The Best Online Teaching Platforms for Teaching English

With so many options out there, how can we choose the best online teaching platforms? Photo by Christina Morillo.

(Updated July 26, 2024)

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, online teaching platforms have become indispensable tools for educators worldwide.

These platforms offer a versatile environment for teaching various subjects, including English, and cater to learners of all ages and proficiency levels.

Online teaching platforms not only benefit educators by providing flexible teaching opportunities, but also offer learners the convenience of accessing quality education from anywhere in the world.

From interactive lesson plans to personalized learning experiences, these platforms have revolutionized the way we teach and learn.

But when researching teaching platforms online, how do we choose the best online teaching platforms for our subject, our goals, and our personal teaching style?

In this article, we'll explore some of the best online teaching platforms suitable for teaching English and other subjects.

These platforms have garnered positive feedback from educators and learners alike and are currently hiring, making them ideal options for those seeking teaching opportunities.

Criteria for Evaluating The Best Online Teaching Platforms

When evaluating teaching platforms online, there were several key criteria we considered.

Reputation:

We looked for companies that are highly regarded within the teaching community. Platforms with a strong reputation are more likely to offer quality teaching opportunities and support for educators.

Hiring Status:

We also opted for platforms that are actively hiring teachers. Most of our subscribers and website visitors are interested in gaining employment teaching English online, or getting hired with a second company as a backup source of income.

Trustworthiness:

We chose platforms that we personally work with to provide quality teachers.  We are in regular communication with them, so you can trust they are legit.  

Best Online Teaching Platforms Shortlist

Here are the best online teaching platforms that meet the above criteria:

VIPKid:

Overview

VIPKid is an international education technology company that connects children with experienced teachers for real-time online English immersion lessons.

Class Type

• One-on-one, 25 minutes, no lesson planning, no talking to parents, no correcting homework

Age range

• 4 to 12 year olds

Requirements

• four-year Bachelor's degree

• eligible to work in the U.S. or Canada

• two years of experience

VIPKid Hours

• There are no minimum or maximum hours at VIPKid.

VIPKid Pay

• The base pay per 25-minute class is $7 to $9 USD.

• You can earn bonus pay on each of your classes taught. T

  • The total potential pay per hour is from $14 to $22.

• Teachers can choose to be paid weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly.

Peak teaching times

Peak hours are from 6:00 p.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 10:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on weekends (Beijing Time )

Application Process

Stage 1: Create a teacher account (5 mins)

Stage 2: Record a live demo (mock class) (25 mins, including 10 minute lesson)

Stage 3: Review orientation materials (time varies)

Stage 4: Contract Signing

Reviews

VIPKid is for:

• teachers who want to work for a well-established company in the industry.

• people who desire a higher salary. (VIPKid has one of the best pay rates amongst online English companies.)

• those who want to work for a company with a robust support staff.

Things to consider:

• The hiring process can take longer at VIPKid than at other, smaller companies.

• Because VIPKid is a larger company with more teachers, it may take longer for new teachers to begin getting fully booked.

Lingostar

Overview:

Lingostar is an online education platform based in Singapore, offering one-on-one live classes with native English teachers from the USA, Canada, and the UK, as well as fluent English teachers from the Philippines. It focuses on students aged 5-13, providing engaging educational experiences through the Lingostar app.

Requirements:

  - Native Teachers: Must hold a bachelor's degree, a teaching certificate (e.g., 120-hour TEFL or TESOL), and have at least one year of online teaching experience.

  - Philippines English Teachers: Fluent English speakers from the Philippines with the same qualifications as native teachers.

Pay:

Native teachers can earn $14-$20 USD/hour, while Philippines English teachers can earn $3-$6 USD/hour.

Class Type:

Lingostar offers one-to-one classes, each lasting 30 minutes with 25 minutes of active teaching. Lesson plans and materials are provided by the company.

Student Age Range:

Most of their students are on the younger side, aged 5 and 6 years old.

Minimum Hours:

Teachers must commit to a minimum of 10 hours per week during peak teaching times, which are from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Singapore Time) on weekdays and all day on weekends.

Application Process:

Lingostar has a quick application process involving an online application, device test, demo, and training. Hired teachers can start teaching immediately.

Review:

Lingostar is suitable for both native and Philippines English teachers seeking competitive pay rates and a quick application processes.

However, applicants must meet degree, teaching certificate, and experience requirements and commit to a minimum of 10 hours per week. Additionally, Lingostar’s students are all on the younger side. 

This opportunity offers a competitive salary in today’s online English teaching landscape, but applicants must consider the requirements, the minimum hours, and the younger student age.  Some teachers love younger students and highly prefer them, others prefer older students.

