Verbling Review 2024: Is It Good?
Platform score:
8 / 10
Verbling is an online language learning platform that connects students with professional language teachers for one-on-one lessons through video chat. With a focus on personalized and immersive learning experiences, Verbling offers a wide range of languages, from popular ones like Spanish, French, and English, to less common languages such as Icelandic and Swahili.
Quick Summary
You will learn:
- What Verbling is
- About the key features and benefits of using Verbling for language learning
- Who will find Verbling valuable
- About the author’s personal experience using Verbling for language learning
- About third-party ratings and reviews of Verbling
- About areas where Verbling could improve or has limitations
- About Verbling’s pricing structure, including individual lesson pricing and package pricing
- How Verbling stacks up against competition
- About Verbling’s cancellation policy, including late cancellations, teacher cancellations, disputes, and exceptions
- If Verbling offers a free trial
- About special offers and promotions available on Verbling
- About the range of languages offered on the Verbling platform
- About top Verbling alternatives
- Whether Verbling is good
Pros:
- Native-speaking teachers
- Wide range of languages
- Customized lesson plans
- Flexible scheduling
- Complementary trial classes
- Integrated video chat feature
Cons:
- Cost of lessons vary greatly
- Limited free resources
- Teacher availability
- No group lessons
In the fast-paced world of today, learning a new language has become more important than ever.
And with online platforms offering users the ability to connect with native speakers from around the world, it’s never been easier to learn a new language.
Verbling is one such platform that connects students with professional teachers for personalized language courses via video chat.
But is Verbling really as good as it claims to be?
In this Verbling review, we will take a comprehensive look at Verbling platform in 2024 and evaluate its features, pricing, user experience, and overall effectiveness for language learners.
What is Verbling?
Verbling is an innovative online language learning platform that connects students and language teachers from all around the world through its user-friendly, web-based interface.
Designed to make learning a new language more accessible, efficient, and enjoyable, Verbling offers a diverse array of language courses, resources, and tools to help learners of all ages and skill levels achieve their linguistic goals.
Verbling Features & Benefits
Verbling is a leading language learning platform, offering students an immersive and personalized approach to mastering new languages.
With Verbling, you can benefit from a variety of features that set it apart from other language-learning platforms.
Here are some of them:
- Live One-on-One Lessons: Verbling’s primary focus is on providing students with live, one-on-one lessons with a professional, native teacher. These personalized sessions allow learners to receive direct feedback, address specific learning needs, and progress at a pace tailored to their abilities.
- Wide Range of Languages: Verbling offers courses in a vast array of languages, making it an ideal platform for language enthusiasts and curious minds, from widely spoken ones like English, Spanish, and Mandarin to lesser-known languages such as Icelandic, Zulu, and Khmer.
- Qualified Instructors: Verbling carefully selects its language instructors based on their teaching experience, qualifications, and ability to engage with students in a virtual environment. This ensures that learners receive high-quality instruction from experts who are passionate about teaching their native language.
- Flexible Scheduling: With Verbling’s flexible scheduling feature, students can schedule lessons at their convenience, allowing for seamless integration into busy lives while rescheduling or canceling sessions without penalties providing added flexibility.
- Customized Learning Plans: Verbling instructors work closely with their students to create personalized learning plans that cater to individual goals, interests, and learning styles. This tailored approach helps keep learners motivated and engaged as they progress through their language journey.
- Interactive Learning Tools: Verbling’s platform includes a range of interactive tools such as built-in video chat, digital whiteboard, and document sharing to facilitate dynamic and engaging, and flexible lessons. These features allow for real-time collaboration and communication between teachers and students for an immersive experience.
- Community Support: Verbling fosters a global community of language learners who can connect with each other through the platform’s discussion forums, group classes, and language exchange programs. This sense of camaraderie helps enrich the learning experience by providing additional opportunities for practice and growth while building relationships.
What’s Verbling Good for?
Verbling is a standout platform in the world of language learning, offering a friendly and efficient way to learn new languages.
Let’s explore what makes Verbling exceptional.
Diving into a new language
The first steps in learning a new foreign language can be intimidating, but Verbling makes it an enjoyable experience.
From the very beginning, instructors create a welcoming environment that encourages learning.
They provide helpful tips and support, using chat boxes for clarification when needed.
This approach helps students feel comfortable and confident in their language-learning journey.
Acquiring & retaining vocabulary
Verbling understands the importance of building a strong vocabulary foundation.
Students learn new words through engaging language lessons, tailored to their specific needs.
