Source: British Council
Since the discovery of the internet 30 years ago, the virtual and digital learning space has witnessed tremendous growth. Today, you can learn via the various online english tutor websites across the web. In the same vein, these companies are continuously hiring teachers globally. By implication, if you fancy making money from your comfort zone, it has never been more seamless. These platforms help simplify second language learning and allow for face-to-face conversations between teachers and students. If you wish to learn or teach English amidst your busy schedule, consider any of the learning websites in this roundup. You get to enjoy flexible schedules, affordable fees, decent income (for teachers), meet qualified teachers, among other things.
Factors to Consider When Applying For An Online English Teaching Job
University Degree: A university degree gives you an edge over other applicants (tutors), even with companies that do not require one. You may be hired at an English tutor website without a degree, but the first thing students check for is your qualifications.
Teaching Certification: A teaching certification is a crucial requirement many employers prioritize before hiring teachers. Teaching Certifications here include CELTA, TEFL, TESL, TESOL, etc. First of all, you are more likely to be hired. Secondly, students are more likely to ask for your services. Thirdly, it gives you leverage to negotiate your salary in cases when you have to.
Teaching Experience: Teaching English as a second language can be daunting, especially to adults. Having teaching experience tells your employer you have what it takes to tutor people. According to the Learning Policy Institute, teachers with experience are more likely to impart knowledge to students than their counterparts with none effectively.
Quality Resume: You need to make sure your resume effectively tells your employer you are a perfect candidate. A good resume should showcase your skill level, qualifications, experience, and accomplishments.
Suitable Environment: An environment free of distractions and noise makes for a smooth learning experience. Distractions can come from having kids or pets around or even something as basic as wallpaper behind you.
Appropriate tools: To teach online effectively, you need a laptop with a good webcam, lightning, desk, chair, etc. Also, it would help if you learned how virtual learning tools work. For example, knowing how to use video conferencing tools like Google Classroom, Zoom, and others help you teach seamlessly. With these tools, you can share your screen with students, send materials, and do much more with just one click.
Factors to Consider When Looking For An Online English Tutor
Budget: Drafting a budget is crucial in hiring a tutor. Depending on which websites you choose, each tutor has a per-hour rate. We strongly suggest you consider how much you are willing to spend learning ESL before making hasty and regrettable decisions. Be sure your budget can accommodate your tutor’s rate in the long term.
Tutor’s Credibility: Students can rate their teachers after lessons and leave comments. It is only smart that you read through tutors’ profiles and see what students have to say about them and their teaching methods. That way, you can tell how well they teach and ensure their students learn.****
Types of Courses: Different websites have their individual offerings. For example, do not assume all tutoring websites cater for children and adults. Some platforms have age restrictions. If you are looking to enroll your child in any of these platforms, be sure that they have that provision for children within their age bracket.
Lessons offered: What courses does a tutor teach? How can I tell? The sheer act of reading through a tutor’s profile answers these questions. You should not hire a tutor who takes accent removal classes if you are looking to enroll a child. At the same time, you can kill two birds with one stone. Some tutors teach multiple courses at a similar level of mastery. Therefore, you should hire a tutor who teaches accent removal and Business English if you want to get into the corporate world.
Time: One of the most critical advantages of online learning is that you get to learn at your convenience. When looking for a tutor, it is essential to consider their schedule against your availability. Most tutors have their schedules available on their profiles. In other cases, you can get in touch with them directly through trial classes, text, or even phone calls to make time adjustments.
Website Reputation: Finally, how reputable is the company you are hiring a tutor through? To know this, we suggest reading through online reviews. However, we have reviewed 15 of the best online tutoring companies below to save you the stress.
The Best 15 Online English Tutor Websites in the UK
1. AmazingTalkerSource: AmazingTalker
AmazingTalker threw its doors open to the world in 2016. Today, it is one of the biggest online learning sites in Taiwan, offering tutorship in over 100 languages. All you need to become a ESL tutor at this company is fluency and teaching experience. The company believes that learning from native speakers eases the learning process of students. At AmazingTalker, tutor and students have full control of their teaching and learning process.
