Online vs in-person tutoring: which is better?
TutorAura guide · Updated
Both work. Online tutoring is usually cheaper and more flexible and gives access to more tutors; in-person tutoring can suit younger children and students who find screens distracting. In the UK, Tutorful reports an average of about £35 an hour online against about £42 in person.
The quality of the tutor and the focus of the sessions matter more than the format. Here's how to choose.
Key takeaways
- Online is usually cheaper and more flexible.
- In person can suit young children and hands-on subjects.
- A shared whiteboard makes online maths and science work well.
- Choose the format the student will actually engage with.
Side by side
| Online | In person | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical UK cost | about £35 an hour | about £42 an hour (more in London) |
| Choice of tutors | Anywhere | Local only |
| Scheduling | Flexible, no travel | Fixed around travel |
| Focus | Can be harder for young children | Easier to keep attention |
| Working | Shared whiteboard, screen sharing | Paper, physical materials |
| Safety checks | Session in a shared room at home | DBS (UK) or background checks |
Online works well when
- The student is roughly 11 or older and comfortable on a computer.
- The subject suits a digital whiteboard: maths, sciences, languages, essays.
- You want a specialist who isn't local, for example for a specific exam board.
- Schedules are busy and travel would make sessions hard to keep.
In person works well when
- The child is young and needs help staying focused.
- The student struggles with screens or attention online.
- The work is hands-on, such as early reading or handwriting.
- You can find a strong local tutor at a price that works.
Making online sessions work
- A quiet space, headphones and a stable connection.
- A drawing tablet or stylus helps for maths.
- For younger children, an adult nearby, at least at first.
- Sessions in a shared room rather than a bedroom.
Where AI tutors fit
An AI tutor is another online option: available any time, for a monthly price, with step-by-step help and feedback on the student's own work, but without a human relationship or accountability. Many families use one between human tutoring sessions. See AI tutor vs human tutor and online tutoring cost.
By age
- Under 8: in person often works better, as young children find screens hard to focus on. Short online sessions can work with an adult nearby.
- 8 to 11: either can work. Keep online sessions short and interactive.
- 11 to 16: online works well for most students, especially for maths, science and exam preparation.
- 16 and over: online is often the most practical, with more choice of specialist tutors.
Every child is different, so a trial session in the format you're considering is the best test.
A hybrid approach
Some families combine formats: an in-person tutor for a younger child's reading, plus online practice; or a weekly online specialist for exam technique, plus an AI tutor for homework questions between sessions. Mixing formats can give the benefits of each at a lower total cost.
Frequently asked questions
Is online tutoring cheaper than in person?
Usually. In the UK, Tutorful reports an average of about £35 an hour online and about £42 in person, and in-person tutoring in London costs more.
Is online tutoring safe for children?
Take the same care as in person: check the tutor's background and reviews, keep sessions in a shared room, and know which platform is being used. Many platforms record sessions or allow parents to join.
What equipment is needed for online tutoring?
A laptop or tablet with a camera, a reliable internet connection, headphones with a microphone, and ideally a stylus or drawing tablet for maths.
Is online tutoring as effective as in-person tutoring?
For most students aged about 11 and up, online tutoring can work as well as in person when the tutor is good, the sessions are focused and the student has a quiet space. The quality of teaching matters more than the format.
Sources
- How Much Does a Maths Tutor Cost in the UK?. Tutorful.
- How Much Does SAT & ACT Tutoring Cost?. Park Tutoring, 2026.
- One to one tuition (Teaching and Learning Toolkit). Education Endowment Foundation.
Keep reading
How much does online tutoring cost per hour?
What online tutoring costs compared with in person, the different formats, and how to choose.
AI tutor vs human tutor: an honest comparison
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How to choose a tutor for your child
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