With the vast array of online language courses and websites available, it can become overwhelming to choose the right one. We’re here to make that decision easier for you.
In recent years, Lingoda has emerged as a viable option for individuals looking to learn a new language. Are you wondering if Lingoda lives up to its hype?
In today’s article, we’ll discuss Lingoda’s classes, key features, prices, and more. Keep reading to find out if the language-learning platform is worth your time and investment.
Lingoda Review: In A Nutshell
| Criteria | Rating |
| User interface | 5/5 |
| Effectiveness | 4.5/5 |
| Value for money | 4/5 |
| Beginner-friendly | 5/5 |
| Overall | 4.6/5 |
Lingoda Pros And Cons
Comparing the benefits and downsides of Lingoda can help you make a more informed decision. Here are the pros and cons of the language-learning platform:
Pros:
- Live, one-on-one classes.
- Qualified instructors.
- Structured and comprehensive course curriculum.
- Emphasis on conversational skills rather than translation only.
- Flexible class timings.
Cons:
- It is expensive.
- Refunds have strict criteria.
- Very limited language options.
- Not self-paced learning.
- Users must have access to a good Internet connection to attend the live classes.
Who Is Lingoda Right For: Our Quick Verdict
Regardless of the language learning path you may be on, Lingoda is perfect for everyone- from beginners and individuals learning for fun to advanced and committed learners.
Lingoda greatly emphasizes conversational skills and practice rather than only translation. Therefore, if you already know a bit of a particular language and want to achieve fluency, you can try its courses.
Since Lingoda allows its users to speak to real people, the classes can be highly beneficial to students, business owners with international clients, and employees looking to improve their resumes.
The live classes of Lingoda may not be suitable for self-paced learners.
Lingoda Review: An Overview
Lingoda is an online language-learning platform. The creators started off as something called “Easy Languages,” then later established Lingoda in 2013. Initially, the platform only offered 1:1 German classes through Skype.
Lingoda caters to varying levels of skill. Before starting your classes, they give you an online placement test to determine your level. These levels are based on the CERF and are recognized worldwide.
The class timings are flexible, and you can find classes available 24/7, regardless of where you are in the world. But you need to book classes at your preferred time before they become unavailable. Group lessons only have five students per class, which allows for a more intimate experience. Each student can get the attention they need from the teacher.
Lingoda teachers are native-level professionals who can teach you the language as well as familiarise you with the country’s culture. Before your class begins, you can see which teacher will take it. So, if you have a favorite teacher, you can wait for their slot to become available to book with them.
Key Features Offered By Lingoda
Lingoda’s features do not differ from other language learning platforms, except for a few. Even though it does not have a stand-out or extraordinary element, it still does what it claims: make you fluent in your target language.
Here are the key features offered by Lingoda:
- Learn in a group or privately.
- Highly qualified, experienced, and native-level teachers.
- Social environment to connect with other students.
- Classes at every hour
- Customized language learning.
- High-quality, in-house-made learning materials.
- CEFR framework is followed to create levels.
- Accredited by the German government.
How Does Lingoda Work
Lingoda is more of an online language classes platform than a language-learning app. It provides the classroom experience with the convenience of choosing your lessons at your preferred time slot. To study with Lingoda, you need a laptop and a secure internet connection.
Classes take place in virtual classrooms where highly qualified and experienced teachers give you instant feedback. The structured courses and curriculum ensure that students progress step-by-step but quickly. Each student gets the time to practice conversing and pronunciation.
There are various learning levels between Beginner to Advanced, and each is split into grammar, vocabulary, and communication chapters. You’ll be taught the six levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, and C1. By the end of C1, you’ll have advanced in your target language.
After the class ends, you can recap the session. You also get homework after each class for self-study.
Languages Offered
Regarding the number of languages offered, Lingoda may not be the best in the market.
While other language learning platforms offer more than 10 or 20 languages, such as Busuu and Duolingo, Lingoda offers only four– English, French, German, and Spanish.
Business English is another option listed in Lingoda’s courses, but we have to put it in the same category as English.
Note that the English taught is British, although the instructors come from various countries, including the UK, the US, Canada, South Africa, and other English-speaking countries.
Similarly, the Spanish taught is Castilian Spanish; German lessons are based on standard German, and the French is European French, while the teachers may or may not belong to the regions these languages are spoken.
Learning Material And Instructors
One of the best features of Lingoda that makes it stand out in the vast ocean of language-learning platforms is the high-quality learning material and resources. They are handmade by the instructors themselves and constantly updated.
The learning materials are targeted to help you speak and converse in the language you want to learn. While the materials teach grammar and vocabulary well, the primary focus is practical learning.
As soon as you sign up for a course, you can access a bunch of downloadable resources on your dashboard. Students can review the notes before class to familiarise themselves with the topic beforehand. This eliminates the need to spend extra money on textbooks separately.
Lingoda’s courses are taught by over 1,500 native-level teachers, meaning these teachers are as good as native speakers. What better way to learn a new language than directly from the natives?
