Is Preply Legit? 2026 Review, Safety Score & Payouts
By GrindBoss Team • Last updated: January 21, 2026
Preply Review Quick Verdict
The Bottom Line: Preply is a solid platform for gig workers who want to teach languages or other subjects online. You can set your own rates and schedule, and reach students worldwide.
Why We Love It
- Set your own hourly rates
- Flexible work schedule
- Access to global students
- Multiple payout options
The Catch
- ✕Need to find your own students
- ✕Competition with other tutors
- ✕No instant cashout feature
- ✕No signup bonus offered
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What is Preply & How Does It Work?
Preply is an online platform that connects tutors with students looking to learn new languages or other academic subjects. It allows gig workers to earn money by teaching online.
Unlike traditional schools, Preply lets you be your own boss, setting your hours and rates while teaching students from many different countries.
At A Glance
- TypeGig Apps
- PlatformDesktop & Mobile Web
- CostFree
- Est. Year2012 (14 Years)
How It Works
Create Your Profile
Sign up and build a tutor profile. Highlight your skills and experience to attract students.
Find Work
Students will search for tutors. Your profile helps them decide if you are a good match for their learning goals.
Teach and Earn
Connect with students in the virtual classroom. Teach lessons and get paid securely for your time.
Is Preply Legit or a Scam? (Safety Check)
When looking for online work, it is smart to check if a platform is real. Here is what we found about Preply's safety and background.
- Real Company, Established Platform: Preply Inc. has been around since 2012. They have a listed address in Brookline, MA, USA, and operate globally.
- Large User Base: The platform boasts over 100,000 experienced tutors and more than 300,000 five-star tutor reviews, showing active use and many connections.
- Secure Payments: Preply states that tutors 'Get paid securely'. This is important for gig workers wanting to ensure their earnings are safe.
- Wide Reach: Tutors from over 180 nationalities teach on Preply. This shows it is a well-known and used platform worldwide, not a small, unknown site.
Verdict: Legit
Preply is a legitimate company with a long history and a large user base. It is a real platform for online tutoring work.
How Much Money Can You Make? (Earning Potential)
Working on Preply lets you earn money by sharing your knowledge. How much you make can depend on a few things.
- Hourly Rate: Tutors on Preply can expect to earn between $15 and $40 per hour. You get to set your own rate, which gives you control over your income.
- Set Your Own Price: You decide how much to charge for your lessons. This means you can adjust your rates based on your experience, subject, and student demand.
- Student Availability: Your earnings depend on how many students book lessons with you. Building a good profile and getting positive reviews can help you get more work.
- Flexible Schedule: Since you set your own hours, you can work as much or as little as you want. This lets you fit tutoring around other commitments.
Bottom Line: You can earn a decent hourly wage on Preply, but how much you make overall depends on your efforts to attract students and your availability.
Preply Payment Methods & Cashout Speed
Getting paid easily and reliably is key for any gig worker. Preply offers several ways to cash out your earnings.
- Payment Method: You can receive your earnings through PayPal, Payoneer, or directly to your bank account. These are common and trusted payment options.
- Minimum Cashout: You only need to earn $5 to be able to withdraw your money. This is a very low amount, making it easy to access your funds quickly.
- Cashout Speed: Once you request a withdrawal, it usually takes 3 to 5 business days for the money to reach your account. This is a standard timeframe for online payments.
- Approval Process: Payments are processed after you complete lessons with your students. Preply handles the payment collection, so you do not have to worry about chasing payments from students.
- Tax Considerations: Like with all gig work, the money you earn on Preply is taxable income. It is your job to report your earnings to the tax authorities in your country.
Bottom Line: Preply offers flexible and quick payment options, with a low minimum withdrawal, making it easy for tutors to get their earnings.
Pros and Cons of Using Preply
The Good
- Control Your Rates. You have the freedom to set your own hourly teaching rate.
- Work Flexibility. You can choose your own working hours and schedule.
- Global Student Reach. Access students from all over the world, expanding your client base.
- Multiple Payouts. Get paid through PayPal, Payoneer, or direct bank transfer.
- Low Minimum Cashout. You only need to earn $5 to withdraw your money.
The Bad
- Student Acquisition. You are responsible for attracting and keeping your own students.
- Tutor Competition. There are many other tutors on the platform, so you need to stand out.
- No Instant Payments. Withdrawals take a few business days to process, not instantly.
- No Signup Bonus. Preply does not offer any bonus for new tutors joining the platform.
Preply Frequently Asked Questions
Is Preply legit or a scam?
Preply is a legitimate online tutoring platform. It has been operating since 2012, has a large number of tutors and students, and offers secure payment methods.
How do I become a tutor on Preply?
To become a tutor, you need to sign up on their website and create a detailed profile. This profile should highlight your teaching experience, skills, and the subjects you want to teach.
How much can I make as a tutor on Preply?
Tutors on Preply typically earn between $15 and $40 per hour. Your actual earnings will depend on your set rates, the number of lessons you teach, and student demand.
How do payments work for tutors?
Students pay Preply, and then Preply pays you. You can withdraw your earnings via PayPal, Payoneer, or bank transfer once you have at least $5. Withdrawals usually take 3-5 business days.
Do I need special qualifications to teach on Preply?
Preply looks for tutors with 'expert knowledge' in their subjects. While specific certifications might not always be required, demonstrating your expertise and experience is important to attract students.
Can I set my own teaching schedule?
Yes, Preply offers full flexibility. As a tutor, you can set your own availability and choose when you want to teach, fitting it around your personal life.
What subjects can I teach on Preply?
Preply supports over 120 subjects. While best known for languages like English, Spanish, and French, you can also teach other academic subjects.
