If you’re looking for an online private tutor, you might have heard of Novakid. But is this platform really worth the investment? In this honest 2025 Novakid review, we explore everything—from pricing and teacher quality to real user experiences. We’ll also compare it with other popular tutoring platforms to help you make the choice that best fits your needs. We’ve delved into real reviews, Trustpilot ratings, and Reddit experiences to uncover the truth. Whether you’re considering joining Novakid or just exploring different tutoring platforms, this article will help you understand the pros and cons and key differences to make an informed decision. Looking for a more flexible and cost-effective way to learn English? Check out our top 10 American English tutors (click here for the list)—perfect for students on a budget.
What is Novakid?
Novakid is a global online English learning platform designed specifically for children aged 4 to 12, offering personalized course options. The platform provides two types of plans: Standard and Premium. The Standard plan features professional teachers who are not native speakers, while the Premium plan includes teachers who are both native speakers and professionals. Despite having a vast pool of teachers, its high prices and opaque refund policy have raised increasing concerns.
Is Novakid Legit or a Scam?
Novakid is a legitimate platform, but some users find its subscription model confusing or unsatisfactory. Subscription fees are deducted even if the child doesn’t attend classes. “I thought it was pay-as-you-go, but it turned out to be an automatic monthly deduction. It feels like such a waste.” —Emily, USA. Many complaints on Reddit and Trustpilot highlight similar frustrations with unclear deductions and the refund process.
Novakid Pricing: What You Really Pay
Here’s a breakdown of the costs you might actually incur when using Novakid:
| Item | Cost | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Tutor Hourly Rate | $9.6–$21.2+ | Depends on plan type and tutor experience |
| Subscription Fee | None | No subscription fee required |
| Trial Lessons | Sometimes free, sometimes charged | Varies by tutor’s rules |
| Cancellation/Refund Policy | Limited refund options | Refunds often denied even if classes aren’t completed |
💡 Hidden Fee Tip: Even if no tutor responds to your messages, the monthly fee will still be charged.
When choosing an English tutor, many learners wonder: Can I choose my own teacher? Are there differences in nationality, teaching style, or pricing? If you’re comparing different types of English courses, we’ve got answers for you. Below is the average hourly rate by tutor nationality—and a carefully curated top 10 list of highly-rated English tutors. Whether your priority is teacher background or budget, this guide helps you find the best option.
Average English Tutor Rates by Nationality (USD/Hour)
| Tutor Nationality | Average Hourly Rate (USD) | Recommended Top 10 English Tutors |
|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | $14 – $24 | Top 10 American Tutors |
| 🇬🇧 UK | $17 – $29 | Top 10 British Tutors |
| 🇿🇦 South Africa | $12 – $20 | Top 10 South African Tutors |
| 🇵🇭 Philippines | $8 – $13 | Top 10 Filipino Tutors |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | $12 – $21 | Top 10 Canadian Tutors |
| 🇨🇳 China | $12 – $20 | Top 10 Chinese Tutors |
| 🇮🇷 Iran | $10 – $16 | Top 10 Iranian Tutors |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | $17 – $29 | Top 10 Australian Tutors |
| 🇹🇷 Turkey | $11 – $18 | Top 10 Turkish Tutors |
| 🇹🇼 Taiwan | $16 – $27 | Top 10 Taiwanese Tutors |
Real Novakid Reviews: Mixed User Feedback and Key Concerns
Novakid currently holds a 3.4-star rating on Trustpilot (as of May 2025), with user experiences varying significantly. We’ve gathered opinions from Trustpilot, Reddit, and other review sites, organizing them into pros and cons.
✅ What Users Like About Novakid
- Extensive Tutor Selection
Novakid offers a wide range of subjects and languages across different countries. Many users appreciate the ability to quickly find a suitable tutor. “Found a good teacher quickly.” —Trustpilot Review “There are many teachers to choose from. I learned two different languages and was very satisfied with both. Good communication, smooth process.” —Trustpilot Review - Flexible Platform
The platform allows tutors to manage their own time and pricing. “Novakid provides an intuitive and well-structured system that makes it easy to connect with motivated students and manage lessons efficiently.” —Trustpilot Review “Easy setup and Novakid automatically sends student requests. Very satisfied with the platform!” —Trustpilot Review - No Commission for Tutors
Unlike other platforms, tutors can keep all the income they earn. “A decent tutoring platform, from a teacher’s perspective, it’s one of the better platforms because there are no commission fees.” —Reddit User
❌ Common Complaints About Novakid
- Unexpected Monthly Fees
One of the most common complaints is the monthly fee charged just for contacting tutors, often not clearly disclosed. “I was charged even though the tutor didn’t respond. No clear warning.” —Reddit User “I paid €39 to contact a tutor who didn’t respond, and they won’t refund me.” —Reddit User - Misleading Free Trial Promotion
Some users feel misled by the “first lesson free” promise. “I thought the first lesson was free, but I was charged just to contact someone. Feels like a scam.” —Reddit User - Varying Tutor Quality
While some tutors are excellent, others are inactive or unqualified. “Tutors looked good on their profiles but didn’t respond. Wasted money.” —Reddit User - Complicated Refund Process
Users report almost never receiving refunds, even if classes aren’t taken. “They told me that just communicating with a tutor counts as using the service, so I can’t get a refund. It’s ridiculous.” —Trustpilot User - Poor Customer Service
Although Novakid responds to most Trustpilot reviews, users say actual support is slow or ineffective. “Customer service just copy-pastes replies, doesn’t actually solve anything.” —Reddit User - Issues for Tutors Too
Some tutors report difficulties with payment setup, unserious students, or being forced to provide unpaid trial lessons. “I had students who booked and then disappeared, leaving me wasting time giving a free lesson.” —Reddit User
📌 Real Quote from a U.S. User
“Tutors are okay, but I don’t like having to pay $39 just to contact someone. There’s no easy way to cancel or get money back.” —Jackson, USA
Tutor Quality: Are Novakid Teachers Any Good?
