Best Online TEFL Platforms: Compare & Choose the Right One
Teaching English online is a flexible and rewarding way to earn an income while helping students worldwide improve their English skills. Whether you're new to TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or looking to expand your opportunities, there are numerous online TEFL platforms to explore.
Some platforms focus on structured lesson plans and young learners, while others give you complete freedom to set your rates and customize lessons. To help you choose the best online TEFL platform, we’ve curated a list based on teaching style, flexibility, and earning potential.
Top Online TEFL Platforms
| Platform | Best For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Lingostar | Building Student Connections | User-friendly, flexible schedules, interactive tools, strong student engagement |
| VIPKid | Teaching Young Learners | Pre-designed lesson plans, flexible hours, focuses on students aged 4–12 |
| iTalki | Customizing Lessons | Set your own rates, personalized lessons, ideal for conversational practice and exam prep |
| Preply | Growing Your Student Base | Advanced search algorithm, flexible rates, self-marketing |
| Cambly | Casual, Conversation-Based Teaching | No lesson planning, spontaneous, informal English practice with students worldwide |
| EF English First | Corporate Teaching Opportunities | Teaches adults and children, corporate clients, business English focus |
| Outschool | Creative Lesson Planning | Design unique classes, combining English with subjects like art or science |
| AmazingTalker | Flexibility | Set your own rates, customizable lessons based on student goals, total flexibility |
| Teachable | Building Your Own Courses | Create, market, and sell your own courses for a self-paced business |
| Engoo | Consistent Bookings | Pre-designed materials, easy focus on teaching without lesson planning |
| Qkids | Teachers New to Online Teaching | Small group lessons, structured curriculum, great for beginners |
| Open English | Teaching Adult Learners | Popular in Latin America, conversational and business English for adults |
| Learnlight | Business and Professional English | Focus on career advancement, corporate English training |
| Tandem | Language Exchanges | Native speakers for conversational practice, student-driven environment |
| SkimaTalk | Flexible Schedules | Short 25-minute lessons, perfect for teachers with limited availability |
1. Lingostar – Best for Building Student Connections
Lingostar provides a user-friendly platform where teachers can set their own schedules and build strong relationships with students from diverse backgrounds. The interactive tools and personalized approach make it ideal for educators who value student engagement.
2. VIPKid – Best for Teaching Young Learners
VIPKid connects teachers with students aged 4–12 in China. The platform provides pre-designed lesson plans and flexible hours, making it ideal for those who prefer a structured curriculum.
3. iTalki – Best for Customizing Lessons
iTalki allows teachers to set their own rates and design personalized lessons. Whether you specialize in conversational practice, grammar, or exam prep, this platform gives you full creative control over your teaching style.
4. Preply – Best for Growing Your Student Base
Preply’s advanced search algorithm helps teachers attract students based on their expertise. You can set your own rates and market your services, making it a great option for teachers looking to build a steady student base.
5. Cambly – Best for Casual, Conversation-Based Teaching
Cambly is perfect for teachers who enjoy spontaneous, conversation-driven lessons. There’s no lesson planning required, and students from around the world log in for informal English practice.
6. EF English First – Best for Corporate Teaching Opportunities
EF English First offers opportunities to teach both adults and children, with a focus on corporate clients. This platform is ideal for those interested in business English and professional development.
7. Outschool – Best for Creative Lesson Planning
Outschool allows educators to design and teach unique classes, combining English with other subjects like art, science, or gaming. It’s perfect for teachers who want more creativity in their lessons.
8. AmazingTalker – Best for Teachers Who Want Flexibility
AmazingTalker lets teachers set their own rates and schedules, offering total flexibility. Teachers can design lessons based on student goals, making it great for those who prefer customized teaching.
9. Teachable – Best for Building Your Own Courses
Teachable isn’t a TEFL platform in the traditional sense, but it allows teachers to create, market, and sell their own courses. If you prefer a self-paced teaching business, this is an excellent option.
10. Engoo – Best for Consistent Bookings
Engoo offers one-on-one lessons with students from various countries. The pre-designed materials make it easy for teachers to focus on teaching rather than lesson planning.
11. Qkids – Best for Teachers New to Online Teaching
Qkids is similar to VIPKid but specializes in small group lessons. The structured curriculum and supportive team make it a great entry point for new online teachers.
12. Open English – Best for Teaching Adult Learners
Open English is a popular Latin American platform focused on conversational and business English for adult learners. If you prefer working with older students, this is a solid choice.
13. Learnlight – Best for Business and Professional English
Learnlight specializes in teaching business professionals who need English for career advancement. This is a great option if you’re interested in corporate English training.
14. Tandem – Best for Language Exchanges
Tandem connects students with native speakers for conversational practice. Teachers can charge for lessons and enjoy a relaxed, student-driven teaching environment.
15. SkimaTalk – Best for Flexible Schedules
SkimaTalk offers short, 25-minute lessons with adult learners. It’s perfect for teachers who have limited availability but still want to teach part-time.
Certification Requirements: Do You Need One?
While many online TEFL platforms don’t require a certification to get started, some may have specific certification requirements. If you're considering a platform that asks for one, it’s important to understand the different types of certifications available. For a detailed breakdown of the CELTA vs. TEFL certifications, check out our article on the differences between CELTA and TEFL certifications to help you choose the right certification for your teaching goals.
Final Thoughts
The world of online TEFL teaching offers endless possibilities, whether you prefer structured lesson plans, casual conversation practice, or complete creative control. When choosing the best online TEFL platform, consider factors like flexibility, pay rates, and student demographics.
Ready to start teaching? Sign up with Lingostar today, or explore the many other platforms available to kickstart your online TEFL career!
