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Teaching English online from home sounds perfect. Flexible hours, no commute, work in your pajamas.
But here’s what most articles or influencers won’t tell you upfront: the industry has changed dramatically since 2019. Chinese market restrictions eliminated thousands of teaching positions. Many platforms shut down entirely. Others slashed pay rates or flooded their rosters with teachers competing for limited students.
Does that mean the opportunity is gone? Not quite.
This guide covers 12 legitimate companies still hiring in 2025. You’ll see honest pay ranges, actual requirements, and which platforms are worth your time based on current teacher experiences.
Also See: 25 Remote Friendly Side Hustles for Working Moms to Earn Extra Income
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
The Reality Check
Most platforms now require:
- Bachelor’s degree (any field)
- TEFL/TESOL certification (120 hours minimum)
- Stable internet connection (minimum 10 Mbps upload speed)
- Quiet teaching space with neutral background
- Computer with webcam (no tablets or phones)
A few companies hire without degrees or certifications, but expect lower pay rates and fewer available students.
The Income Reality
Expect $10-$20 per hour for most platforms. Top-tier companies occasionally reach $22 per hour, but those slots are competitive and often require advanced certifications or years of experience.
You’re typically paid per completed class, not for prep time, cancellations, or no-shows. A “30-minute class” might mean 40 minutes of your time when you factor in platform requirements and tech checks.
Peak teaching hours usually fall between 6-9 PM your local time for Asian students, or early mornings for European students. Weekend availability increases your booking chances significantly.
Time Investment Before First Paycheck
Week 1-2: Application and interview process
Week 2-4: Background check, training modules, mock classes
Week 4-8: Building your student base and regular bookings
Most teachers don’t see consistent income until month 2 or 3. Plan accordingly.
12 Legitimate Online English Teaching Companies
1. Cambly
Best For: Teachers without degrees or certifications
Cambly connects you with adult learners worldwide for conversational English practice.
Requirements:
- Native English speaker
- Reliable internet
- No degree or certification required
Pay: $10.20 per hour (paid weekly via PayPal)
Student Base: Adults from 130+ countries seeking casual conversation practice
Scheduling: Set your own availability; students book you directly or you take “Priority Calls” for immediate connections
The Reality: Easy entry, but inconsistent bookings. Many teachers report long stretches between students, especially when starting. The $10.20 rate hasn’t increased in years despite platform growth.
How to Get Started:
Immediate Actions:
- Complete application at cambly.com/tutors
- Record 60-second intro video showing personality
- Pass a brief English assessment
After Approval:
- Turn on “Priority Call” feature for instant bookings
- Schedule consistent weekly availability
- Maintain 4.8+ star rating to improve visibility
2. Palfish
Best For: Teachers comfortable with a mobile-first platform
Palfish operates entirely through a smartphone app, connecting teachers with Chinese students for short lessons.
Requirements:
- Native English speaker
- Teaching experience (formal or informal)
- No degree required
- Must use iOS or Android smartphone
Pay: $10-$18 per hour, depending on lesson type and student package
Student Base: Primarily Chinese children ages 4-12
Scheduling: Set availability in the app; students book directly
The Reality: Platform survived the 2021 Chinese market changes, but bookings decreased significantly. Pay depends heavily on building a student base willing to book private lessons repeatedly. Many teachers report the app drains phone batteries quickly during back-to-back classes.
How to Get Started:
Immediate Actions:
- Download Palfish app
- Complete application with teaching video
- Pass platform training modules
After Approval:
- Post in “Moments” feature 3-4 times weekly
- Offer trial lessons at reduced rates
- Teach during peak Chinese hours (6-9 PM Beijing time)
3. iTalki
Best For: Teachers who want to set their own rates and curriculum
iTalki operates as a marketplace where you control pricing, scheduling, and lesson content.
Requirements:
- Native or fluent English speaker
- Teaching experience recommended but not required
- No degree required for “Community Tutor” role
- Degree + certification required for “Professional Teacher” status
Pay: You set rates ($5-$50+ per hour); platform takes 15% commission
Student Base: Global adult learners at all proficiency levels
Scheduling: Complete control over availability and booking policies
The Reality: Success depends entirely on marketing yourself. New teachers often start at $8-$12 per hour to build reviews, then gradually raise rates. Expect slow first month while establishing credibility. High-rated teachers with specialized niches (business English, IELTS prep) command $25-$40 per hour.
