Platform Comparison
Compare Language Learning Platforms
— And Where Unox Fits
Unox, italki, Preply, Cambly and Duolingo are built for different jobs. Here is what each one is for — written by Unox, which is the smallest and newest of the five.
Before the table: what Unox is today
Unox is a new platform with a very short teacher list, and Chinese (Mandarin) is the only language currently taught here. The Unox mobile app is still in development, so for now you use the site in a browser, and although the platform runs group classes, none are on the timetable at the moment. If you are learning any other language, one of the other four on this page is your answer — that is not modesty, it is just where the platform is.
| Feature | Unox | italki | Preply | Cambly | Duolingo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Marketplace for live lessons with a human teacher | Large marketplace for live lessons | Large marketplace for live lessons | On-demand English conversation | Self-study app |
| Languages | Chinese (Mandarin) only, today | 150+ | 50+ | English only | 40+ |
| Lessons with a person | Yes — always | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Booking | Scheduled with a chosen teacher | Scheduled | Scheduled | On demand | Not applicable |
| Who sets the price | Each teacher | Each teacher | Each teacher | Platform subscription | Platform (free tier + subscription) |
| Group classes | Supported by the platform; none on the timetable at the moment | Yes | Yes | See Cambly's current plans | Not applicable |
| Apps | Web today; iOS + Android app in development | iOS + Android | iOS + Android | iOS + Android | iOS + Android |
| Maturity | New, very small teacher roster | Established, very large | Established, very large | Established | Established |
Details for platforms other than Unox are summarised from their own public sites as of July 2026 and may change — check each platform for current features and pricing.
When each platform is best
No single platform wins for everyone. Here is the learner each one actually fits.
- ›Learners of Chinese — that is the only language taught here today
- ›People who would rather read a handful of teacher profiles than scroll a huge catalogue
- ›Anyone happy to be an early user of a new platform, with the rough edges that implies
- ›Learners who need a specific or rare language — 150+ of them
- ›Anyone who wants the widest possible choice of teacher and price
- ›Learners who also want group classes and community features
- ›Learners who want a large, established marketplace across 50+ languages
- ›Students who want built-in progress tools and curriculum structure
- ›Learners who prefer buying lesson packages up front
- ›English learners who want instant, on-demand conversation practice
- ›Students focused on speaking confidence rather than grammar instruction
- ›Learners who cannot commit to a fixed weekly slot
- ›Absolute beginners building vocabulary and a daily habit at no cost
- ›Casual learners who want a gamified introduction to a language
- ›Anyone supplementing live lessons with daily micro-practice
How Unox works
Every lesson is with a human teacher
Unox is a marketplace of human teachers. There is no automated tutor standing in when nobody is available — if there's no teacher for what you want, we have nothing to sell you.
Teachers set their own rates and hours
Prices and availability come from the teacher, not from a platform pricing tier, and both are shown on the profile before you book. A teacher may also set a reduced price for your first lesson with them.
Vocab notes + flashcards + progress tracking
Lessons don't end when you close the tab. Teachers can send written notes and homework, and your vocabulary and flashcard practice is tracked between sessions.
Learning Chinese? Have a look at the teachers
Read the profiles and the times they are free before you book anything. Browsing requires no account.
See Also: Detailed Platform Comparisons
Unox and italki
How the two platforms differ on languages, size and how teachers are listed.
Unox and Preply
Side-by-side look at a large marketplace and a small new one, and when each fits.
Unox and Cambly
On-demand English conversation versus scheduled 1-on-1 lessons — two different products.
Unox and Duolingo
When a self-study app is the right tool, and when it's time to add a live teacher.