Superprof vs. Japademy: Which Option is Best for You?

Overview

That's a great question, isn't it? When you’re thinking about learning Japanese online, it’s a big decision—you want to make sure you're choosing an option that's truly beneficial and worth every penny. We’re going to take a closer look at two popular websites for learning Japanese, Superprof and us here at Japademy, both of which let you book private lessons with tutors.

Now, I might be a little biased, but I truly believe that our Japanese online private lessons are pretty unique and offer incredible value. But hey, I want you to have all the information to make the best choice for you. So, in the spirit of being totally transparent, let's do an honest, side-by-side comparison of learning Japanese with a tutor on Superprof versus Japademy.

Just a quick heads-up: all the prices and features we're talking about are accurate as of right now, but things can always change, so it's a good idea to double-check!

‍

Superprof vs Japademy - Japanese language tutors

If you're looking for a website with a huge variety of tutors to choose from, you really can't go wrong with either Superprof or Japademy. Both Japanese learning websites let you browse through tutor profiles, see their time zones, and check out their real-time schedules to find a Japanese teacher that fits your needs and your timetable. And a big plus for both is that the tutors are fluent in English, which makes it so much easier to talk about your learning goals and any questions you might have.

‍

‍

But here's where we start to see some key differences. On Superprof, the tutors aren't always native Japanese speakers, and they might not be officially certified to teach the language. I mean, if you're serious about getting an authentic, well-structured Japanese learning experience, this could be a real drawback. It might even get in the way of your immersion into the language and culture. So, if you're leaning toward learning Japanese with Superprof, I'd strongly recommend taking the time to really dig into each tutor's profile before you book anything.

‍

Superprof: Japanese tutors are not always native Japanese speakers or officially certified to teach the language

‍

‍

On the other hand, all of our Japanese tutors at Japademy are native speakers and are fully certified as professional teachers. What does that mean for you? It means you're not just learning vocabulary; you're getting a rich, authentic experience. You’ll learn proper grammar, pronunciation, and intonation, and you'll get those cultural insights that you just can't get from a textbook. It's about connecting with the nuances of Japanese culture as you learn the language. Plus, we save you the hassle of sifting through endless options by giving you a short, carefully curated list of the best tutors out there. 

‍

Japademy: All our Japanese tutors are native speakers and fully certified to teach the language

‍

Superprof vs Japademy - Japanese private lessons

Both Superprof and Japademy offer live online tutoring sessions. Superprof's lessons run for 60 minutes, while ours are 55 minutes long. These live, interactive lessons are fantastic because they let you chat with your tutor and get immediate feedback on your pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary. The flexibility is a huge bonus, too—you can choose a time that works for you and learn from pretty much anywhere!

‍

Both Japademy and Preply provide live online lessons with tutors.

• Japademy's live online lessons last 55 minutes.
• Superprof's live online lessons last 60 minutes.

‍

‍

However, the learning programs themselves are where things really diverge. Since Superprof tutors are essentially competing with one another, their learning programs are often developed independently by each tutor. This can be a good thing if you're looking for a ton of personalization. For example, if your only goal is to learn conversational Japanese for an upcoming trip, you could find a tutor who specializes in that and even work with them to create lessons based on real-world scenarios like ordering food. But this also means that, when you learn Japanese with Superprof, there's no set program or curriculum, which could make it harder to reach Japanese fluency. 

‍

Superprof:

• The lack of a structured curriculum or program in the lessons may make it more difficult for you to become fluent in Japanese.
• You can find tutors who can modify their approaches to meet your specific needs and goals.

‍

‍

Here at Japademy, we take a different approach. We've developed a proven, systematic curriculum designed to get you the best possible results. In each lesson, you’ll learn a new topic or a new piece of grammar and then get to practice it with your tutor until it really sticks. Our Japanese online private lessons are also structured by skill level—beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Of course, if you have specific goals, our native tutors are more than happy to adapt the lessons to fit your individual needs. This structured approach is what we believe helps you become truly fluent in Japanese.

‍

Japademy:

• Our private lessons follow a proven methodology for learning that can help you become fluent. 
• Our native Japanese tutors can tailor their lessons to your objectives and needs.

‍

One thing both platforms have in common is that they offer a free trial lesson. With Superprof, you have to check if the individual tutor offers one, as it's not a guarantee. We, at Japademy, on the other hand, always offer a free trial so you can meet your potential teacher and see if our teaching style is a good fit for you. It’s a great way to try before you buy, so to speak.