What tutors want to know
Key points | Description |
1. Payoff | $10 – $26/hour. Teachers set their rates and fee bracket vary by country/region |
2. Requirements |
Fluency in English or University degree Teaching experience |
3. Who are your students |
Preschool (age 3 – 5) Elementary (age 5-15) High school (age 15-18) Adult (18+) |
4. Teaching materials | Prepared by tutor |
5. Working hours | Flexible. 10 hours/weekly minimum. |
6. Special benefits | Comprehensive training to hone your teaching skills. |
What students want to know
Key points | Description |
1. Price | Calculated according to tutor’s per-hour rate |
2. Numbers of tutors | 7,500+ |
3. Number of students per class | 1 or a group of two to four persons |
4. Type of English courses available | Over 60 business English, TOEFL, conversational, and beginners’ courses. |
5. Class length/class schedule | 25 minutes for trial lessons and 50 minutes for standard/Students decide the schedule |
6. Special offer, discount | Money back guarantee |
2. Preply
Source: Preply
With the sole aim of making language learning simpler and seamless, Preply arrived at the online learning scene in 2012. By 2014, the company had expanded by 3000 tutors across 58 countries. As it stands, Preply is home to over 140 thousand tutors, teaching across 203 countries. This phenomenal growth can be attributed to its high-level flexibility. For example, you do not require a university degree or teaching experience to tutor at Preply. All that is required is fluency in your preferred language and Preply takes it up from there.
What Tutors Want To Know
Key points | Description |
1. Payoff | Tutors determine their rates |
2. Requirements | Written and oral fluency in Eng. No certification or teaching experience required |
3. Who are your students | Older teens and adults |
4. Teaching materials | Preply does provide a free pack of materials, with lesson plans (audio and video files). However, it is the teacher who plans and organises the lessons according to the needs of the students. |
5. Working hours | Flexible |
6. Special benefits | Training webinars to upgrade your skills, supportive tutor community etc. |
What Students Want To Know
Key points | Description |
1. Price | Vary by tutor. Generally, rate is between $11 – $35/hour. |
2. Numbers of tutors | 140,000+ |
3. Number of students per class | 1 student or a group of 5 to 6 individuals |
4. Type of English courses available | There are 4 main categories: Learning disabilities, test preparation, regional accents, kids, subjects. The categories have a total of 33 courses including English for Kids, Beginners, and ADHD students. |
5. Class length/class schedule | 45 – 60 minutes/The students decide the class schedule according to the availability of their preferred tutor. |
6. Special offer, discount | One free week trial, 5% and 15% discounts if you buy 6 to 20 lessons together. |
3. Cambly
Source: Cambly
Cambly was established in 2012, and it is one of the leading names in the online tutoring world. To create a personalized learning experience for students, Cambly leverages the services of native speakers. With this provision, learners can achieve English fluency within a short period. Cambly has sections for kids and companies on the official website for more dedicated training. Also, unlike many other companies, access to tutors on Cambly is strictly subscription-based.
What Tutors Want To Know
Key points | Description |
1. Payoff | $10.20/hour. $12.00/hour for Cambly Kids |
2. Requirements | Native speaker proficiency in English |
3. Who are your students | Kids and adult students ranging from university students to professionals. |
4. Teaching materials | Prepared by Cambly |
5. Working hours | Flexible. No minimum hours |
6. Special benefits | Exposure to different cultures of the world |
What Students Want To Know
Key points | Description |
1. Price | There are 3 subscription plans: 1 month, 3 months, and 12 months. Students have to subscribe to a plan to gain access to tutors and courses. The price ranges from $67 – $199/ month. You get to enjoy 25% off if you subscribe to the 12-month plan. |
2. Numbers of tutors | Undisclosed |
3. Number of students per class | 1 |
4. Type of English courses available | There are four main categories spanning across English Fluency, Professional Development, Expression, and Exam Preparation. Under these categories are 25 sub categories. |
5. Class length/class schedule | 15 – 60 minutes per day, 2 – 5 days in a week, depending on your subscription plan. |
6. Special offer, discount | 10% off quarterly packages and 25% off 1-year plan. |
4. Teachaway
Credit: Teachaway
Since its establishment in 2003, TeachAway’s mission has not changed—to provide students with quality teachers. With its strong partnerships with educational institutions worldwide, anyone can earn a TEFL certification at a discounted price. For this reason, TeachAway is currently home to over 700 thousand tutors globally. This makes it undeniably, one of the largest tutor recruitment agency worldwide. Some of TeachAway’s partner institutions include the University of Toronto and Manhattan College.
