Why Tutors Look for Wyzant Alternatives
Wyzant is one of the largest tutoring marketplaces in the US, with over 80,000 tutors and 300+ subjects. But their 25% platform fee on every lesson adds up fast.
Let's do the math: If you charge $50/hour and teach 20 hours per week, that's $4,000/month gross. Wyzant takes $1,000/month — or $12,000 per year.
No wonder tutors are looking for alternatives.
Quick Comparison: Wyzant vs Top Alternatives
| Platform | Commission | Student Ownership | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| **Wyzant** | 25% | Platform owns | Established marketplace |
| **TutorBoost** | 0% | You own | Independent tutors |
| **Varsity Tutors** | Undisclosed | Platform owns | Employed tutors |
| **Tutor.com** | Fixed pay | Platform owns | Steady work |
| **Preply** | 33% → 22% | Platform owns | Language tutors |
| **Care.com** | Subscription | You own | Local tutoring |
| **Going Independent** | 0% | You own | Full control |
1. TutorBoost (Best for Keeping 100% of Earnings)
Commission: 0% on lessons
Model: Marketing platform, not marketplace
TutorBoost takes a fundamentally different approach. Instead of taking a cut of your earnings, we run Facebook and Instagram ads to bring students directly to you.
How it works:
- Create your tutor profile
- We run targeted ads on your behalf
- Students contact you directly
- You pay no commission on lessons
Pricing: Free tier available, Pro is $15/month + ad spend
Best for: Tutors who want to own their student relationships and keep all their earnings.
vs Wyzant: No commission ever. Students are yours to keep, even if you stop using the platform.
2. Varsity Tutors
Commission: Not publicly disclosed (tutors are contractors)
Model: Tutoring service (they match students with tutors)
Varsity Tutors is more of an employer than a marketplace. They handle student acquisition, scheduling, and billing—you just teach.
Pros:
- Steady stream of students
- No self-marketing required
- 24/7 tutoring opportunities
- Group class options
Cons:
- Pay rates not disclosed upfront
- Less control over schedule
- Students belong to Varsity Tutors
- Can't set your own rates
Best for: Tutors who want steady work without marketing.
vs Wyzant: More structured but less independence. Good if you want employment, not entrepreneurship.
3. Tutor.com
Commission: N/A (fixed hourly pay $13-$39/hour)
Model: Employment-style contracting
Tutor.com partners with schools, libraries, and corporations to provide on-demand tutoring. You're paid a fixed rate regardless of what students pay.
Pros:
- Consistent work available
- No client acquisition needed
- Often partnered with institutions
- On-demand tutoring model
Cons:
- Low fixed pay ($13-$39/hour)
- No rate control
- Shift-based scheduling
- No student relationships
Best for: Tutors wanting guaranteed hours and institutional backing.
vs Wyzant: Less money but more stability. Think part-time job vs freelancing.
4. Preply
Commission: 33% first lessons, 22-25% ongoing
Model: Language tutoring marketplace
Preply focuses primarily on language learning but does offer other subjects. Their commission is even higher than Wyzant's.
Pros:
- Large international student base
- Good for language tutors
- Video platform included
- Flexible scheduling
Cons:
- Higher fees than Wyzant
- Platform keeps trial lesson payments
- Primarily language-focused
- Competitive market
Best for: Language tutors willing to pay high fees for access to students.
vs Wyzant: Higher fees, more language-focused. Only consider if you teach languages.
5. Care.com Tutoring
Commission: Subscription-based ($37-$147/month for tutors)
Model: Local services marketplace
Care.com is primarily known for childcare but has a tutoring section. You pay a monthly fee rather than per-lesson commission.
Pros:
- Flat monthly fee (not per-lesson)
- Local student connections
- Family relationships can expand
- Keep student contact info
Cons:
- Monthly fee even without students
- Primarily for in-person tutoring
- Smaller tutoring-specific audience
- Requires background check fees
Best for: Tutors who also offer childcare or want local families.
vs Wyzant: Different model, better for bundled family services.
6. Superprof
Commission: Subscription-based
Model: Global tutoring directory
Superprof operates in 30+ countries and covers many subjects beyond academics.
Pros:
- Global reach
- All subjects (music, sports, cooking, etc.)
- First lesson often free
- Strong in Europe
Cons:
- Pay to be listed
- Must respond to many inquiries
- Varying student quality
- Less established in US
Best for: Tutors in Europe or teaching non-academic subjects.
vs Wyzant: Better for Europe and diverse subjects, less established in US.
7. Going Fully Independent
Commission: 0%
Model: Your own business
The ultimate alternative: build your own tutoring business without any platform.
What you need:
- Website or landing page
- Booking system (Calendly, Cal.com)
- Payment processing (Stripe, PayPal)
- Marketing (social media, ads, referrals)
Pros:
- No commission on lessons
- Full control over everything
- Build real business equity
- No platform risk
Cons:
- Must handle all marketing
- More administrative work
- No built-in student flow
- Steeper learning curve
Best for: Entrepreneurial tutors ready to build a real business.
vs Wyzant: Maximum freedom and earnings, but you're on your own for marketing.
How to Choose the Right Alternative
Choose TutorBoost if:
- You want 0% commission
- You're ready to own student relationships
- You want professional ads without learning ads manager
Choose Varsity Tutors if:
- You want steady work without marketing
- You prefer structure over independence
- You don't mind not setting your own rates
Choose Tutor.com if:
- You want predictable hourly work
- You prefer institutional backing
- Flexibility is less important than stability
Choose Going Independent if:
- You're ready to be a business owner
- You have marketing skills or budget
- You want maximum control and earnings
The Math: Wyzant vs TutorBoost
Scenario: Tutor charging $50/hour, teaching 20 hours/week
On Wyzant
- Gross: $4,000/month
- Wyzant fee (25%): -$1,000
- You keep: $3,000/month
On TutorBoost
- Gross: $4,000/month
- TutorBoost Pro: -$20
- Ad spend: -$150
- You keep: $3,830/month
Annual difference: $9,960 more with TutorBoost
Making the Switch
If you're on Wyzant now, here's how to transition:
1. Keep teaching on Wyzant while building your alternative
2. Set up your new system (TutorBoost profile, booking link, payment)
3. Start running ads or building referral network
4. Transition existing students who want to follow you (after the relationship is established)
5. Gradually reduce Wyzant as independent income grows
The key is not going cold turkey. Build first, then transition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use multiple platforms at once?
Yes! Many tutors use 2-3 platforms simultaneously. Just be careful about exclusivity clauses.
Will Wyzant students follow me if I leave?
Some will, some won't. Focus on providing great value, and when you transition, make it easy for them to continue with you directly.
What's the minimum I should charge independently?
Without Wyzant's 25% fee, you could actually lower your rates and still earn more. Or keep rates the same and pocket the difference.
How long does it take to build an independent client base?
Most tutors can replace platform income within 3-6 months with consistent marketing efforts.
*Ready to stop paying the 25% Wyzant tax? TutorBoost runs your ads and lets you pay no commission on lessons. [Start free →](/onboarding)*