Technical Requirements:

Lingostar requires the Lingostar app or Classpod software, a stable internet connection, and a Windows computer with an Intel Core i5 8 processor or above. Note: Lingostar doesn’t list Mac as an acceptable system for their platform, but does not explicitly say that they cannot be used.

Preply

Overview:

Preply is an online platform founded in 2012 in Ukraine and now based in the U.S. It connects students with independent tutors via video chat, offering lessons in nearly 50 languages and various subjects.

Requirements:

No specific requirements listed, but certification (e.g., DELTA, CELTA, TESOL, TEFL) or a university degree may be necessary depending on the language or subject. Preply offers classes in a large variety of languages.

Class Type:

One-on-one lessons covering 50 languages and over 100 subjects.

Age Range:

Varies, catering to both adults and children.

Minimum Hours:

No minimum or maximum hours required.

Booking System:

Tutors can reply to student offers or be booked directly through the search function, influenced by availability, reviews, profile quality, and response time.

Pay:

Tutors set their own hourly rates (average $15-20 USD), with Preply taking a commission ranging from 18% to 33% based on teaching hours.

Peak Teaching Times:

Since Preply caters to students and teachers in a wide variety of countries, the peak teaching times vary depending on tutor and student locations. They are generally before and after work/school hours.

Application Process:

Six-step process including basic info, profile picture, description, video introduction, availability, and verification, typically completed within three business days.

Reviews:

Suitable for independent tutors seeking flexibility and freedom. This is a great opportunity for teachers who speak multiple languages. Teachers who can speak English plus one other language fluently are in high demand. Applicants should consider that there are no earnings for teaching a student's first class, and Preply may take up to 33% commission on your classes. Tutors may need to create their own lesson material and build a dedicated student base.

Technical Requirements:

Computer or tablet, stable internet connection, and webcam.

All Right

Overview:

All Right is a U.S.-based, online education company specializing in teaching English to European students aged 3 to 15. It offers lessons based on the Cambridge Starters, Movers, and Flyers curriculum, as well as various topics like Minecraft and cooking.

Class Type:

25 or 55-minute sessions, either one-on-one or in small groups.

Age Range:

3-15 years old.

Requirements:

• Fluent English and proficiency in one European language (B1+ level).

• Bachelor's degree in Education or a teaching certificate.

Minimum Hours:

15 hours per week during specific peak hours.

Pay:

Up to $12 USD per hour, depending on experience and location.

Application Process:

Submit application, pass pre-screening, submit a 10-minute self-recorded video interview, complete a three-hour training course, attend a final on-boarding meeting, and activate teacher profile to start teaching.

Review:

Suitable for teachers from Europe who seek flexibility and state-of-the-art teaching materials. Training is provided free of charge. There are some stricter application requirements, but All Right assigns students to its teachers, so there’s no worry of your time slots being left unbooked.

Technical Requirements:

Internet speed of 15mbps upload and download, Mac or Windows computer with 4Gb RAM, Google Chrome browser, headset, and webcam.

Twenix

Overview:

Twenix is a Spanish e-learning startup focused on providing short, conversation-based English lessons to business professionals in Spain and Italy. The platform offers personalized, simple, and fun methodology for students and provides ongoing training and support for teachers, known as "Tweachers."

Requirements:

• Native or native-level English proficiency.

• Legally registered as a freelancer in your country of residence.

• Strong conversational and active listening skills.

  Nice to have: ESL certification, online teaching experience, interest in different business sectors, tech-savvy mindset

Class Type:

One-on-one video or audio chatting, 26 minutes long, with provided class material.

Student Age Range:

All Twenix students are adult-aged business professionals.

Minimum Hours:

No minimum hours required, with penalty-free class transfer system and last-minute booking opportunities.

Pay:

Pay rates vary based on country, with seasonal bonuses available. Teachers can increase their rate incrementally after completing more classes.

Peak Teaching Times:

Peak hours align with Spain and Italy time zones, with class times suitable for teachers in North America.

Application Process:

Quick and straightforward application process involving an online form, demo videos, onboarding course, and immediate teaching opportunities upon approval.

Review:

Twenix is ideal for non-native teachers with high fluency, offering flexibility, random class assignments, and a focus on conversation. It’s also a great option for native speakers who want a more flexible option where they can speak with adults.

Be aware that you won’t know you know your salary offer until after completing the initial application step.  However, this step only takes 5-10 minutes if you have your resume/CV ready.

Technical Requirements:

Desktop or laptop computer, stable internet connection (>4 MBPS), headset or speakers, microphone, high-quality camera, Google Chrome browser.