What Tutors Want To Know
Key points | Description |
1. Payoff | Depends on which company you tutor at |
2. Requirements | Bachelor’s degree in any course |
3. Who are your students | College and university students mainly. |
4. Teaching materials | Prepared by tutors |
5. Working hours | Flexible |
6. Special benefits | 20% off on the University of Toronto TEFL certification. |
What Students Want To Know
Key points | Description |
1. Price | – |
2. Numbers of tutors | 710,000 |
3. Number of students per class | – |
4. Type of English courses available | Professional Development courses, Business English, School Health and Safety, TEFL, and other teaching certification programmes. |
5. Class length/class schedule | Fixed. 6-12 weeks. TEFL certification course takes up to 150 hours |
6. Special offer, discount | – |
5. VIPKid
Source: Genesys
Founded in 2013, VIPKid is the largest online ESL company in China, with over 200 million classes taught. Its mission is to help children learn seamlessly. The company has a rigorous vetting process for teachers. Therefore, learning on VIPKid means obtaining an immersive learning experience with the most qualified educators. You also enjoy the best in-class curriculum built from deep research. Tutoring at VIPKID offers you the chance to teach at your convenient schedule. In addition to an attractive referral bonus, the company offers incentives for teachers based on a tier-based structure. The more classes you teach, the higher you rank, and the more incentives you earn.
What Tutors Want To Know
Key points | Description |
1. Payoff | $14 – $22/ hour plus incentives |
2. Requirements |
Bachelor’s degree from a university. Native speaker command of English. Minimum of two years of prior experience teaching children. Eligibility to work in the US or Canada |
3. Who are your students | Children between the ages of 4 -15 |
4. Teaching materials | Prepared by VIPKid |
5. Working hours | Flexible. No minimum hour commitment |
6. Special benefits |
Offers between $0.80 and $3.20 incentives per class according to a tier-based structure. Pays a $100 referral bonus when your referral successfully registers and completes a class. |
What Students Want To Know
Key points | Description |
1. Price | Undisclosed |
2. Numbers of tutors | 65,000+ |
3. Number of students per class | 1 |
4. Type of English courses available | Undisclosed |
5. Class length/class schedule |
Weekdays – 10:00am – 1:00pm (UK) Weekends – 2:00am – 3:00pm (UK) 25 minutes per class. |
6. Special offer, discount | None |
6. British Council
Credit: Intel Region
Established in 1934, British Council is the pioneer in online English learning. Its supreme objective is to help young people from the Commonwealth nations to learn English and gain internationally recognized qualifications. To this end, the organization has partnered with more than 100 countries, fostering diplomatic connections through English-language learning. The British government services British Council, and its headquarters is located in Stratford, London.
What Tutors Want To Know
Key points | Description |
1. Payoff | Undisclosed |
2. Requirements | TESOL, CELTA or any recognised EFL qualification and post-certificate teaching experience. |
3. Who are your students | Children (aged 5-12). A-level students (15 – 17) and, adult learners (18+). |
4. Teaching materials | Prepared by British Council |
5. Working hours | Fixed |
6. Special benefits | Professional development programmes for teachers. |
What Students Want To Know
Key points | Description |
1. Price |
Subscription-based. Silver – $85/month Gold – $137/month Platinum – $170/month |
2. Numbers of tutors | Undisclosed |
3. Number of students per class | 1 or a group (undisclosed number) |
4. Type of English courses available | There are five categories; Skills: Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing Grammar: Beginners, Intermediate, Advanced Vocabulary: Beginners, Intermediate, and Advanced Business English: Corporate training etc General English IELTS |
5. Class length/class schedule | 1 hour/class. The British Council drafts class schedule |
6. Special offer, discount | 30% discount off any class subscription plan 7-day free trial if you subscribe to Gold or Platinum. |
7. English Tutor Online
Credit: English Tutor Online
Founded in 2005, English Tutor Online is a leading specialist in online English-language learning. ETO is designed as an online community to pair learners with native English teachers who can give them an edge in real-life communication. The online platform explores new technologies that meet the increasing demand for English skills. Studying at ETO boosts your confidence in speaking and perfects your communication skills in general. Headquartered in the US and Canada, ETO has is present in over 30 countries.
