The 7 best online tutoring websites

For families


Online tutoring is a great way to keep your child’s grades up from the comfort of your own home. You can stay on your regular schedule since you don’t have to pick them up whenever they finish, and it’s also usually more affordable and convenient compared to in-person tutoring. And now, during the Covid-19 pandemic, online tutoring can help keep your child safe by reducing the risk of exposure. 

You may be wondering if online tutoring is actually as effective as in-person learning. The answer often depends on the tutor, and online tutoring services provide plenty of tutors to choose from—especially compared to in-person options. This makes it not only easy to find a tutor, but also to change tutors if you decide to look for a better fit. 

Research also shows that online tutoring can be very effective: One study found that online tutoring led to significant improvements in academic and social-emotional outcomes, especially when the tutor incorporated a shared whiteboard and video calls. Another study showed that students who interacted online with their tutors performed better than students who were limited to in-person interactions with the same tutors. 

However, not all online tutoring services are created equally. To find the most effective tutoring program for your child’s unique needs, it’s crucial to understand what each of them offers—so we put together this list to help you learn about your available options. 

Since each one offers something a little different, we organized the best tutoring services by category categories. Here are the best of the best:


  1. Best online tutoring for Math - Remind 
  2. Best online tutoring for Writing Improvement - Smarthinking
  3. Best online tutoring for Language - Preply
  4. Best online tutoring for College Admissions - Chegg
  5. Best online tutoring for Homework Help - Skooli
  6. Best online tutoring Free - Khan Academy
  7. Best online tutoring Test Prep - Tutapoint


1) Best online tutoring for Math - Remind

Remind is a fantastic option for helping students with challenging math concepts, homework assistance, and more. All of their tutors are certified K-12 teachers with real classroom experience based in the U.S. In addition, Remind ensures that tutors are knowledgeable and qualified through subject matter assessments, background checks, and interviews. 

Remind has a very affordable tutoring service priced at $40 per session to help make tutoring more accessible. Plus, the first lesson is free so you can see whether it’s right for you. You can sign up with Remind for weekly sessions with the same coach or switch coaches if needed, and the Remind platform makes it easy to schedule or even reschedule your sessions. Remind is also a proven, well-trusted brand among parents, teachers, and educators—the Remind communication app is used by nearly 30 million users across 80% of public schools in the U.S.


You can try a free trial session here: Remind Tutoring


Pros

  • All tutors are certified math teachers with classroom experience
  • Affordable sessions with video & whiteboarding
  • Proven track record

Cons

  • Currently only offers tutoring in math 

2. Best online tutoring for Writing Improvement - Smarthinking

Smarthinking is a tutoring service by Pearson, and its writing program is a great option for getting help with all kinds of writing, from essays to creative writing. 90 percent of the tutors for Smarthinking have at least a master’s degree in their subject area. In addition, prices are surprisingly reasonable: One hour costs around $45, and a price package of four on-demand hours costs an affordable $150. Along with their writing programs, Smarthinking offers tutoring in 150 different subjects.

Pros

  • 90 percent of tutors have a master’s degree or PhD. 
  • Affordable packages and writing review services

Cons

  • More expensive than some competitors
  • Does not offer tutoring for every subject


3. Best online tutoring for Language - Preply

Preply has thousands of tutors from 185 different countries, so it’s a great choice for students who need help learning another language. Tutors can help with vocabulary, homework, and more in over 20 languages. Each tutor with Preply will set their own prices and schedule, and it’s easy to search by specific criteria. 

Pros

  • $50 average hourly rate
  • Thousands of tutors in over 20 languages

Cons

  • More experienced, better rated tutors are more expensive
  • No option to switch between different tutors
  • No detailed background checks on tutors


4. Best online tutoring for College Admissions - Chegg

Chegg offers tutoring in hundreds of unique subjects, including ESL, AP classes, and music. Each and every tutor has to pass a proficiency test in their subject area, and services are available 24/7. Chegg costs $14.95 per month, and you can pay an additional $9.95 per month for Chegg Writing or Chegg Math Solver.

Pros

  • Unlimited tutoring services for a monthly fee
  • Tutoring in hundreds of subjects
  • 24/7 service

Cons

  • Cost extra for Chegg Writing and Chegg Math Solver
  • Have to pay monthly even if you only need an hour of help


5. Best online tutoring for Homework Help - Skooli

Skooli has a unique payment model that allows you to pay per minute, starting with a minimum of 15 minutes. Tutoring costs around $1 per minute, and you won’t be charged outside of the minutes you actually use—which makes it good for immediate and reliable homework assistance in a variety of subjects. Sessions include live video sessions and chat services, as well as a virtual whiteboard and the ability to rewatch previous sessions.

Pros

  • Only pay for what you use
  • Virtual whiteboard and video sessions

Cons

  • Costs around $60 per hour
  • Per minute charges mean you need to monitor your time
  • A limited number of educators


6. Best online tutoring Free - Khan Academy

Want to see if online tutoring is right for you without spending any money? If so, you definitely want to check out Khan Academy, which provides curriculum materials that can help teach or supplement a traditional classroom experience. Videos span a wide variety of subjects, lessons, and topics—all for free. 


Pros

  • 100% Free
  • Wide variety of lessons on video

Cons

  • No live sessions
  • No 1-on-1 tutors
  • Not customized to your child


7) Best online tutoring for Test Prep - Tutapoint

Tutapoint has great tutoring for SAT and ACT test prep. Their tutors are teachers, professors, and teaching assistants that know Tutapoint is a great option SAT and ACT test prep, with tutors who are teachers, professors, and teaching assistants who know the ins and outs of these types of tests. Some of them also have experience helping students with learning disabilities like ADHD and dyslexia. Test prep packages start at $425 for three hours of online tutoring, a full-length practice test, and an individualized study plan. The most expensive package offers 10 hours of one-on-one tutoring, unlimited practice tests, and a full year of access to online prep resources for around $1,895.


Pros

  • Qualified staff
  • Different packages depending on needs


Cons

  • Packages are expensive
  • Only for high-school students


High-Quality Tutoring Services

Online tutoring is more popular than ever, especially with the circumstances caused by the pandemic. There are many high-quality tutoring services that offer different options based on subject area and specific needs. We hope you find the perfect one for you!!

Sources: