BaseLang vs Preply: What’s the Best Way to Learn Spanish Online?
BaseLang vs Preply: Quick Comparison Overview
Key Differences at a Glance:
BaseLang: An online Spanish school offering unlimited one-on-one lessons with native teachers, combined with a structured curriculum – all for a flat monthly fee of $179/month.
Preply: An online tutoring marketplace where students can book pay-per-lesson classes with language tutors from around the world, tailored to their schedule and goals.
Pricing: With BaseLang, you pay a flat monthly rate for unlimited 1-on-1 classes. On Preply, you pay per hour, and rates vary by tutor.
Best for: BaseLang is best for learners who value a structured path and unlimited speaking practice. Preply is better suited for casual or goal-specific learners who prefer choosing tutors individually and learning at their own pace.
BaseLang vs Preply: Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | BaseLang | Preply |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | BaseLang $179/month (unlimited 1-on-1 classes) | Preply $5–40+ per hour (varies by tutor) |
| Class Structure | BaseLang 1-on-1 tutoring | Preply 1-on-1 tutoring |
| Curriculum Type | BaseLang Structured, progressive program | Preply Tutor-dependent, customizable |
| Scheduling Flexibility | BaseLang Classes available 24/7, book up to 5min in advance | Preply Depends on each tutor’s availability |
| Teacher Selection | BaseLang 350+ experienced Spanish teachers | Preply Choose from 10,000+ tutors |
| Trial Options | BaseLang Your first 7 days for $1 | Preply Some tutors offer discounted first lessons |
| Refund Policy | BaseLang 35-day money-back guarantee | Preply No refunds for completed lessons |
| Mobile App | BaseLang Browser-based on any device | Preply iOS & Android |
BaseLang vs Preply Pricing: Cost Comparison Breakdown
BaseLang Pricing Structure
BaseLang uses a simple monthly subscription model with unlimited access to 1-on-1 Spanish lessons. Every session is private and with a native-speaking teacher. Pricing is straightforward and ideal for learners who want to maximize speaking time.
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Monthly plan: $179/month
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Includes unlimited 1-on-1 Spanish classes (no daily caps)
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First week trial: $1 for 7 days
Looking for a lighter option?
BaseLang also offers a Lite Plan for $99/month, which includes one 30-minute 1-on-1 lesson per day, perfect for learners who want consistency without going all-in.
Preply Pricing Structure
Preply follows a marketplace model where tutors set their own hourly rates. Pricing varies widely based on experience, specialization, and ratings.
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Budget tutors: $5–15 per hour
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Experienced tutors: $15–25 per hour
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Professional teachers: $25–40+ per hour
By default, Preply uses a subscription model, where you commit to a set number of weekly lessons and get billed monthly.
However, pay-as-you-go is still possible , you can switch to one-off lesson bookings if preferred.
Cost Per Hour Analysis
If you take just 10 hours of lessons a month, BaseLang averages out to $18/hour ($179 ÷ 10). But since lessons are unlimited, the more you use it, the lower your effective hourly rate – making it ideal for frequent learners.
Preply’s cost depends entirely on your selected tutor — typically between $5–40+ per hour, and with no unlimited option. For high usage, BaseLang provides better value.
Learning Approach: BaseLang vs Preply Teaching Methods
BaseLang's Structured Curriculum Approach
BaseLang’s program is built around one goal: getting you to speak confidently, fast.
They use a 10-level, step-by-step curriculum designed to take students from absolute beginner to advanced fluency.
Level 0 starts with complete survival Spanish for those who have never studied before, while the upper levels align with advanced C1–C2 DELE curriculum content.
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10 curriculum levels (0 to 9), from survival to advanced fluency
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Structured lesson path with clear progression and electives to learn specialized vocabulary
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Emphasis on Latin American Spanish
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Exposure to culture, accents, and everyday language through native teachers
Preply's Individual Tutor Method
Preply’s strength lies in customization.
Each tutor brings their own teaching style, materials, and approach. This allows for highly personalized lessons tailored to specific goals, interests, and learning preferences.
- Customized lesson plans
- Tutor-specific teaching materials
- Multiple Spanish dialects available
- Specialized courses (business, exam prep, etc.)
Scheduling Flexibility: BaseLang vs Preply Booking Systems
BaseLang Booking Flexibility
BaseLang students can book unlimited 1-on-1 lessons anytime, 24/7, with full real-time access to lesson slots in their time zone. Booking within minutes is easy, and students can also schedule up to five days ahead. Need to cancel? No problem. Do it anytime before class with zero penalty.
Preply Scheduling Options
Preply offers flexible scheduling, but it depends on your chosen tutor’s availability.
Since each tutor sets their own hours, instant access isn’t guaranteed. You’ll need to coordinate a time that works for both of you. Availability can vary widely between tutors, making the option to book classes at the last-minute unlikely.
Who Should Choose BaseLang vs Preply?
BaseLang Is Best For:
- Students who prefer a structured, progressive curriculum
- Learners seeking unlimited 1-on-1 practice with native speakers
- Students looking for an affordable way to take classes several times a week
- Those who benefit from daily consistency and a guided path
- Beginners who don’t want to figure it out on their own
- Students interested in Latin American Spanish specifically
- Adults with busy or changing schedules, who need to be able to book last minute and value 24/7 availability
Preply Is Best For:
- Students wanting 1-on-1 personalized attention with tutor flexibility
- Learners with very specific or niche goals (e.g., regional dialects, test prep)
- Casual learners who only want occasional lessons
- People studying multiple languages, not just Spanish
- People who don’t mind coordinating schedules with individual tutors
BaseLang vs Preply: Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on your usage. BaseLang costs $179/month for unlimited private classes, which breaks down to about $18/hour if you take 10 hours monthly.
BaseLang also offers a Lite plan for $99/mo which gives you access to 1 x 30 minute class per day.
Preply ranges from $5-40+ per hour depending on your tutor choice.
For anyone who wants frequent classes, BaseLang typically offers better value.
Preply is better for casual learners.
Both platforms have qualified teachers, but they differ in selection and training. BaseLang employs native teachers from Latin America and provides them with standardized in-house training to ensure consistency and quality.
Preply operates as a marketplace with 10,000+ independent tutors. Qualifications, experience, and teaching styles vary widely; you choose based on what matters most to you, like accent, background, or specialization.
Both platforms allow you to cancel at any time.
BaseLang offers a 35-day money-back guarantee, while Preply operates on a pay-per-lesson basis with no long-term commitments.
BaseLang typically works better for absolute beginners due to its structured curriculum and guided progression.
However, beginners who prefer slower pacing might benefit from Preply’s flexible approach.
BaseLang vs Preply: Final Recommendation
Both BaseLang and Preply excel in different areas. BaseLang offers exceptional value for students who want structured learning with unlimited practice opportunities, while Preply provides personalization and flexibility for targeted learning goals.
Choose BaseLang if you’re seeking structured progression, want unlimited conversation practice, and prefer predictable monthly costs. Choose Preply if you need specific goals addressed and value a slower pace and flexibility.