Verbling is an online marketplace, by Chegg, for live one-on-one language lessons. It connects students globally with vetted tutors in over 70 languages. Students use its integrated video classroom, scheduling tools, and progress tracking. It also has an enterprise version that helps employees speaking different languages to interact with their colleagues.
In this article, we analyze Verbling’s reviews, pricing, features, and how it works in 2025. We aim to give students and parents clear insights. You will learn how Verbling compares to other platforms, including My Engineering Buddy. This guide will help you decide which service fits your learning goals and budget.
Verbling Reviews and Testimonials
As of April 30, 2025, Verbling has thousands of user reviews across multiple sites. We summarize the top five platforms plus Verbling’s own testimonials.
Trustpilot
Trustpilot shows 774 reviews with an average rating of 4.1 out of 5. Users praise tutor expertise, personalized lesson plans, and the ease of scheduling. Many highlight that native-speaker tutors correct pronunciation in real time. Some report minor video lag or audio dropouts. A few say refund requests take up to a week to process. Overall, comments stress high tutor quality and reliable platform features.
Sitejabber
Sitejabber lists 14 reviews averaging 2.1 out of 5. Negative feedback centers on bundled lesson packages and the inability to buy single lessons. Several users tried to cancel a tutor but found their remaining credits locked to that tutor. A couple of reviews mention unresponsive support when technical issues arose. Positive reviewers note tutors were patient and materials well organized. The lower rating stems mainly from billing and package inflexibility rather than tutor quality.
Apple App Store
The Verbling iOS app holds a 3.8 out of 5 rating on the App Store, based on 450 ratings. Many users applaud the classroom tools, in-lesson chat, and note-taking features. Others complain the app crashes on iPad and lacks regular updates. Some wish the app supported screen sharing for presentations. The web version receives better marks for stability. Overall, mobile-app performance needs improvement.
Glassdoor
Reviewers on Glassdoor, have rated Verbling 4.1 out of 5. Out of the 88 reviewers, 70% would recommend it to a friend. It is mentioned as a good platform for freelance tutors and has been praised for flexible hours and the freedom for the tutors to set their own fees. Criticisms include high commission charges and lack of support from the company.
All Language Resources
According to All Language Resources, Verbling offers high-quality, well-structured lessons with various specializations. Its student-friendly features include a built-in classroom, flashcards, and a homework calendar. While generally pricier and offering fewer languages than some competitors, Verbling provides better classroom technology and more consistent teacher quality.
Verbling offers high-quality (4.5/5) and thorough (5/5) language lessons with valuable features (4.5/5). Users appreciate the ease of finding teachers and the platform’s focus on long-term progress, though some dislike the limited language selection, USD-only payments with hidden fees, and unmoderated forums.
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Is Verbling legit? Based on reviews, Verbling is a credible platform with strong tutor quality and robust features. Issues mainly involve lesson-package policies and app stability. Overall, user feedback confirms that Verbling delivers on its core promise of live, expert language instruction.
Summary: Verbling scores highly for tutor expertise, scheduling ease, and platform tools. Common drawbacks include bundled lesson requirements, limited refund flexibility (credits only), and a buggy iOS app. Most students and parents find the service reliable for sustained language learning.
Verbling Pricing
Pricing Range
Tutors set rates from USD 5 to USD 50 per hour. Average rates for popular languages (English, Spanish, French) range from USD 10–25. Verbling adds an 8% Trust & Support fee. There is no subscription—students buy per-lesson or lesson bundles.
Lesson Bundles
Verbling requires purchase of multi-lesson bundles. Common bundle sizes are 5-, 10-, and 20-lesson packages. Bulk discounts apply: 10 lessons cost ~5% less per lesson than 5-lesson bundles. Students cannot buy single lessons. Unused lessons can transfer to another tutor as platform credits.
What Students Say
Many feel the price is fair for live native-speaker lessons. Users compare Verbling to cheaper marketplaces like italki and Preply, but appreciate Verbling’s vetted tutors and integrated tools. Some wish for single-lesson options. Reddit threads note rates align with industry averages of USD 15–30/hour for premium tutors.
Hidden Costs
- 8% service fee on all purchases.
- Bundled lesson requirement adds cost for low-usage students.