How to Get Started:
Immediate Actions:
- Apply as a Community Tutor or Professional Teacher
- Create a detailed profile with a teaching approach
- Record a professional introduction video
- Set initial low rates to attract first students
After Approval:
- Offer 3-5 trial lessons at 50% discount
- Request reviews after every lesson
- Raise rates gradually after 20+ completed lessons
4. VIPKid
Best For: Teachers seeking a structured curriculum (if hiring reopens)
IMPORTANT: VIPKid stopped accepting new North American teachers in 2021 following Chinese regulations. The platform continues operating with existing teachers serving students outside China.
If hiring reopens, what to expect:
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (any field)
- One year of teaching/tutoring experience
- TEFL/TESOL certification preferred
Pay: $14-$22 per hour for 25-minute classes
Student Base: Previously, Chinese students ages 4-12; currently expanding to other markets
Scheduling: Open time slots weekly; students book you based on profile and ratings
The Reality: VIPKid was the gold standard before the 2021 changes. Existing teachers report dramatically reduced bookings and an uncertain platform future. Monitor their teacher application page for any hiring announcements, but don’t wait for this opportunity. Consider exploring other options.
5. Magic Ears
Best For: Teachers who prefer group classes with consistent schedules
CURRENT STATUS: Limited hiring as of early 2025; existing teachers report decreased bookings
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Native English speaker (US/Canada)
- One year of teaching experience
- TEFL/TESOL certification
Pay: $10-$12 per 25-minute class (4 students per class)
Student Base: Chinese students ages 4-12
Scheduling: Commit to specific weekly time slots for consistent bookings
The Reality: Group format means you’re teaching 4 kids simultaneously, which some teachers find more efficient and engaging than one-on-one. Others find it chaotic, especially with varying English levels in one class. Platform stability is uncertain given market changes.
6. Preply
Best For: Teachers wanting marketplace flexibility with better support than iTalki
Preply offers a similar marketplace model to iTalki with additional teacher resources and student matching.
Requirements:
- Native or fluent English speaker
- Teaching experience recommended
- No degree required, butit helps attract students
- Must pass video interview
Pay: You set rates ($5-$40+ per hour); platform commission starts at 100% for the first lesson, decreases to 18% after 20 hours with the student
Student Base: Global adult learners seeking conversational or specialized English
Scheduling: Complete control over availability
The Reality: Commission structure means your first lesson with each student is essentially free (platform takes all). However, Preply provides better student matching than iTalki, potentially leading to longer-term student relationships. Expect 2-3 months building a student base before consistent income.
How to Get Started:
Immediate Actions:
- Complete a detailed application
- Pass video interview showing teaching sample
- Create a compelling profile with specific specialties
- Set competitive initial rates ($12-$18/hour)
After Approval:
- Respond to student inquiries within 2 hours
- Offer a 50% discount on the first lessons
- Create custom lesson plans demonstrating value
- Request reviews after 3-4 successful lessons
7. GoGoKid
Best For: Teachers seeking a VIPKid alternative (if hiring)
CURRENT STATUS: Significantly reduced hiring; platform’s future uncertain
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- One year of teaching experience
- Native English speaker (US/Canada)
Pay: $14-$25 per hour for 25-minute classes
Student Base: Chinese students ages 4-12
Scheduling: Open time slots; students book based on profile
The Reality: GoGoKid launched as a VIPKid competitor but faced similar challenges from Chinese market regulations. Existing teachers report sporadic bookings and delayed platform updates. Not recommended as a primary income source.
8. Qkids
Best For: Teachers wanting a structured small group format (if hiring)
CURRENT STATUS: Limited hiring; reduced operations since 2021
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Native English speaker (US/Canada)
- One year of teaching/tutoring experience
Pay: $16-$20 per hour for 30-minute classes (up to 4 students)
Student Base: Chinese students ages 4-12
Scheduling: Commit to weekly time slots for better booking rates
The Reality: Qkids offered good pay for a small group format, but the platform scaled back dramatically. Teachers report months between available slots. Check the current hiring status before investing time in the application.
9. Lingoda
Best For: Teachers seeking European students and consistent scheduling
Lingoda provides structured classes for adult learners following the CEFR (Common European Framework) curriculum.