What Tutors Want To Know
Key points | Description |
1. Payoff | Undisclosed |
2. Requirements |
Native-speaking ability Bachelor’s degree or recognized teaching certification Teaching experience |
3. Who are your students | Children from ages 3 to adults |
4. Teaching materials | Prepared by English Tutor Online |
5. Working hours | Flexible |
6. Special benefits | Well structured company |
What Students Want To Know
Key points | Description |
1. Price | $45.99 – $47.99/hour |
2. Numbers of tutors | Undisclosed |
3. Number of students per class | 1 or group of any number |
4. Type of English courses available | There are 3 main programs: Corporate, General, and ESL for Children. These cut across Business English, Travel English, Day-to-day English for Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced students, etc. |
5. Class length/class schedule | 1 hour for standard classes (may be longer)/Determined by the students |
6. Special offer, discount |
20-minute free trial class Group classes come with price reductions Money back guarantee Refer up to 3 persons an earn 3 free classes or $50 |
8. Tutor.com
Credit: PR Newswire
Tutor.com offers on-demand online tutoring in over 250 subjects. With multiple partnerships from colleges to the US military, the e-learning platform provides round-the-clock assistance to support students’ learning needs. In fact, Tutor.com is available for free to members of the US military and families.Starting out as an idea from a group of passionate education and tech professionals, Tutor.com was finally incorporated in 2000. Tutor.com‘s application process guarantees that only seasoned tutors make up its 3000+ teaching staff. Furthermore, each class session undergoes review by a quality specialist team.
What Tutors Want To Know
Key points | Description |
1. Payoff | Undisclosed |
2. Requirements |
University degree or be currently enrolled in a 4-year degree from an accredited university. Fluency in spoken and written English. Eligibility to work in the US |
3. Who are your students | Children and adult |
4. Teaching materials | Prepared by tutors |
5. Working hours | Flexible. Minimum 5 hours weekly. |
6. Special benefits | – |
What Students Want To Know
Key points | Description |
1. Price | Undisclosed |
2. Numbers of tutors | 3000+ |
3. Number of students per class | 1 |
4. Type of English courses available | 14 courses, including Grammar, Reading Comprehension and World Literature. |
5. Class length/class schedule | 1 hour/Determined by the student. |
6. Special offer, discount | Free for military personnels and family. |
9. Skooli
Credit: Crunchbase
Founded in 2014, Skooli is the brainchild of the team behind TeachAway and Learnkit. It boasts of over ten years of experience in online learning. Thus, Skooli is an attractive choice for students looking to upgrade their knowledge with an immersive learning experience. Using its built-in search engine, students can ask a question and get connected with an expert tutor that meets their needs and convenience.
What Tutors Want To Know
Key points | Description |
1. Payoff | Undisclosed |
2. Requirements |
Bachelor’s degree ESL or language teaching certification is a plus Government-issued teaching licence |
3. Who are your students | Children and adults |
4. Teaching materials | Prepared by tutors |
5. Working hours | Flexible. No minimum hours. |
6. Special benefits | – |
What Students Want To Know
Key points | Description |
1. Price |
$0.82/minute. Subscription plans: Genius – $352 for 8 hours Mastermind – $672 – 16 hours Einstein – $1248 – 32 hours |
2. Numbers of tutors | Undisclosed |
3. Number of students per class | 1 |
4. Type of English courses available | The courses available range from Standard English and ACT English to English literature. |
5. Class length/class schedule | 15 minutes minimum per class/Students choose tutors according to availability. Also both parties can agree on a specific time. |
6. Special offer, discount | The more classes you book, the more you save. Save as much as $326 when you subscribe to the Einstein plan rather than pay per minute. |
10. italki
Credit: Medium
In 2007, when it was founded, Italki existed as a language exchange network. Since then, the site has grown into an online language-learning marketplace for students and freelance teachers. In addition to its engaging learning experience, the platform also provides a vibrant community for students to test out their knowledge. Italki is available on both Appstore and Google PlayStore.
