11 Best Companies to Make Money Teaching English OnLine as a Second Language

You might be tempted to think that teaching English online is a poorly paid side hustle, but did you know there are teachers out there replacing their full time income? 

Just over 42% of teachers who teach English as a second language make over $4,000 a month using a mix of the platforms I’ve detailed below. 

Not only is this a super convenient, flexible and great opportunity to make additional income, but it’s highly in demand! 

To help select the right company for you, I’ve listed the leaders in the online ESL teaching space you can work with, including their unique features, benefits, and what makes them stand out in the crowded market.

Best Companies to Make Money Teaching English Online

1) VIPKid

Overview:

VIPKid is one of the most well-known names in the online ESL industry, and for good reason! 

The company has built a strong reputation for providing high-quality English education to children in China. 

With over 800,000 students and 100,000 teachers, VIPKid is a fantastic platform for educators.

Benefits:

• Competitive Pay: VIPKid offers an hourly rate ranging from $22, depending on experience and performance. Classes are roughly 25-30 minutes long.
• Flexible Schedule: Teachers can choose their own hours, making it super easy to balance work with other commitments!
• Comprehensive Curriculum: VIPKid provides all the teaching materials, so teachers can focus on delivering lessons rather than creating content. You also don’t need to mark anything yourself.
• Professional Development: The company offers various workshops and training sessions to help teachers improve their skills.

Related: How I Make $4,000 a Month With VIPKid Teaching English Online (2024)

Requirements:

• Native English Speaker: Teachers must be from the US or Canada.
• Bachelor’s Degree: A minimum of a bachelor’s degree is required.
• Teaching Experience: Although teaching experience is great, it’s not necessary, anything with children is considered and gives you bonus points, including sports activities, babysitting or even Sunday at Churches.
• TEFL/TESOL Certification: Preferred but not mandatory.

2) iTutorGroup

Overview:

iTutorGroup, also known as TutorABC, is another prominent player in the online ESL market. 

Founded in 1998, it serves students of all ages, from young children to adults, across Asia. 

Benefits:

• Diverse Student Base: Teachers get to interact with a wide range of students, which can be a fulfilling experience.
• Consistent Pay: The pay ranges from $16 to $20 per hour, with occasional additional bonuses for performance and peak hours.
• Flexible Hours: Teachers can set their own schedules and choose when they want to work.
• Professional Development: iTutorGroup provides training sessions and resources for teachers to enhance their skills.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree: A bachelor’s degree is mandatory.
• TEFL/TESOL Certification: Preferred but not essential.
• Teaching Experience: Some experience in teaching or tutoring is required.
• Native or Near-Native English Speaker: Proficiency in English is a must.

3) Preply

Overview:

Preply is a global online tutoring platform that connects students with tutors for a variety of subjects, including English. 

Founded in 2012, Preply allows tutors to create their own profiles and set their own rates. It’s kind of like Fiverr for tutors.

Benefits:

• Global Reach: Teachers can connect with students from around the world, though most students are based in South America.
• Flexible Scheduling: Teachers can set their own hours and choose the frequency of their classes.
• Control Over Pricing: Tutors can set their own hourly rates, offering the potential for higher earnings based on experience and demand.
• Customizable Lessons: Tutors have the freedom to create their own lesson plans tailored to each student’s needs.

Requirements:

• Teaching Experience: Preferred but not mandatory.
• TEFL/TESOL Certification: Preferred but not required.
• Proficiency in English: Tutors need to be proficient in English, but native speaker status is not mandatory.

4) EF Education First

Overview:

EF Education First (EF) has a long history of providing language training, educational travel, academic degrees, and cultural exchange programs.

Benefits:

• Global Reach: Teachers get to connect with students from various countries, enhancing their cultural awareness.
• Flexible Schedule: Teachers can choose their hours, making it easy to fit teaching into their lifestyle.
• Competitive Pay: The pay is generally around $12 to $19 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications, so definitely lower than the other programs.
• Training and Support: EF provides comprehensive training and ongoing support to its teachers.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree: Required.
• TEFL/TESOL Certification: Preferred.
• Native English Speaker: Teachers must be native speakers.
• Teaching Experience: Experience is preferred but not mandatory.

5) Cambly

Overview:

Cambly is unique in that it connects English learners with native speakers from around the world for on-demand conversation practice. 

Founded in 2013, Cambly caters to students of all ages and proficiency levels – so you’re equally likely to teach an adult as you are a child.

Benefits:

• Flexibility: Teachers can log in and start teaching at any time, making it one of the most flexible platforms.
• Global Student Base: Teachers can interact with students from all over the world, providing a diverse teaching experience.
• No Lesson Planning: Cambly focuses on conversational practice, so there’s no need to prepare lessons.
• Instant Pay: Teachers are paid weekly via PayPal, ensuring timely compensation.

Requirements:

• Native English Speaker: Required.
• No Degree Required: Cambly does not require a degree or teaching certificate.
• Friendly and Patient: Since the focus is on conversation, teachers need to be engaging and patient.

6) PalFish

Overview:

PalFish is a mobile app-based platform that allows teachers to connect with students from China. 