Tutor quality varies widely. Some tutors are certified professionals, while others are amateurs. Unlike other platforms that require certificate verification or trial lessons, Novakid’s vetting is less rigorous. The lack of centralized ratings or training requirements means there’s a risk if you’re serious about consistent learning.
If it were me, I’d go straight for the top 10 American English tutors, with numerous real student reviews—it’s a safer bet for real results. Still unsure? Just leave a comment with your needs, and I’ll help you find the right match.
Novakid vs Other Tutoring Platforms: How It Stacks Up
Choosing a tutoring platform depends on what you value most—price transparency, tutor qualifications, or platform flexibility. Here’s a comparison of Novakid with several major platforms, based on key features and real user experiences.
| Platform | Price Range | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Novakid | $9.6–$21.2/hour | Offers various plan options, uneven tutor quality, requires custom learning plans, and no subscription fees |
| AmazingTalker | $11–$40/hour | Verified tutors, AI smart matching, no subscription, customizable budget, over 95% satisfaction |
| Preply | $15–$50/hour | Goal-oriented tutor categorization, some group class options |
| Wyzant | $30–$70/hour | Offers face-to-face teaching, tutor self-pricing, more common in the USA |
| TutorOcean | $20–$50/hour | Emerging platform, flexible scheduling, detailed tutor profiles |
While Novakid stands out for its diverse subjects and global reach, its opaque refund policy and uneven tutor vetting may not suit everyone. If you’re looking for a more transparent and flexible experience, platforms like AmazingTalker or Wyzant might better meet your needs.
Pros and Cons of Novakid
✅ Pros
- Large global database of tutors
- Offers a variety of subject choices
- Some tutors provide face-to-face lessons
❌ Cons
- Must subscribe to contact tutors
- Lack of refund transparency
- Uneven tutor qualifications
- Poor customer support
By now, you should have a clearer understanding! Still unsure? Just choose a tutor with good reviews—it’s the safest bet. Here’s where you can find the top 10 American English tutors. Or, leave a comment with your needs, and I’ll recommend one for you. This way, you can start chatting directly with a tutor faster!
Best Alternatives to Novakid
If you’re looking for alternatives to Novakid that offer more transparency, verified tutors, or more flexible pricing, here are four popular platforms to consider:
- AmazingTalker – Ideal for language learners. No subscription required, all tutors are verified, and you can set your own budget. The platform uses AI to match students with tutors, with a reported satisfaction rate of over 95%.
- Preply – Offers a wide selection of tutors and flexible scheduling. Prices are categorized by fluency goals, but some users report inconsistencies with rates and refunds.
- Wyzant – More common in the USA, especially for academic subjects. Tutors set their own hourly rates, and face-to-face lessons are available in some areas.
- TutorOcean – A growing platform offering flexible scheduling and detailed tutor profiles. It’s newer but gaining popularity for its user-friendly setup and straightforward pricing.
Novakid FAQ: Cost, Policies, and Better Alternatives
How much does Novakid really cost?
Expect to pay between $76.8 and $169 per month, depending on the plan type and payment options you choose.
Can I get a refund?
Refunds are difficult to obtain. Novakid considers the service delivered once you contact a tutor, even if no classes are taken.
Are tutors verified?
Not necessarily. Some tutors are professionals, but others may lack formal qualifications or be unresponsive.
Are there better platforms?
Yes. Many users turn to AmazingTalker, Preply, or Wyzant—known for transparent pricing, no subscription fees, and verified tutors.
Final Verdict: Is Novakid Worth It?
If you’re looking for an affordable and user-friendly tutoring platform, Novakid might not be your best choice. Mandatory subscriptions, unclear fees, and mixed reviews make it a risky option, particularly for first-time users. While Novakid may work for some learners, especially those seeking face-to-face options or niche subjects, others might prefer platforms with clearer pricing and tutor vetting. Ultimately, choosing the right tutoring platform depends on your preferences, goals, and budget.
👉 My personal recommendation: The most flexible way to learn English is to check out the top 10 English tutors (click here).