What Tutors Want To Know
Key points | Description |
1. Payoff | Teachers set their own rates. Trial classes cost as low as $5. |
2. Requirements |
Must be a native speaker or possess a near-native command of English. Must be 18 years or over. Bachelor’s degree is an added advantage if obtained in education. If you don’t possess a Bachelor’s, you’ll need a TEFL certificate or it’s equivalent. |
3. Who are your students | Children and adults |
4. Teaching materials | The instructor has complete control over the lesson material and even the teaching methods. |
5. Working hours | Flexible |
6. Special benefits | italki runs a one-of-a-kind referral program. You earn $10 for every invitee that signs up with your referral link. |
What Students Want To Know
Key points | Description |
1. Price | Depends on the tutor’s rate. Students also enjoy a 30-minute trial lessons at a cost of $5. |
2. Numbers of tutors | 5000+ |
3. Number of students per class | 1 or a group |
4. Type of English courses available | List several types : English for Adult, English for beginner…. |
5. Class length/class schedule | 30 minutes for standard classes (may be extended)/The students decide. |
6. Special offer, discount | 5-9% off purchase of 10 or 20 lesson packages. |
11. Speechify
Credit: Speechify
Speechify, started in 2016, is an India-based online speaking program designed to improve your communication skills and ultimately cater for your English-learning needs. It uses one-on-one video classes from seasoned tutors to streamline the process of learning and hone your speaking and listening skills. At Speechify, you can book a free demo on the app or the website to access your current skills. Speechify also provides a vast pool of study resources that learners of all levels can exploit, whether for crisp business writing or smooth-spoken English. In the end, Speechify guarantees to elevate your confidence in speaking and set your communication at par with the world’s standards.
What Tutors Want To Know
Key points | Description |
1. Payoff | Undisclosed |
2. Requirements | 2 years English language teaching experience |
3. Who are your students | Children and adults |
4. Teaching materials | Prepared by Speechify |
5. Working hours | Flexible. You decide your working hours |
6. Special benefits | – |
What Students Want To Know
Key points | Description |
1. Price |
Subscription-based. $40 for a month (15 classes) $105 for 3 months (50 lessons) $184 for 6 months (100 lessons) $328 for 12 months (200 lessons) |
2. Numbers of tutors | Unstated |
3. Number of students per class | 1 |
4. Type of English courses available | Business English, English for Kids, Writing, Grammar, Vocabulary, Conversational fluency, and more. |
5. Class length/class schedule | 30 minutes for standard lessons but may extend to 60/Students decide the class schedule. |
6. Special offer, discount |
Free study materials 30-minute free trial class |
12. Classgap
Source: Classgap
Classgap is an international online teaching platform with the primary aim of providing an ideal tutor suited to your schedule and subject preferences. With over 12,000 tutors registered on its platform, you can take control of your learning by choosing a tutor that meets your needs and budget. Tutors also have the freedom to set their rates, location, preferred courses, and work schedules. Students and tutors alike enjoy the immersive experience of Classgap’s virtual classroom regardless of your location.
What Tutors Want To Know
Key points | Description |
1. Payoff | Tutors set their rates. Rates are generally between $8 – $30/hour. Classgap takes 20% on your 50 hours, 13% on 51 – 249 hours, and 10% on 250 hours and more. |
2. Requirements | Undisclosed. However, a university degree, TEFL certification, and teaching experience are advantageous. |
3. Who are your students | College students and adult learners, mostly Spanish. |
4. Teaching materials | Prepared by tutors |
5. Working hours | Flexible |
6. Special benefits | No minimum work hours |
What Students Want To Know
Key points | Description |
1. Price | Depends on your preferred tutor’s per hour rate. |
2. Numbers of tutors | 12,000+ |
3. Number of students per class | 1 |
4. Type of English courses available | Not stated, but tutors’ scope cut across Business English, Conversational fluency, Grammar, Informal English, Phonetics, and many more. |
5. Class length/class schedule | The teacher and student agree on schedule. |
6. Special offer, discount | 10% off on the first package of class you buy. |
13. TeacherOn
Credit: TeacherOn
The company was founded by Arun Verma in 2013 and currently has its headquarters in Ludhiana, Punjab. TeacherOn is a free website built to provide a teacher for every student within their local area. The tutors, scattered across 125 countries, deliver in-house and face-to-face online tutoring to students. The website operates on an escrow system, making it a reliable choice for thousands of students and teachers worldwide. The platform also offers assistance on projects, assignments, and dissertations for over 4500 subjects and supports 250+ languages.