- Lesson credits expire 6 months after purchase.
- No cash refunds—only platform credits.
How Pricing Works
Students select a tutor’s hourly rate and choose a lesson bundle. Payment is due at booking. Accepted methods: major credit cards and PayPal. Unused lesson credits link to the student account, not a specific tutor. Credits auto-expire after six months, but reactivation is possible with support. There are no group discounts or special rates for military or students, but promo codes appear during major holidays.
Free Trial
New users receive one 30-minute trial lesson free. To claim, they pay a token fee, fully applied to their first paid lesson. Trial details.
Refund Policy
Verbling’s policy states all purchases are final; refunds convert to Verbling credits. Credits cover future bookings only. Tutor no-shows or technical failures may trigger credits equal to the missed lesson’s value. Reviews on Reddit and Sitejabber confirm this policy is enforced strictly, with few cash refunds issued.
Verbling Alternatives
Students may seek alternatives for more flexible pricing, broader subject coverage, or different refund policies. Below are six popular platforms, including My Engineering Buddy.
These services vary in pricing, subject focus, teaching style, and support. Compare them to find the best fit.
Preply
Preply connects learners to tutors in languages, math, and more. Rates range USD 5–40/hour. Offers single lessons and bundles. It uses performance-based tutor ranking and gives a money-back guarantee on the first lesson. Some users report varying tutor quality and high platform fees.
italki
italki specializes in language tutoring with over 10,000 teachers. Rates from USD 4–30/hour. It lets students buy single lessons. Community features include free language exchange and articles. Tutor quality varies; only some tutors hold certifications.
My Engineering Buddy
My Engineering Buddy offers 1:1 tutoring in 100+ academic subjects—STEM, languages, test prep, and writing. Rates start at USD 20/hour, with a USD 1 trial session. It matches students with expert tutors based on need. Cash refunds apply if the student is unsatisfied. MEB excels in complex subject support and flexible billing.
Cambly
Cambly offers on-demand English conversation practice. Students connect instantly without booking. Subscription plans start at USD 10/week for 30 minutes daily. Best for casual speaking practice, not structured lessons. No refunds for unused minutes.
Wyzant
Wyzant covers K-12 through college subjects, including languages. Hourly rates: USD 20–200. Students pay per minute of tutoring. Wyzant promises tutor matching and a satisfaction guarantee, but some report difficulty obtaining refunds. High rates reflect expert credentials.
Chegg Tutors
Chegg Tutors provides on-demand homework help and scheduled sessions in math, science, and languages. Subscription: USD 15/month for one session, USD 30/month for unlimited sessions. Sessions capped at 30 minutes. Users appreciate flat pricing but find session length restrictive.
How It Works?
For Students
1. Sign up with email or social login.
2. Browse tutors by language, rate, and availability.
3. Book trial or select a lesson bundle.
4. Complete payment via card or PayPal.
5. Join lesson in Verbling’s built-in video classroom—no downloads are needed.
6. Use tools like chat, notes, and file sharing during class.
7. Track progress via the dashboard after each session.
8. Reschedule or switch tutors easily using platform credits.
For Tutors
Tutors apply at Verbling Teach. Requirements: native or near-native fluency, teaching experience, and a video introduction. After approval, tutors create profiles with hourly rates. The platform charges an 8% fee and a 30% commission on the first lesson to cover marketing.
Tutors keep 85% of lesson fees after initial commission. They access a scheduling dashboard, class materials library, and integrated video tools. Payouts occur via PayPal, Wise, or Payoneer monthly. Tutors can set open slots, block dates, and offer promotional rates.
Successful tutors maintain high response rates, request positive reviews, and deliver structured lesson plans.
FAQs for Tutors
Can tutors set their own fees? Yes, within Verbling’s marketplace guidelines.
How much can I earn? Common rates range USD 10–30/hour after fees; top tutors earn USD 40+/hour.
How many hours can I teach? Unlimited. Your schedule and student demand set your hours.
Is it easy to get students? Visibility depends on profile completeness, reviews, and consistent availability.
Tips to get more students: Offer clear trial lessons, respond quickly, and collect reviews.
What tutors like: Flexible hours, global reach, integrated classroom.
What tutors dislike: High first-lesson commission, occasional tech bugs.
