How much does online tutoring cost per hour?
TutorAura guide · Updated
Online tutoring is usually cheaper than in-person tutoring because there's no travel. In the UK, Tutorful reports an average of about £35 an hour online against about £42 in person. In the US, Park Tutoring's 2026 guide says online test-prep tutoring typically costs $10 to $25 less per hour than in-person sessions.
Online help also comes in more forms than one-to-one video lessons, from group classes to AI tutors, at very different prices.
Key takeaways
- Online tutoring is typically cheaper than in person.
- UK average about £35 an hour online (Tutorful).
- Group classes and AI tutors cost much less per hour of help.
- Choose by what you need: expertise, accountability or everyday practice.
Online tutoring formats and costs
| Format | Typical cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| One-to-one video lessons | about £30 to £45 (UK) or $40 to $100 (US) per hour | Personal attention, exam strategy |
| Small-group classes | less per student | Structured courses, motivation |
| Recorded courses | one-off fee or subscription | Self-motivated learners |
| AI tutors | monthly subscription | Help any time, practice and feedback |
Is online as good as in person?
For most school subjects, online one-to-one tutoring works well when the tutor uses a shared whiteboard and the student has a quiet space and a reliable connection. Younger children may find screens harder to focus on and benefit from an adult nearby. The quality of the tutor and the focus of the sessions matter more than the format.
What you're paying for
- Expertise: knowledge of the exam, common mistakes and how to explain them.
- Accountability: a fixed time each week and someone who checks progress.
- Personal feedback on the student's own work.
An AI tutor provides feedback and explanations at any time for a monthly price, but not the relationship and accountability of a person; see AI tutor vs human tutor.
Working out the monthly cost
Multiply the hourly rate by hours per week and by about 4.33 weeks a month: £35 × 1 × 4.33 ≈ £152. Our tutoring cost calculator does it for any rate and currency.
Choosing
Decide what you need first: a specific exam, steady homework support, or confidence in a subject. Then compare a few options with a trial session. See how to choose a tutor and online vs in-person tutoring.
Free online help worth trying first
Before paying, it's worth trying free resources:
- Oak National Academy: free online lessons for the national curriculum in England.
- BBC Bitesize: free revision guides and quizzes for UK curricula.
- Khan Academy: free lessons and practice, especially for maths and the SAT.
- Exam boards and the College Board: free past papers, mark schemes and official practice tests.
- TutorAura's free tools and free practice tests, with no sign-up needed.
Frequently asked questions
Do online tutors charge for a trial lesson?
Many offer a free or reduced-price first session, often 15 to 30 minutes. It's worth asking, as a trial is the best way to judge fit.
How long should an online tutoring session be?
Usually 45 to 60 minutes for secondary students. Younger children often focus better in 30-minute sessions. Shorter sessions also lower the cost per session.
Is an AI tutor the same as online tutoring?
Not quite. Online tutoring usually means live lessons with a person over video. An AI tutor gives explanations and feedback at any time for a monthly subscription, but without a human relationship. Many families use both.
Why is online tutoring cheaper than in person?
Tutors don't spend time or money travelling, can fit more sessions into a day, and compete with tutors across the country rather than just locally, which tends to bring prices down.
Sources
- How Much Does a Maths Tutor Cost in the UK?. Tutorful.
- How Much Does SAT & ACT Tutoring Cost?. Park Tutoring, 2026.
Keep reading
Online vs in-person tutoring: which is better?
Cost, flexibility, focus and age compared, so you can choose the right format.
Tutoring cost calculator: what will tutoring cost per month?
What tutoring costs per month and per year at your hourly rate, compared with an AI tutor.
How much does a tutor cost?
Typical hourly and monthly tutoring prices in the US and UK, what drives the price, and ways to spend less.
AI tutor vs human tutor: an honest comparison
What each does best, what the research shows, what they cost, and when to choose one, the other or both.