Requirements:
- Native English speaker
- TEFL/TESOL certification (120 hours)
- Teaching experience preferred
- Must commit to minimum hours per week
Pay: €8-€12 per 60-minute class (approximately $8.50-$13)
Student Base: European adults learning English for work, travel, or immigration
Scheduling: Commit to a regular weekly schedule; the platform assigns students to your classes
The Reality: Lower pay per hour than some competitors, but more consistent bookings due to committed scheduling model. Students are typically motivated adults with clear goals. Curriculum is provided, reducing prep time. European student base means different peak hours than Asian markets.
How to Get Started:
Immediate Actions:
- Complete application at lingoda.com/careers
- Submit TEFL/TESOL certificate
- Pass video interview and teaching demo
- Complete platform training modules
After Approval:
- Commit to a consistent weekly schedule
- Follow CEFR curriculum materials provided
- Maintain student attendance rates above 80%
10. EF Education First
Best For: Teachers wanting structured employment with benefits
EF offers actual employee positions (not contractors) for online teaching roles.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- TEFL/TESOL certification
- Two years of teaching experience
- Must pass rigorous interview process
Pay: $10-$19 per hour with potential bonuses and benefits
Student Base: Global students at all levels, both adults and children
Scheduling: Set availability; teach assigned classes during your slots
The Reality: More competitive application than contractor platforms, but offers actual employment benefits that some teachers value. Curriculum is structured and provided. The company has been in education for 50+ years, offering more stability than newer platforms. Expect a thorough application process taking 4-6 weeks.
How to Get Started:
Immediate Actions:
- Apply through the EF careers page
- Submit detailed teaching experience documentation
- Prepare for multiple interview rounds
- Complete an extensive background check
After Approval:
- Complete a 2-week paid training program
- Shadow experienced teachers
- Pass the certification assessment
- Build a student base through quality teaching and ratings
11. Open English
Best For: Teachers comfortable with the Latin American market and Spanish basics
Open English serves Latin American students learning English for business and personal development.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- TEFL/TESOL certification
- Native English speaker
- Basic Spanish is helpful but not required
Pay: $10-$16 per hour
Student Base: Latin American adults, primarily from Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia
Scheduling: Set availability; the platform assigns students to group classes
The Reality: Group class format with adults who are often highly motivated. Time zone works well for US teachers (similar to your local hours). The platform provides all materials and curriculum. Students tend to be more serious about learning since many are using English for career advancement.
How to Get Started:
Immediate Actions:
- Complete the application and submit certificates
- Pass the English proficiency assessment
- Complete video interview demonstrating teaching style
- Learn platform technology through tutorials
After Approval:
- Teach demo classes for quality review
- Commit to a consistent weekly schedule
- Follow the company curriculum and teaching methods
- Maintain high student satisfaction scores
12. English Hunt
Best For: Teachers seeking Korean students with flexible scheduling
English Hunt connects teachers with Korean students through their mobile app platform.
Requirements:
- Native English speaker
- Bachelor’s degree (any field)
- TEFL/TESOL certification preferred
- Smartphone with a good camera/mic
Pay: $10-$15 per hour
Student Base: Korean children and adults
Scheduling: Set availability; students book you directly
The Reality: Smaller platform with less competition for bookings than major companies. The Korean student market remained stable during the Chinese regulation changes. A mobile-first platform means you can teach from anywhere with a good phone connection. Pay is middle-range, but bookings can be consistent once you build a student base.
How to Get Started:
Immediate Actions:
- Download the English Hunt app
- Complete profile with teaching credentials
- Record an introduction video showing personality
- Pass the English assessment and interview
After Approval:
- Set recurring weekly availability
- Respond quickly to student booking requests
- Offer trial lessons to build initial reviews
- Maintain a 4.5+ star rating for better visibility
Also See: Great Ways To Make Money As An At-Home Tutor
Making Your Application Stand Out
The Introduction Video
Your video makes or breaks most applications. What actually works:
- 60-90 seconds maximum
- Start with your name and where you’re from
- State teaching experience in the first 15 seconds
- Show personality (smile, enthusiasm, natural conversation)
- Film in a well-lit space with a neutral background
- Demonstrate clear pronunciation and pace
- Mention why you enjoy teaching (briefly)
- End with a specific reason you’re excited about their platform
Skip lengthy introductions about your hobbies or life story. Admissions reviewers watch hundreds of videos daily and make decisions in the first 30 seconds.