‍

Superprof vs Japademy - Private lessons pricing

Let's be real, cost is a major factor when you're booking private lessons. On Superprof, the price can change depending on the tutor you pick. The average price is around $19 USD per lesson, which is a bit less than what we charge. But, and this is a BIG "but", even if the price is shown in your local currency, you'll be billed in US dollars. This can lead to those sneaky, hidden fees from banks or credit card companies that nobody likes. They also have a "Student Pass" subscription for $49 a month, which lets you contact as many tutors as you want, but that can get pretty pricey. Superprof also offers lesson packages in 5 or 10-hour blocks.

‍

Superprof:

• The average cost of a lesson varies greatly depending on the tutor.
• No matter where you live, you have to pay in USD, and there can be additional costs.
• You can contact as many tutors as you'd like with Superprof’s "Student Pass."
• Offers lesson packages (5 or 10-hour blocks)

‍

At Japademy, we also offer lesson packages—5, 10, and 15 lessons. The cool part is that the bigger the package you buy, the bigger the discount you get, which really brings the cost down per lesson! Our lessons typically average around $25 USD each, but a huge benefit is that you can pay in over 150 different currencies, so you don't have to worry about those surprise fees. Another thing that makes our pricing simpler is that every tutor costs the same. You don’t have to worry about why one teacher is charging more than another, which is a problem you'll find on Superprof.

‍

Japademy:

• We offer lesson packages (5, 10, and 15 lessons).
• The average price per lesson is consistent regardless of the tutor.
• More than 150 currencies are accepted for payment.

‍

Superprof vs Japademy - Extra benefits

What about the little extras? What things do you get in addition to your lessons? This is another area where Superprof and Japademy are very different. Generally, students on Superprof don't get any extra learning resources. You also won't typically receive a certificate of completion or access to free video lessons from their tutors.

‍

Superprof:

• Extra learning resources are not provided
• No certificate of completion
• No free video lessons from tutors

‍

‍

Here at Japademy, we truly believe that learning happens both during and after your lessons. That's why we give all our students free access to our Japanese video courses and our free Japanese learning app. These resources let you study and practice at your own pace, helping you master the language faster. And you know what? We’re so proud of our students' progress that we give them a certificate of completion for every level they finish. We'll email you a PDF with a unique certificate number to prove its authenticity. This is a good way to showcase your hard work in learning the Japanese language!

‍

Japademy:

• You can access our video lesson for free.
• We provide vocabulary flashcards.
• We provide a level completion certificate.

‍

Think about it this way: With Japademy, for an average of $25 USD per lesson with us, you get a native, certified Japanese tutor, a structured curriculum, and a whole host of extra learning resources to help you confidently move toward fluency. With Superprof, for a bit less—an average of $19 USD—you might get a tutor who isn't a native speaker, isn't professionally certified, and probably won't give you any additional resources. When you look at it closely, you can see that our lessons offer a more comprehensive and authentic educational experience, making us a much better deal.

‍

Superprof vs Japademy - Final verdict

‍

If you're serious about learning Japanese through online private lessons with a native, certified teacher, I think Japademy’s Japanese Online Private Lessons are the perfect fit. Our one-on-one classes give you the flexibility to learn at your own pace from anywhere you want, and you'll get that real-time, interactive feedback that feels just like being in a physical classroom. Our tutors will be more than just teachers; they'll be your mentors and your biggest cheerleaders on your journey to fluency.

‍

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you considering enrolling in our private Japanese lessons?  These are some frequently asked questions!

‍

How do I know if a Japanese tutor on Superprof is actually good?

On Superprof, you have to do the vetting yourself, and many tutors are non-certified students. At Japademy, we do the hard work for you: every single one of our teachers is a Native, Certified Professional with proven experience in adult education.

‍

Does Japademy charge a "Student Pass" fee like Superprof?

No. Superprof often requires a monthly subscription (around $49) just for the right to message tutors. Japademy has zero hidden fees. You pay only for your lessons, and that fee includes all your learning materials, app access, and video courses.

‍

Can I pay in my local currency on Superprof?

While Superprof shows local prices, many tutors bill in their own currency, leading to bank conversion fees. Japademy is a global online school that natively supports 150+ currencies, ensuring the price you see on our website is exactly what you pay.

‍

Does Superprof offer a structured curriculum?

Typically, no. Most Superprof lessons are "free-form" based on the tutor's mood. Japademy uses a proprietary 10-week roadmap based on world standards, ensuring you move from "Hello" to "Fluency" in a logical, systematic way.Besides your weekly live lesson, we recommend you set aside at least an extra 90 minutes a week for self-study. Don't worry, we've got you covered! We provide you with vocabulary flashcards and video lessons to help you review what you learned with your teacher.

‍

What happens if I don't like my teacher on Japademy vs Superprof?

On Superprof, you usually have to pay for a new lesson to try a different tutor. At Japademy, we offer a Free 30-Minute Trial and a satisfaction guarantee. If your allocated teacher isn't the right fit, we will move you to a different professional at no extra cost.