Additionally, the platform allows users to create flashcard decks with new vocabulary, either independently or with their teacher’s assistance.
This personalized approach ensures that vocabulary acquisition and retention become an integral part of the learning process.
Comprehending & conversing with native speakers
One of Verbling’s most significant advantages is the opportunity to learn from native speakers.
Unlike other language apps that rely on automated voices, Verbling connects learners with real people who speak the language fluently.
This helps students develop a better understanding of accents and colloquial expressions, making it easier to converse with native speakers.
The focus on speaking practice during lessons allows students to build their conversational skills, which is often neglected in other language learning apps.
Establishing a language learning routine
Verbling simplifies the process of creating and maintaining a consistent learning routine.
With just a few clicks, students can book lessons with teachers who match their schedules and preferences.
The platform allows users to save their favorite teachers for quick access and even offers a feature to view current online instructors for spontaneous lessons.
By providing easy-to-use tools and scheduling flexibility, Verbling ensures that students can seamlessly integrate language learning into their daily lives.
My Verbling Learning Experience
Embarking on my language-learning journey with Verbling was a delightful and rewarding experience.
The platform’s user-friendly design and personalized approach to teaching made it easy for me to dive right into the French language, set my own schedule, and progress at a comfortable pace.
From the start, I was impressed by the wide selection of teachers available, each with a unique background and teaching style.
This diversity allowed me to find the perfect instructor who not only met my learning preferences but also understood my goals and motivations.
During my lessons, I appreciated the perfect balance between learning new vocabulary and practicing speaking.
My teacher tailored the sessions to focus on my areas of improvement, providing a customized learning experience.
The flashcard feature, which enabled me to create my vocabulary decks, was an invaluable tool for retention and review.
One of the most significant benefits of Verbling was the opportunity to learn from a native speaker.
My teacher’s authentic accent and colloquial knowledge brought the language to life, helping me develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for the culture.
Our conversations allowed me to practice real-life communication, building my confidence in speaking with other native speakers.
Overall, my Verbling learning experience was both enjoyable and effective.
The platform’s unique blend of personalized teaching, native speakers, and user-friendly features made it the ideal choice for my language learning journey.
I am now well-equipped to continue exploring the fascinating world of languages with newfound confidence and enthusiasm.
Third-Party Ratings of Verbling
When considering a language learning platform, it’s essential to review unbiased third-party evaluations to get a comprehensive understanding of platform effectiveness and user experience.
Verbling has consistently received mixed ratings from various sources, highlighting its strengths and advantages.
- Trustpilot: With a great rating on Trustpilot of 4.0, Verbling has garnered praise from numerous users who have experienced the platform firsthand. Students frequently mention the high quality of teachers, personalized lessons, and the user-friendly interface. These positive reviews demonstrate Verbling’s commitment to providing an exceptional language-learning experience.
- App Store and Google Play Ratings: Verbling’s mobile app has received favorable ratings on both the App Store and Google Play. Users appreciate the app’s seamless integration with the web platform, making it easy to access lessons and resources on the go. The app’s intuitive design and useful features have contributed to its high ratings.
- Glassdoor: Verbling has received a strong approval rating on Glassdoor, with an overall score of 4.2 out ofThis is a solid indicator that employees view their time at Verbling positively, and feedback suggests that the company offers a flexible, creative, and growing work environment. Nearly 90 percent of current employees would recommend working at Verbling to friends or family members. Additionally, Verbling’s CEO enjoys unanimous support from employees who have shared their opinions on Glassdoor. While there were some complaints regarding heavy workload due to limited staffing resources, as well as a desire for more consistent and diverse student populations, most reviews paint a positive picture of the company culture at Verbling.
- Sitejabber: On Sitejabber, an online review site where customers can rate companies they’ve used, customers give Verbling an average rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars. Some reviewers appreciated being able to switch tutors easily when needed or desired and applauded the company’s responsive customer service team.
- YouTube Reviews: Independent reviewers on YouTube have also shared their experiences using Verbling. These reviews often include video demonstrations of the platform’s features and in-depth discussions of the pros and cons. Many reviewers express their satisfaction with the quality of the lessons, user interface, and the effectiveness of the platform in helping them achieve their language goals.
Verbling: What Could Be Better
Verbling is an excellent platform designed to connect teachers and students, fulfilling its purpose remarkably.
However, one thing to consider is that it mainly serves as a means of communication between the two parties, and there are limited supplementary teaching materials available for study.
Although your teacher may assign homework for you to complete outside of class time, overall, you are responsible for managing your own learning experience.
