Summary
- Private lessons cost $30–70/hr (US) or £20–50/hr (UK).
- Confident conversation takes roughly 150–250 total hours.
- You should speak for most of every lesson.
- Daily short exposure beats one long weekly session.
- Apps supplement lessons — they rarely replace speaking practice.
Quick answer
Private language lessons cost $30–70 per hour in the US and £20–50 in the UK, less online and considerably less in a group. Reaching a confident conversational level typically takes 150–250 hours of combined lessons and practice.
Typical 2026 prices
| Format | US per hour | UK per hour |
|---|---|---|
| Private, in person | $40–70 | £28–50 |
| Private, online | $25–50 | £18–38 |
| Native-speaker specialist | $50–90 | £35–65 |
| Group class (per student) | $12–30 | £8–22 |
| Intensive course, per week | $300–800 | £220–600 |
| Business language training | $70–150 | £50–110 |
| Conversation exchange | Free | Free |
How long a level takes
For a speaker of English learning a related European language, roughly 80–120 hours reaches basic conversation, 200–300 hours reaches comfortable everyday use, and 600+ hours reaches professional working level. Languages with different writing systems take substantially longer. Lessons are typically a third of that time; the rest is your own practice.
Choosing a teacher
What actually builds fluency
Group, private or app?
Apps build vocabulary and habit but rarely produce speaking ability alone. Group classes are affordable and provide speaking practice with peers. Private lessons are the fastest route and the best value for specific goals or when time is short. The strongest combination for most adults is one weekly private lesson, daily app or listening practice, and one conversation session.
Summary
Budget £20–50 or $30–70 per private hour, and expect 150–250 hours in total to reach confident conversation. Choose a teacher who makes you speak most of the lesson, practise daily in small doses, and add a conversation partner alongside formal lessons.