1. Flex Monthly Plan
- Group classes (3–5 students): Typically $10.99–$18.99 per class, depending on language and monthly volume
- Private lessons (1‑on‑1): Generally $22.49–$47.99 per class.
- You pay monthly and receive a bundle of credits—5 to 40 lessons—with pricing decreasing per lesson as you aim for more.
- Example: 5 group classes cost around $59/month, while 40 may be $409–$489/month, depending on language.
- Includes a 7-day free trial (3 group classes or 1 private), plus a 14‑day money‑back window.
2. Marathon (3‑12 month) Subscription
- Longer-term commitment yields lower per-class costs:
- $10.30 per class for 50 classes/3 months,
- $6.75 per class for 200 classes/year.
- Often includes cashback of 10–25% if attendance thresholds are met .
3. Sprint & Super Sprint (Intensive 2‑Month Challenges)
- Sprint: 15 group classes/month for 2 months (~30 classes total).
- Super Sprint: 30 classes/month (≈60 total).
- Costs vary by language:
- Sprint: $225–$445,
- Super: $440–$960, depending on language.
- Cashback eligibility:
- Sprint = 50% back,
- Super = up to 100% back—if all rules met (no late/missed classes, group only, strict scheduling).
✅ Pros & Cons at a Glance
✅ Advantages
- Flexibility: 24/7 group or private classes scheduled at will.
- Certification: CEFR-aligned curriculum with progression tracking.
- Refunds & trials: 7-day risk-free trial and a 14-day money-back guarantee for monthly plans.
- Motivation through cashback: Sprint programs can significantly reduce costs if you follow through.
⚠️ Considerations
- Subscription trap: Lingoda bills monthly and adds new credits regardless of usage. Cancelling may mean losing unused credits after the billing cycle.
- Strict Sprint rules: Dropping a class—even by arriving 11 minutes late—can void all cashback.
- Customer complaints: Users report difficulty canceling, surprise charges, and lack of refund after Sprint.
- Group class limitations: Some users say group sizes reduce individual speaking time and quality of engagement.
🧭 User Insights from Reddit
- One user warns: “Even if you haven’t used your existing lessons, they STILL charge you monthly and add 40 new lessons… feels like being penalized”.
- Sprint frustrations: “Rules are not only strict but quite random… book more than 5 lessons a week, you don’t get the refund”.
- Others appreciated Sprint: “I completed the Sprint this past winter … I am qualified for the refund 🙂”.
🧾 So, Should You Try Lingoda?
| If… | Then… |
|---|---|
| You want flexible live classes with expert teachers | Lingoda Flex is ideal. |
| You’re motivated by goals & financial incentives | Sprint/Super Sprint may be rewarding—if you meet the rules. |
| You prefer control and low pressure | Monthly or Marathon plans are safer. |
| You’re wary of recurring billing | Monitor usage and cancel early to avoid auto-renewal. |
💡 Final Tips
- Start with a 7‑day trial, and note cancellation deadlines in your calendar.
- Track your usage closely—unused credits may be lost.
- Only join a Sprint if you can commit fully—no missed or late classes.
- Use a credit/card tool to avoid surprise charges if you forget to cancel.
📌 Final Takeaway
Lingoda offers structured, high-quality live language learning—but its pricing model demands both commitment and awareness. If you’re prepared to stay on top of billing and goals, it can be a powerful, effective platform. But if you prefer low-stakes learning with less risk, consider simpler monthly or marathon plans—or other platforms without hard scheduling and cashback conditions.