Verbling: Company Information
Founded: 2011 by Stanford graduates Jake Jolis, Mikael Bernstein, and Gustav Rydstedt.
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Background: Financed by Y Combinator; acquired by Busuu in 2020; now under Chegg’s umbrella.
Mission: “To bring the world’s best teachers to learners everywhere.” Source
Vision: “To make live language learning accessible, convenient, and effective for all.”
Headquarters: San Francisco, CA, USA.
Scale: 2,000+ tutors; 2-10 employees.
Services: One-on-one lessons, enterprise language training, group workshops.
Subjects: 61 languages, test prep (TOEFL, IELTS), business language courses.
Unique Features: Integrated video, real-time chat, notes, calendar sync, enterprise API.
USP of Verbling
- All tutors are vetted for language proficiency and teaching experience.
- Integrated classroom with chat, notes, and file-sharing—no third-party apps needed.
- 24/7 scheduling across time zones for global learners.
- Enterprise programs for corporate clients with reporting dashboards.
Drawbacks of Verbling
- Mandatory multi-lesson bundles limit flexibility for casual learners.
- Refunds issue platform credits only; no cash returns.
- The iOS app is outdated and prone to crashes.
- High commission on first lessons reduces tutor earnings initially.
Comparison with My Engineering Buddy
Verbling shines in live language instruction with a broad tutor network and robust teaching tools. In contrast, My Engineering Buddy offers multi-subject academic tutoring, flexible one-lesson purchases, and a satisfaction guarantee. MEB’s USD 1 trial per subject and personalized matching make it ideal for STEM and specialized homework help. Students needing STEM, coding, or advanced math often prefer MEB over language-focused Verbling.
Customer Support & Policies
Verbling provides email and ticket support with a 12-hour cancellation policy. They credit unused lessons, but do not refund cash. My Engineering Buddy offers 24/7 chat support, flexible rescheduling, and cash refunds if unsatisfied, often within 24 hours—an area where MEB outperforms Verbling.
Global Reach & Localization
Verbling’s interface supports 12 languages and multiple currencies. It aligns tutors across all time zones. My Engineering Buddy focuses on English interface but serves US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Gulf countries, with rapid 24/7 scheduling for urgent homework help.
Verbling’s Future Plans
- AI Integration: Busuu’s AI to auto-generate practice exercises and personalized review prompts.
- App Overhaul: Merge features into Busuu’s mobile app for a unified experience.
- Group Classes: Expand small-group language workshops for cost-effective learning.
- Enterprise Tools: Launch advanced analytics and reporting for corporate clients in 2025.
FAQs About Verbling
Q: How do I prepare for a lesson?
A: Review the tutor’s profile, set goals before class, and gather any study materials. Use the in-platform chat to share files ahead of time.
Q: Can I learn multiple languages on Verbling?
A: Yes. You can enroll with different tutors for different languages. Each language uses separate lesson bundles and credits.
Q: Is Verbling good for kids?
A: The platform targets adult learners. For younger learners, consider kid-focused apps. However, some tutors specialize in child education.
Q: Do I need to install software?
A: No. Verbling’s video classroom is web-based. Just use a modern browser and enable mic and camera.
Q: Can I switch tutors?
A: Yes. Unused lesson credits transfer to another tutor’s bundle if they offer the same bundle size.
Q: What payment methods are accepted?
A: Major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Amex) and PayPal.
Q: How does Verbling protect my data?
A: Verbling uses SSL encryption and complies with GDPR. Payment data is processed securely via PCI-compliant gateways.
Q: Can I gift lessons?
A: Yes. Purchase a Verbling gift card and share it with the recipient. These gift cards can be used for booking sessions with any tutor.
Q: Are group lessons available?
A: Currently, Verbling focuses on one-on-one lessons. Group classes are planned for late 2025.
Conclusion
Verbling remains a top choice for live language learning with vetted native tutors, an integrated classroom, and global scheduling. Its main drawbacks are mandatory lesson bundles, credit-only refunds, and an unstable mobile app. For broader academic needs, flexible billing, and cash refunds, My Engineering Buddy offers a compelling alternative. Choose Verbling for structured language lessons; choose MEB for advanced multi-subject expert tutoring and guaranteed satisfaction.