What Tutors Want To Know
Key points | Description |
1. Payoff |
$1 – $100/hour. (The teachers determine their rate per hour while the company charges a maximum of 15% commission) |
2. Requirements | Native English-speaking ability |
3. Who are your students | Children and adults |
4. Teaching materials | Prepared by teacher |
5. Working hours | Flexible |
6. Special benefits | Students do not necessarily have to pay you via the company. |
What Students Want To Know
Key points | Description |
1. Price | Calculated according to tutor’s fee |
2. Numbers of tutors | 100,000+ |
3. Number of students per class | 1 |
4. Type of English courses available | Conversational English, English for Beginners, English Literature, etc. |
5. Class length/class schedule | Both tutor and student come to an agreement. |
6. Special offer, discount | Offers up to 50% discount on coins purchases. |
14. Superprof
Source: Crunchbase
Superprof, founded by Wilfried and Yann, started in 2013 as a platform to provide support for students’ learning needs. Today, it boasts of over 18 million expert tutors drawn from 39 countries, including the UK and the US. Using the search engine, students can readily access teachers’ profiles and book a schedule with any tutor they consider best. Learning is at the heart of Superprof with its expansive library of subjects.
What Tutors Want To Know
Key points | Description |
1. Payoff | Tutors set their rates based on level of experience and location. However, rates range from £15 – £35. |
2. Requirements |
English Language proficiency University degree is an added advantage You may need to gain QTS (Qualified Teaching Status) if you want to teach in England or Wales. To become a private tutor, you need a minimum of Level-3 certification |
3. Who are your students | Children and adults |
4. Teaching materials | Prepared by tutors |
5. Working hours | Prepared by the tutor |
6. Special benefits | Zero commission on income |
What Students Want To Know
Key points | Description |
1. Price | Depends on tutor rate. Access to tutors costs $29/month |
2. Numbers of tutors | 18 million+ |
3. Number of students per class | 1 or a group |
4. Type of English courses available | There are 20 courses that cut across accent removal, business English, IELTS, oral expression, and more. |
5. Class length/class schedule | The teacher and student determine lesson hours and schedule. |
6. Special offer, discount | Teachers may offer a discounted charge for group lessons. |
15. Verbling
Credit: Verbling
Verbling is a US-based e-learning platform founded in 2011 by Y Combinator. Today, the company houses about 10,000 outstanding tutors in over 70 languages, including English. Verbling pairs students with teachers according to their needs to give you remarkable language proficiency. You can search for a tutor, book a lesson and learn on the go for as low as $5 per hour on Verbling. Companies can also book group lessons for their staff/team on Verbling.
What Tutors Want To Know
Key points | Description |
1. Payoff | Tutors determine their rates |
2. Requirements | Good command of English (non-native speakers are accepted). Prior experience teaching English as a Second language. Teaching certification is a plus |
3. Who are your students | Children and adults |
4. Teaching materials | Prepared by teacher |
5. Working hours | Flexible |
6. Special benefits | The company gives your profile visibility and pairs you with students. |
What Students Want To Know
Key points | Description |
1. Price | Depends on tutor’s rate. Sometimes as low as $5 |
2. Numbers of tutors | 10,000+ |
3. Number of students per class | 1 |
4. Type of English courses available | Not listed |
5. Class length/class schedule | 1 hour per class/Students book tutors according to their availability. |
6. Special offer, discount | Free coupons for students 30-minute free trial class |
Learn More About Online Tutors
Sign up at AmazingTalker today to get 100 free hours, learning any language. Cheers!