If you aim to maximize the benefits of Verbling classes fully, I would suggest incorporating other language-learning tools into your daily routine.
So take charge of your education by combining Verbling with other resources that will help enhance and deepen your understanding of the language.
With some commitment and dedication on your part, success in mastering any new language could be more achievable than ever!
Verbling offers a flexible pricing structure that caters to a wide range of budgets and language learning needs.
Since teachers set their own hourly rates, there is a diverse range of prices to choose from.
Verbling Pricing & Subscription plans
Individual Lesson Pricing
Depending on the language, most teachers on Verbling charge between $20 and $30 per hour.
However, some teachers offer lessons for under $10 per hour, while others may charge close to $100 per hour.
Factors that influence the cost include the teacher’s qualifications, location, and the demand for the language.
For instance, English lessons are generally more affordable due to the abundance of English teachers available on the platform.
Package Pricing
Some Verbling teachers offer package deals for multiple lessons, which can provide cost savings when compared to paying for individual classes.
These packages often include a set number of lessons, allowing learners to commit to a more structured learning plan while benefiting from discounted rates.
Evaluating Verbling’s Pricing Against Competing Platforms
Verbling’s pricing is comparable to other language learning platforms such as iTalki and Preply.
However, depending on the language you’re learning, there are alternative options to consider:
- Baselang: If you’re learning Spanish, Baselang offers unlimited private lessons for a fixed monthly price, which can be more cost-effective than paying for lessons individually.
- Lingoda: For those who prefer a consistent and structured learning experience, Lingoda provides a slightly more expensive option that follows a fixed curriculum to ensure continuous progress.
- Live Lingua: Another viable choice is Live Lingua, which offers personalized lessons with experienced teachers.
Overall, Verbling’s pricing and subscription plans provide a flexible and diverse range of options to suit various budgets and learning preferences.
The platform’s combination of individual lessons and package deals enables learners to find the best fit for their unique language learning journey.
Verbling Cancellation Policy
Verbling understands that unforeseen circumstances can arise, and students may need to cancel or reschedule their lessons.
To ensure a fair experience for both students and teachers, Verbling has established a clear cancellation policy.
Verbling lesson cancellation and rescheduling
Students can cancel or reschedule a lesson up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time without incurring any penalty.
If a lesson is canceled or rescheduled within this time frame, you will receive a full refund or credit to use for a future lesson.
To cancel or reschedule, you can navigate to the “Upcoming Lessons” tab, select the specific lesson, and choose the appropriate option.
Late cancellations
If you cancel or reschedule a lesson less than 24 hours before the scheduled start time, the teacher has the right to keep the full payment for the lesson.
This policy ensures that teachers are fairly compensated for their time, and lost opportunities to teach other students.
Teacher cancellations
In the event that a teacher cancels a lesson, you will receive a full refund in Verbling credits towards a future lesson, regardless of when the cancellation occurs.
Verbling encourages students to provide feedback on teacher cancellations, as frequent cancellations can lead to a review of the teacher’s status on the platform.
Disputes and exceptions
If you experience technical issues or other exceptional circumstances that prevent you from attending a lesson, you should contact Verbling’s customer support team.
The support team will review the situation and determine whether a refund or rescheduling is warranted on a case-by-case basis.
Overall, Verbling’s cancellation policy strives to balance the needs of both students and teachers.
By providing a clear framework for cancellations and rescheduling, the platform ensures that all parties are treated fairly and can enjoy a positive language learning experience.
Verbling Free Trial Lesson
Understanding the importance of finding the right language learning platform and teacher, Verbling offers a way for potential students to explore the platform and its features without any financial commitment.
Introductory Trial Lessons
Often teachers on Verbling offer a complimentary 30-minute trial class that enables you to determine if your chosen teacher is suitable for you.
This free session helps you gauge the teacher’s style and teaching methods, ensuring that they match your learning needs.
Many Verbling teachers provide discounted introductory lessons for first-time students.
These lessons are typically shorter in duration and offered at a reduced rate, giving new learners the opportunity to experience a one-on-one class with a tutor of their choice.
Explore the platform for free
Although Verbling does not offer a free trial in the traditional sense, potential students can still sign up for a free account and explore the platform without any obligation.
You can browse the selection of teachers, view teacher profiles and reviews, and familiarize yourself with the platform’s various features.
Doing so lets you make an informed decision before committing to paid lessons.
Special Offers and Promotions
Occasionally, Verbling may run special promotions or offer trial periods for specific features or learning materials.