Language Sprint Program
The Lingoda Language Sprint Program are special plans that the platform offers occasionally. There are two versions of these– the Sprint and Super Sprint.
The Language Sprint is a two-month program or a challenge where you take 15 classes a month or 30 in two months. If you make it to all your classes and have full attendance, you get 50% of your money back.
The Super Sprint is similar. It is also a two-month program, but instead of 15 classes a month, you take 30– meaning 60 in two months. For 100% attendance, you get a FULL refund at the end of the Sprint.
This is an excellent opportunity because Lingoda rewards you for your commitment to learning!
User Experience And Interface
The interface of Lingoda is pretty clean. As soon as you log in to your account, you will see a dashboard where you can view your upcoming classes and their respective timings. You’ll also be able to see your weekly progress on the right-hand side.
You’ll be notified about your next class and when it starts as soon as you complete a class. For example, the dashboard will show, “Your next class starts in 1 day 2 hours”. There is a cancel button if you wish to cancel the next class and reschedule it sometime else.
Overall, the design is user-friendly and easy to navigate for even the most tech-illiterate people.
How Much Does it Cost?
As already mentioned, Lingoda offers courses for private and group classes. Naturally, the private lessons are focused on your needs and cost more than the group classes. Here are the subscription prices for private classes:
| No. Of Private Classes Per Month | Price Per Class | Billed Monthly |
| 5 | $35.20 | $175.99 |
| 12 | $29.17 | $349.99 |
| 20 | $24.50 | $489.99 |
| 40 | $21 | $839.99 |
Note that the more classes you opt for, the lesser you pay for each class.
Here are the pricings for group classes:
| No. Of Group Classes Per Month | Price Per Class | Billed Monthly |
| 5 | $15.20 | $75.99 |
| 12 | $12.50 | $149.99 |
| 20 | $11 | $219.99 |
| 40 | $10.25 | $409.99 |
You need to pay upfront for the entire month in both cases, whether you choose private or group lessons. For $10 to $20 for each class, Lingoda can be a cost-effective option. However, the upfront costs can be a bit too high for people with tight budgets.
The good news is that Lingoda offers a free trial of 7 days before charging your card. You get the free trial when you sign up for your preferred plan. For example, if you sign up for 5 private lessons in German, you’ll get the first week free, meaning you’ll get one class free. You can cancel your subscription before the trial ends if you don’t like the course.
Lingoda offers a money-back guarantee scheme, but only with some of their plans. When you sign up for Lingoda’s Super Sprint plan and have 100% attendance, you can earn 100% cashback on your subscription cost.
If Super Sprint isn’t the level of commitment you want to give to language learning, you can still get a cashback with regular Sprint.
Sprint programs start from $440/two months, while Super Sprint starts from $880/two months.
Lingoda Review: Alternatives
The language-learning industry is vast, meaning Lingoda has many competitors. If you don’t find Lingoda helpful or have a budget issue, you can try one of its alternatives listed below.
1. italki
italki offers over 150 languages and is cheaper than Lingoda. On italki, teachers can sign up and create their own courses, so the quality may vary and not be consistent.
Price: Starting from $10
2. Preply
Like italki, the quality of courses and teachers at Preply vary a lot. However, it offers three lessons, so you can check out if it’s worth it.
Price: Starting from $5 an hour.
3. Baselang
Baselang offers structured lessons and higher proficiency levels than Lingoda. However, Baselang focuses on Spanish lessons and provides the entire course for one price.
Price: $149 for a lifetime plan.
4. Babbel
Babbel provides complete courses on apps, unlike the live classes of Lingoda. Babbel can teach you translation and conversational skills, but not as good as Lingoda. But Babbel is cheaper and more flexible.
Price: Starting from $6.95 per month. You can know more about Babbel’s pricing here.
Related Read:
The Final Verdict: Is Lingoda Worth It?
We’ve compiled our honest thoughts about Lingoda in the article!
We’d strongly recommend Lingoda’s group classes for beginners. But if you can afford the private ones and prefer 1:1 learning, you can certainly choose them. Private classes offer a more self-paced study, while group classes can make you feel like you’re falling behind if you’re a slow learner.
Regardless of your plan, you will undoubtedly become fluent in your target language if you attend the classes, go through the learning material, and do the practice sessions and assignments. The teachers make sure the classes are enjoyable and interactive.
While not many languages are offered, the courses are comprehensive and high-quality. The best part is that the teachers make the notes themselves and update them timely. Considering the user interface, cost, and features, Lingoda is among the best in the market.
Overall, Lingoda is worth checking out.
FAQs
Studying consistently with Lingoda’s classes, reading the learning materials and resources, and practicing can help you become fluent. Lingoda’s instructors provide high-quality education and focus on conversational skills rather than simple translation.
Lingoda’s group classes consist of a maximum of five students. This means if you book a class with them, you will be learning with four other students during the call.
Lingoda is in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Therefore, the course certificates are recognized worldwide and accepted by employers, academic institutions, and immigration services.
