This is a time of year when the demand for online English tutoring is relatively high. Many students around the world are currently in the middle of their academic year, and they’re eager for help reaching their language goals or preparing for upcoming exams.
Because of this, you might want to consider teaching English online, either as a full-time remote career or a flexible side hustle. Online tutoring offers a straightforward way to earn, and lets you choose your own hours while you connect with students from around the world.
To help you get started, we’ve vetted the best platforms for the current season. Our top recommendations for early 2026 are featured in the first rows of the table below:
| Gig App | Commission Fee | Earnings | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0%–10% | $20–$80 per hour | ||
| None | $16–$22 per hour | ||
| None | $6–$8 per lesson | ||
| 15% | Earnings Vary | ||
| 0%–30% | $5+ per hour | ||
| None | $10.20–$12 per hour | ||
| Undisclosed | Earnings Vary | ||
| 18%–33% | Earnings Vary | ||
| Undisclosed | Earnings Vary | ||
| Undisclosed | Earnings Vary | ||
| 0%–30% | Earnings Vary | ||
| Undisclosed | Varies | ||
| N/A | $14–$22 per hour | ||
When we evaluated these online ESL tutoring platforms, we considered how accessible they are to new workers and checked out feedback from actual tutors and students. We selected popular platforms that pay solid rates, charge lower fees to tutors, and get the thumbs-up from students (meaning you’ll have a better chance of picking up tutoring work).
1. Be fluent in English
If you’re considering becoming a virtual English teacher, you’re probably wondering how much you’ll make, what your students will be like, and whether there’s anything else important that you need to know about this side hustle. Here’s an overview of the key factors you should consider.
“My favorite parts are setting my own schedule, building connections with students, and having the flexibility to work different times of day, days of the week, etc. and still have time for appointments, family time, and more. I also love helping students learn a new language!