PalFish

Overview:

PalFish offers three main programs: PalFish Teacher, PalFish Official Course Instructor, and PalFish Philippines Course. These programs cater to various teaching preferences and requirements.

PalFish Teacher Program:

  - Teachers set their own rates with no time commitments or minimum hours.

  - Teach from a phone or tablet, offering "free talk" sessions and creating custom content.

  - Requirements: Native English speaker, teaching certificate (ex. TESOL or TEFL)

PalFish Official Course Instructor Program:

  - Follows a pre-designed curriculum with stricter hiring requirements.

  - Earn up to $13 USD/hour + bonuses, with a minimum of 10 hours/week commitment.

  - Requirements: Native English speaker (from select countries), teaching certificate (e.g., TEFL or TESOL),

PalFish Philippines Course:

  - Specifically for English teachers from the Philippines, teaching children ages 3 to 12.

  - Earn up to 268 PHP/hour with a minimum 10 hours/week commitment.

  - Requirements: Fluent English speaker, teaching certificate (e.g., TEFL or TESOL), from the Philippines.

Application Process:

PalFish has a fast application process, typically taking 2-4 business days to start teaching. It involves downloading the app, completing basic information, an interview (demo class recording), quiz, and certificate verification.

Review:

PalFish offers flexibility and earning opportunities for teachers, with different programs catering to various preferences. However, teachers may need to promote themselves for the PalFish Teacher program, and the app is mobile-only. They also only accept native English teachers from certain countries.

Technical Requirements:

While specific technical requirements are not listed, teachers need a mobile device (phone or tablet) with Android or iOS, stable internet connection, and the Payoneer app for payments.

Outschool

Overview:

Outschool is an online platform allowing independent teachers to deliver interactive classes on various subjects, including English, to children aged 3 to 18.

Class Type:

Live, small, group classes conducted via video chat, messaging, and group discussion.

Age Range:

Children aged 3 to 18.

Requirements:

• teachers must be at least 18 years old.

• have a good command of written and spoken English.

• No teaching certificate required.

• Background check required.

• Must be a citizen or resident of the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or the U.K.

Minimum Hours:

No minimum hours required.

Pay:

Teachers set their own prices, with 70% of earnings going to the teacher and 30% to Outschool. Payments are made via PayPal.

Peak Teaching Times:

Teachers can set their own schedules, with popular times Monday-Friday from 4am to 6pm Pacific time.

Application Process:

Sign up, complete an online application form and record a short introductory video, pass a background check, and publish classes on the platform.

Review:

Ideal for those seeking flexible, fully-independent teaching positions without traditional qualifications. Teachers can create classes in virtually any subject they would like from painting to minecraft to learning guitar. However, teachers must prepare their own curriculum and teaching materials.

Technical Requirements:

Computer or tablet with a reliable and fast internet connection (over 3Mbps upload and download speed).

Teachable

Overview:

Teachable is an online platform that enables individuals to create, market, and sell their own courses. Teachable is different in that teachers don’t have to be available to deliver their courses.  They can create them (through video, e-documents, etc) and have students take the courses on their own time. The platform handles web hosting and payment processing, allowing educators to focus on course content creation.

Requirements:

There are no specific requirements to sign up for Teachable. Success depends on the quality of courses and marketing efforts.

Costs and Pay:

  - Costs include monthly plan fees and transaction percentages based on the selected plan.

  - Pay is determined by course prices, minus Teachable fees. It operates more like running a business than traditional teaching.

  - Free plan available to start, allowing selling to a limited number of students.

Sign-Up Process:

  1. Create your “school” by signing up for an account with Teachable.

  2. Select a plan (Free, Basic, Professional, or Business) based on features and costs.

  3. Configure your domain, with options for a free subdomain or purchasing a custom domain.

  4. Set up payment gateways to collect student payments.

  5. Customize your site with various themes and navigation options.

  6. Create your first course, dividing it into sections, lectures, and content.

  7. Launch your “school” and start attracting students.

Review:

  - Suitable for experienced teachers with a strong curriculum structure idea.

  - Requires business skills for effective course marketing and sales.

  - Considerable upfront work before generating income, but offers potential for a rewarding passive income stream.

The Best Online Teaching Platform for you

Choosing the best online teaching platform is essential for educators seeking to maximize their teaching potential and reach a global audience of learners. 

We recommend that readers review the options here to see which platform suits their skills, availability, and personal teaching preferences.  That being said, there’s no need to choose just one.  It’s always a great idea to have a backup platform incase something happens with your primary platform, or you just like to mix things up.

Do you have any experience with these platforms that you would like to share?  Do you have any questions? Please let us know in the comments below.  We welcome criticism, but please keep your discussion civil.

We hope this article has been informative.

Happy teaching, everyone!