lessons on Verbalplanet are interactive and geared to meet your unique learning goals. But it’s also ‘academic’ in a sense, as it follows CEFR standards and features a comprehensive feedback system. Tutors evaluate your speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills after every lesson.
This approach means you can track your progress. Plus, you and your tutor can work on areas that need improvement.
What I love about Verbalplanet:
- Tailor-made lessons
- Well-reviewed English tutors
- Fast feedback and fluency evaluation
Pricing: 45-minute lessons may cost between $15-30. You can get discounts for cumulative bookings.
17. SkimaTalk
Founded in Japan, SkimaTalk is an English language learning site that offers one-on-one lessons with native English speakers. Learning sessions last for 25 minutes.
Finding a skilled teacher on SkimaTalk is easy, thanks to its user-sourced rating system. You can schedule sessions anytime and classes are done via Skype.
Joining SkimaTalk is free and there are no monthly or annual fees. This means you can book sessions on a per lesson basis. The only downside is that as of writing, SkimaTalk only accepts payments via Japanese Yen so you need to convert your USD or whatever currency you’re using.
What I love about SkimaTalk:
- Highly-rated English tutors
- Hassle-free scheduling
- Lessons tailored to personal learning goals
Pricing: A 25-minute session costs an average of ¥1,100 or $9.
Bonus: Free alternatives to Cambly
Don’t want to spend a dime on English lessons just yet? Or maybe you just want to expand your learning arsenal? These free resources are not quite Cambly alternatives like the ones above but will surely help you reach your goals!
YouTube: Is there a more enjoyable way to learn English than immersing yourself in existing English content? YouTube has a wealth of videos that range from fun to educational.
Duolingo and Memrise: These gamified apps are among the most popular language resources and it offers English courses for various mother tongues. You’ll find yourself addicted in no time.
Quiz Your English: Preparing for an exam? This Cambridge Assessment app helps you gear up for B2 First and IELTS.
BBC Learning English: A comprehensive resource that combines lessons found on the BBC Learning English site, BBC’s language podcast and video series (including my favorite 6 Minute English), and quizzes.
HelloTalk and Tandem: Both language exchange apps let you chat with language learners around the world. You can learn English from a native speaker and you have to teach them your language in return.
Conclusion
Cambly has been around for a decade and has established itself as a trusted site for finding English language tutors online. The various courses it offers for both adults and kids are among the best in the market.
However, each learner has different needs and priorities. If the feature or benefit you’re looking for is not on Cambly, finding alternatives is a step in the right direction. Whatever platform you choose, make sure it serves your goals and you’re getting your money’s worth.