Teaching Demo Red Flags
Common rejection reasons from teaching demos:
- Talking at the camera instead of engaging an imaginary student
- No visual props or materials shown
- Speaking too quickly or using complex vocabulary
- Failing to correct errors or provide positive reinforcement
- Monotone delivery or lack of energy
- Not demonstrating teaching methodology
- Going over the time limit
Practice your demo with a friend’s child or film yourself teaching a stuffed animal. It feels ridiculous, but it helps you notice what works.
Maximizing Your Bookings
The First Month Strategy
Week 1-2:
- Complete profile with multiple clear photos
- Set the lowest competitive rate for your platform
- Open maximum availability slots
- Respond to all inquiries within 2 hours
Week 3-4:
- Focus on the first 10 students obsessively
- Request reviews after each successful lesson
- Send follow-up materials or resources
- Offer package discounts for committed students
Month 2:
- Gradually raise rates by $1-$2 per hour
- Reduce availability to peak hours only
- Target your best-performing student demographics
- Create specialized lesson offerings
Building Regular Students
One-time students drain your energy and income. Regular students provide consistent bookings and require less prep time.
After the first lesson:
- Message the student within 24 hours with specific feedback
- Suggest a customized learning path for their goals
- Offer a package discount for booking 5+ lessons
- Send additional practice materials
To maintain regular students:
- Remember details they share about life/work/family
- Reference previous lessons and their progress
- Adapt your teaching to their learning style
- Be consistently available during their preferred times
Red Flags to Avoid
Scam Warning Signs
Never pay to work. Legitimate companies don’t charge application fees, training fees, or platform fees.
Watch for these tactics:
- Requests for a Social Security number before a formal offer
- Promises of guaranteed income or student bookings
- Pressure to decide immediately or spots “running out”
- Payment through unusual methods (cryptocurrency, wire transfer)
- No verifiable company address or legitimate website
- Job posting with excessive grammatical errors
Unsustainable Platforms
Warning signs a company won’t last:
- Mass layoffs or sudden platform changes are announced via teacher forums rather than official communication
- Payment delays or changing payment terms
- Requiring increased hours for the same pay
- Frequent technology issues with no resolution timeline
- Loss of major student markets with no replacement plan
Check teacher forums on Reddit and Facebook before committing serious time to any platform. Current teachers will share honest experiences.
Tax Considerations
You’re an independent contractor (1099) with most online teaching platforms. This means:
You’re responsible for:
- Quarterly estimated tax payments (federal and state)
- Self-employment tax (15.3% on net earnings)
- Tracking all income and deductible expenses
- Filing Schedule C with your annual tax return
Deductible expenses include:
- Percentage of the internet bill used for teaching
- Teaching props, materials, and digital resources
- Percentage of home office space (if exclusively used for teaching)
- Computer and webcam depreciation
- Professional development (TEFL courses, teaching workshops)
Set aside 25-30% of every payment for taxes. This prevents unpleasant surprises at tax time.
Consider using QuickBooks Self-Employed or similar software to track income and expenses automatically throughout the year.
Is Online Teaching Still Worth It?
Consider this path if you:
- Need genuinely flexible hours around caregiving
- Enjoy working with students one-on-one
- Can handle income inconsistency
- Have 2-3 months to build a student base
- Want work that fits around other commitments
Look elsewhere if you:
- Need a consistent, predictable income immediately
- Prefer a collaborative workplace environment
- Dislike self-marketing and self-promotion
- Can’t teach during early morning or evening hours
- Don’t have reliable high-speed internet
The online teaching landscape changed permanently after 2019. The days of $25+ per hour with guaranteed bookings are largely gone. What remains are legitimate opportunities for supplemental income with flexibility, but you’ll work harder for less than teachers earned five years ago.
For many work-at-home parents, that trade-off still makes sense. Just go in knowing the real numbers and real timeline before you invest your time.
Your Next Step
You’ve seen the platforms, the pay ranges, and the real requirements. Pick your path based on what you actually have:
No degree or certification? Start with Cambly today, create your profile, and record your intro video tonight.
Bachelor’s degree but no teaching certification? Apply to iTalki as a Community Tutor and Preply simultaneously. Set initial rates at $12-$15 per hour to build your first reviews.
Degree plus TEFL certification? Target EF Education First and Lingoda for a more stable employment structure, or choose Preply if you prefer setting your own rates and curriculum.
The work is real, the income is legitimate, and busy parents are already doing this between school pickups and bedtime. Choose one platform from this guide and complete your application this week.