You can keep an eye on the platform’s website or subscribe to Verbling’s newsletter to stay updated on any upcoming offers or discounts.
Verbling Languages
Verbling is home to an incredible variety of languages — a massive 85 of them, in fact!
What makes Verbling stand out is the ability for teachers to create their own lessons on the platform, allowing for an even wider range of languages than apps that only offer pre-set content.
While some languages may be more popular than others on Verbling, such as English, Spanish French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese (Mandarin), Japanese, Korean, and Arabic — rest assured that this popularity doesn’t determine the quality or value of any language offering.
Rather it simply means there might be more available tutors or lower prices due to competition.
One thing that particularly sets Verbling apart is its inclusion of languages not commonly found in other apps.
For instance, except for popular languages, learners can find Basque, American Sign Language, and Tamil among the offerings.
It’s important to note that while Verbling boasts 85 languages on offer, some of the less-spoken ones may not have available teachers at the moment.
However, with Verbling’s commitment to providing a wide variety of languages, it’s worth checking back periodically as new teachers may join in the future.
Verbling Alternatives
Verbling is a popular online platform that connects language learners with native speakers, providing a convenient and interactive way to learn a new language.
While Verbling has gained a loyal following, it’s not the only option available.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the top Verbling alternatives for online language learning, so you can choose the platform that best suits your needs and goals.
iTalki
iTalki is a global language learning community that connects language learners with native-speaking teachers.
With over 130 languages offered and thousands of teachers to choose from, iTalki provides personalized learning experiences tailored to your goals and schedule.
The platform offers both informal tutoring and professional lessons, allowing you to choose the learning style that works best for you.
Preply
Preply is another popular platform that connects students with qualified language tutors.
With a focus on one-on-one lessons, Preply offers a personalized learning experience that adapts to your learning style, pace, and schedule.
Preply also provides a user-friendly dashboard that helps you track your progress and manage your lessons.
Rosetta Stone
A well-established name in language learning, Rosetta Stone offers a comprehensive language learning solution that includes self-paced courses, live tutoring, and interactive games.
The platform emphasizes immersion and intuitive learning, helping students build a strong foundation in their target language.
With over 30 languages available, Rosetta Stone caters to a wide range of learners.
FAQs
Verbling is a reputable virtual platform that links students with instructors who teach more than 80 different languages. Unlike some online language learning services that only cater to English as a Second Language (ESL) learners, Verbling offers a wide variety of language courses. The company was founded in 2011 and was recently acquired by Busuu, a leading ed-tech firm based in the United Kingdom, in 2020.
Yes, Verbling is a safe and reliable platform for online language learning. The company has implemented various security measures to protect its users’ personal and financial information, such as encryption and two-factor authentication. Additionally, all Verbling teachers are thoroughly vetted and must pass a rigorous application process, which includes providing proof of their qualifications.
The cost of Verbling lessons varies depending on the language and the teacher’s level of experience. Generally, most instructors have an hourly rate of $20.00 to $30.00 per hour. However, some teachers may charge as low as $10.00 per hour, while others may charge up to $100.00 per hour.
Verbling was founded in the United States and is headquartered in San Francisco, California. However, in 2020, the company was acquired by Busuu, a UK-based ed-tech firm. So while Verbling may have had its origins in the United States, it is now a subsidiary of a British company.
Yes, Verbling has a mobile app available for both iOS and Android devices. The app provides learners with the same functionality as the desktop version, allowing them to browse through a list of available teachers, schedule lessons, and take part in virtual language classes on the go.
If you choose not to proceed with your current instructor on Verbling, you’re allowed to terminate any forthcoming classes for an instant refund in the form of Verbling credit. This credit can then be used to schedule sessions with another teacher on Verbling.
Verbling Review: Conclusion
In conclusion, Verbling has established itself as a reliable and effective platform for language learners seeking personalized, one-on-one instruction from native-speaking teachers.
With a wide range of languages offered, customized lesson plans, and flexible scheduling, Verbling can cater to various learning goals and preferences.
However, it’s essential to consider the platform’s limitations, such as the cost of lessons that varies greatly, limited free resources, and the absence of group lessons, before committing to it.
Ultimately, whether Verbling is the right choice for you depends on your individual needs, learning style, and budget.
I would suggest that the best option is to explore Verbling’s trial lessons and compare Verbling to alternative platforms before making a final decision.
By carefully assessing all aspects of the platform and considering your unique language learning goals, you can confidently choose the platform that best suits your journey towards language proficiency in 2024.