Ready to transform your teaching skills into a flexible online income? The world of online English teaching has exploded, and there are more opportunities than ever for teachers like you to build a thriving business from anywhere.
Whether you're a seasoned educator looking for extra income or a complete beginner wanting to start your teaching journey, these platforms offer real opportunities to connect with students worldwide and build the freedom-based lifestyle you've been dreaming of.
Let's dive into the best sites that are actively hiring right now and actually worth your time.
The Top Platforms Breaking Down Barriers
Preply: Your Gateway to Teaching Freedom
Preply stands out as the most flexible option available right now. Here's why teachers love it: you set your own schedule, choose your hourly rates, and work with students from over 180 countries.
The best part? No specific requirements. You don't need a degree, certification, or years of experience to get started. You can teach students of all ages, from kids to business professionals.
What makes Preply special:
- Complete control over your pricing and schedule
- Built-in tools including lesson curriculum and interactive whiteboard
- Trial lessons are typically 1 hour (you negotiate future lesson lengths)
- Students find you through the platform's search system
Perfect for: Teachers who want maximum flexibility and control over their business.
EF Education First: The Beginner's Best Friend
If you're new to online teaching, EF Education First removes the guesswork. They provide all your teaching materials in advance, so you can focus on what you do best: teaching.
Requirements are straightforward:
- Native English speaker (or C2 level for non-natives)
- TEFL certificate
- Bachelor's degree
The financial details:
- Base pay starts at $12 USD per hour
- Holiday pay increases your earnings by 12.07%
- Opportunities for pay increases as you grow
You'll work with adult students in 20-45 minute lessons, and since all materials are prepared, you won't spend hours on lesson planning.
Perfect for: New online teachers who want structure and support while building confidence.
Cambly & Cambly Kids: Conversation Made Simple
Cambly focuses on what many students desperately need: real conversation practice. This platform removes the pressure of formal lesson planning and lets you focus on natural, engaging conversations.
The user-friendly interface makes it easy to connect with students worldwide, and you can choose between adult learners on Cambly or younger students on Cambly Kids.
Perfect for: Teachers who excel at conversational English and prefer interactive, flexible teaching experiences.
Tutlo: Targeting Specific Markets
Tutlo operates from Poland and serves business professionals, children, and adults. Here's what you need to know:
Requirements:
- Native English speakers from US, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, or South Africa
- At least 18 years old
- Minimum 6 months teaching experience
- TEFL certification
- Strong internet (at least 5 mbps upload and download)
The earning potential:
- $5-11 USD per hour
- Flexible scheduling with on-demand lessons
- 20-minute sessions (with 40 and 60-minute options)
- No advance booking required
Perfect for: Teachers who prefer shorter sessions and want to work with specific student demographics.
Twenix: Business Professional Focus
Twenix caters to busy professionals, making it ideal if you have business experience or enjoy working with career-focused adults.
The financial breakdown:
- $9-$17 USD per hour
- 26-minute lessons
- Well-organized materials provided
- Easy-to-use interface
Requirements are minimal:
- No bachelor's degree required
- No prior teaching experience necessary
- Must be a legal freelancer in your country
Perfect for: Teachers who want to work with motivated adult learners without extensive qualifications.
ClassGap: Complete Control
ClassGap gives you the ultimate freedom to build your teaching business your way.
What sets it apart:
- Set your own rates
- Create your own schedule
- No minimum hours required
- Accepts both native and non-native speakers
- No degree requirements
Technical requirements are simple:
- Computer with webcam
- Headset
- Strong internet connection
Perfect for: Independent teachers who want to run their teaching business exactly how they envision it.
The Conversation Specialists
ChatSchool: Student-Led Learning
ChatSchool operates on an interesting model: 80% student talking time, 20% teacher talking time. This approach helps students gain confidence through practice rather than passive learning.
Financial details:
- $8-13 per hour
- 10 minimum teaching hours per week
- 120-hour TEFL certification recommended (not required)
Perfect for: Teachers who excel at facilitating conversation and guiding student-led discussions.
iTalki: Multi-Language Opportunities
While primarily known for various languages, iTalki offers solid opportunities for English teachers with flexibility similar to Preply.
Perfect for: Teachers who might want to expand beyond English or prefer platform variety.
Specialized Platforms for Younger Learners
VIPKid: Focus on Chinese Students
VIPKid specializes in teaching English to children in China, offering the flexibility to work from home on your schedule.
Perfect for: Teachers who love working with children and want to focus on a specific market.
LingoAce: Children Aged 4-15
LingoAce teaches both English and Mandarin to children, requiring fluent English speakers to guide young learners through structured programs.
Perfect for: Teachers passionate about early childhood education and international students.
Making Your Choice: Quick Decision Guide
Want maximum flexibility with no barriers? Start with Preply or ClassGap.
New to online teaching? EF Education First provides the structure and support you need.
Love conversation-based teaching? Cambly or ChatSchool focus on speaking practice.
Interested in business professionals? Twenix offers engaging materials for career-focused learners.
Passionate about teaching children? VIPKid and LingoAce specialize in younger students.
Platform Comparison at a Glance
| Platform | Pay Range | Degree Required | TEFL Required | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preply | You decide | No | No | Maximum flexibility |
| EF Education First | $12+ per hour | Yes | Yes | Structured support |
| Tutlo | $5-11 per hour | No | Yes | Specific markets |
| Twenix | $9-17 per hour | No | No | Business focus |
| ClassGap | You decide | No | No | Complete control |
| ChatSchool | $8-13 per hour | No | Recommended | Conversation practice |
Your Next Steps
The online English teaching world is waiting for you, and these platforms prove there's a place for every type of teacher. Whether you're looking for your first online teaching gig or wanting to diversify your income streams, these sites offer real opportunities to build the teaching business you want.
Start by choosing one platform that matches your current situation and preferences. Create your profile, set up your teaching space, and take that first step toward teaching freedom.
Remember, every successful online teacher started exactly where you are right now. The difference? They took action.
Ready to connect with other teachers who are building their online teaching businesses? Join our free Teacherpreneurs community where you'll find support, resources, and real strategies for turning your teaching skills into a thriving online business.
Join the Teacherpreneurs Community for Free and start building your teaching empire today. Your future students are waiting for exactly what you have to offer.
