Why Tutors Look for Preply Alternatives
Preply is one of the biggest tutoring platforms, but tutors leave for several reasons:
- High commission rates: 33% on first lessons, 22-25% ongoing
- No student ownership: Can't take relationships off-platform
- Algorithm dependence: Visibility controlled by Preply
- Free trial lessons: You teach, Preply keeps the money
- Rate pressure: Competition pushes prices down
If any of these frustrate you, here are your options.
Platform-by-Platform Comparison
italki
Best for: Language tutors willing to accept lower rates for consistent volume
Commission: 15% flat
Pros:
- Lower commission than Preply
- Huge language learner user base
- Simple platform to use
- Both "professional" and "community" tutor tiers
Cons:
- Still takes 15% forever
- Very competitive (price pressure)
- Students belong to italki
- Community tutor rates are very low
Verdict: Better than Preply on fees, but same fundamental model
Wyzant
Best for: US-based academic tutors, test prep specialists
Commission: 25% flat
Pros:
- Strong in US market
- Good for academic subjects
- In-person option available
- Background check adds credibility
Cons:
- 25% is still significant
- US-centric (limited global reach)
- Students not yours
- Competitive market
Verdict: Good for US academic tutors, but expensive
Cambly
Best for: Side income, conversational English only
Commission: You're paid a fixed rate ($10.20-$12/hour for tutors, more for Cambly Kids)
Pros:
- No self-marketing required
- Casual conversation format
- Flexible scheduling
- Students come to you
Cons:
- Very low pay
- No control over rates
- No student relationships
- English conversation only
Verdict: Not a career, but decent side income
Verbling
Best for: Language tutors who want lower fees than Preply
Commission: 15%
Pros:
- Lower than Preply
- Good video platform
- Decent student base
Cons:
- Smaller than Preply/italki
- Still platform-dependent
- Same ownership issues
Verdict: Solid alternative if you want to stay on platforms
Superprof
Best for: Europe-based tutors, all subjects
Commission: Subscription-based for tutors
Pros:
- Covers many subjects
- Strong in Europe
- Different fee model
Cons:
- Pay to be listed
- Quality varies widely
- Students contact many tutors
Verdict: Worth testing in European markets
Tutor.com
Best for: Consistent work, institutional clients
Commission: Fixed hourly rate (around $12-18/hour)
Pros:
- Steady work available
- No self-marketing
- Corporate/school contracts
Cons:
- Low pay
- No flexibility on rates
- You're an employee, not independent
Verdict: Safety net, not a business
The Independent Alternative: Going Direct
All platforms have the same fundamental problem: they own the student relationship and take a cut forever.
Going independent means:
- No commission on lessons
- Own your student relationships
- Set your own rates
- Build real business equity
- Control your own marketing
The challenge: You need to find students yourself.
Solutions:
- Run your own ads (Facebook, Instagram)
- Content marketing (YouTube, TikTok, blog)
- Referrals from existing students
- Use TutorBoost (we run ads for you)
The Hybrid Strategy
Don't quit platforms cold turkey. Here's the smart transition:
Phase 1: Diversify (Months 1-3)
- Keep teaching on Preply
- Set up independent booking system
- Start running your own ads or using TutorBoost
- Build your non-platform presence
Phase 2: Shift (Months 4-6)
- As independent students come in, take fewer platform bookings
- Transition best platform students to direct (after building relationship)
- Reinvest platform earnings into marketing
Phase 3: Independence (Month 7+)
- Platform becomes backup, not primary
- Most students are direct
- You control your business
Cost Comparison: Platform vs Independent
Scenario: 20 teaching hours/week at $40/hour
On Preply
- Gross: $3,200/month
- Preply takes (~25%): $800
- You keep: $2,400
On italki
- Gross: $3,200/month
- italki takes (15%): $480
- You keep: $2,720
Independent with TutorBoost
- Gross: $3,200/month
- TutorBoost Pro: $20
- Ad spend: $150
- You keep: $3,030
Fully Independent (DIY Marketing)
- Gross: $3,200/month
- Your ad spend: $150
- You keep: $3,050
Annual difference: $6,000-7,500 more in your pocket going independent.
Our Recommendation
1. If you're just starting: Use platforms to learn and get reviews, but plan your exit
2. If you're established: Start transitioning to independent now
3. If you hate marketing: Use TutorBoost (we handle ads, you keep teaching)
4. If you want pure control: Learn ads yourself and go fully independent
The platform-free future is more accessible than ever. The question isn't if, but when.
*TutorBoost is the independent alternative—we run professional ads for you, you pay no commission on lessons. [Start your transition →](/onboarding)*