Founded in 2015, PalFish offers various teaching opportunities, including non-structured talk sessions and structured courses.

Benefits:

• Mobile Convenience: Teachers can teach from their mobile devices, providing flexibility and convenience.
• Competitive Pay: Pay varies depending on the type of class but generally ranges from $10 to $18 per hour.
• Flexible Hours: Teachers can choose their own hours and work as much or as little as they want.
• Community Support: PalFish offers a supportive community of teachers and regular training sessions.

Requirements:

• Native English Speaker: Required.
• Bachelor’s Degree: Preferred but not mandatory.
• TEFL/TESOL Certification: Preferred.
• Friendly Personality: Since PalFish focuses on conversational practice, having a friendly demeanor is essential.

Other Companies You Can Approach

I’ve listed these companies separately as they are a bit hit and miss. 

Some teachers I talked to absolutely love working with them, and then others say they’re the worst to work for. 

The most common complaint I’ve heard with QKids and Magic Ears in particular is that if the parent complains or decides they don’t like how you deliver part of the lesson, then you don’t get paid – regardless of whether it’s true or not. 

If you want to give them a go though, and have heard nothing but good things about them, I’ve listed the requirements etc you need to know before starting.

1) Qkids

Overview:

Qkids is a rapidly growing company that connects North American teachers with Chinese students aged 4-12. 

It’s known for its engaging and interactive, powerpoint style classes.

Benefits:

• Interactive Platform: Qkids provides an engaging teaching platform with animated lessons that make learning fun for students.
• Competitive Pay: The hourly rate ranges from $16 to $20, including attendance and performance bonuses.
• Flexible Scheduling: Teachers can set their own availability within the peak hours.
• Supportive Community: Qkids offers a supportive network of teachers and staff.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree: Required.
• Native English Speaker: Teachers must be from the US or Canada.
• Teaching Experience: Preferred but not mandatory.
• TEFL/TESOL Certification: Preferred.

2) DaDaABC

Overview:

DaDaABC, now known as DaDa, is a major online ESL company based in China, focusing on one-on-one English lessons for children aged 4-16.

Benefits:

• Stable Income: DaDa offers fixed schedules and guaranteed hours, providing financial stability.
• Competitive Pay: Teachers can earn between $15 to $20 per hour, with opportunities for bonuses.
• Teaching Materials Provided: DaDa supplies all the necessary teaching materials, making it easier for teachers to prepare for classes.
• Professional Development: The company offers various training programs and career advancement opportunities.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree: Required.
• Native English Speaker: Teachers must be from English-speaking countries.
• Teaching Experience: Preferred but not mandatory.
• TEFL/TESOL Certification: Preferred.

3) Magic Ears

Overview:

Magic Ears is an online ESL company that focuses on providing high-quality English education to children in China, aged 4-12.

Benefits:

• Competitive Pay: Teachers can earn between $18 to $22 per hour, with opportunities for bonuses based on performance and attendance.
• Flexible Scheduling: Teachers can choose their availability within the peak hours, allowing for a flexible work schedule.
• Small Class Sizes: Classes typically have 1-4 students, ensuring a more personalized and interactive learning experience.
• Comprehensive Training: Magic Ears provides initial training and ongoing professional development opportunities.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree: Required.
• Native English Speaker: Teachers must be from the US or Canada.
• Teaching Experience: Preferred but not mandatory.
• TEFL/TESOL Certification: Preferred.

4) GoGoKid

Overview:

Similar to Magic Ears, GoGoKid is an online ESL platform that connects North American teachers with Chinese students aged 4-12. 

A newer company, started in 2018, GoGoKid aims to provide high-quality English education through one-on-one classes.

Benefits:

• Competitive Pay: Teachers can earn between $14 to $20 per hour, depending on performance and incentives.
• Flexible Hours: Teachers can set their own schedules, making it easy to balance work with other commitments.
• Teaching Materials Provided: GoGoKid supplies all the lesson materials, so teachers can focus on delivering effective instruction.
• Supportive Community: The company offers a supportive network of teachers and staff, along with regular training sessions.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree: Required.
• Native English Speaker: Teachers must be from the US or Canada.
• Teaching Experience: Preferred but not mandatory.
• TEFL/TESOL Certification: Preferred.

5) SkimaTalk

Overview:

SkimaTalk is an online platform that focuses on one-on-one English conversation classes for adults. 

So, if you don’t fancy teaching children, this is a great alternative for you to try.

Benefits:

• Flexible Scheduling: Teachers can set their own availability and work whenever they want.
• Global Student Base: Teachers get to interact with adult students from diverse backgrounds and countries.
• No Lesson Planning Required: SkimaTalk provides conversation-based classes, so there’s no need for extensive lesson preparation.
• Instant Pay: Teachers are paid after each lesson, ensuring timely compensation.

Requirements:

• Native English Speaker: Required.
• No Degree Required: SkimaTalk does not require a degree or teaching certificate.
• Friendly and Engaging Personality: Since the focus is on conversation, having a friendly attitude is essential.
• Teaching Experience: Preferred but not mandatory.