Best Online One-on-One English Courses: A Detailed Comparison

Learning English has become an essential skill for individuals around the world, as it serves as a gateway to better opportunities, global connections, and career advancement. While traditional classroom settings have long been the go-to for language education, the advent of online learning has revolutionized the way people learn languages. One-on-one English courses, in particular, offer personalized instruction that adapts to each learner’s needs, pace, and learning style. With numerous online platforms now offering such services, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. In this blog, we will explore and compare several of the top online one-on-one English course providers, detailing the features, pros, and cons of each offering.

1. 51Talk – Structured, Comprehensive English Learning for Children

Product Overview

51Talk, founded in 2011 and listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 2016, is a leading online education platform specializing in one-on-one live English lessons for children aged 3 to 15. With over 40 million users across more than 50 countries, 51Talk stands out for its commitment to providing high-quality English education with a focus on structured progression and international standards. The platform’s “Classic English” curriculum has been refined over 13 years and consists of 11 levels, arranged into four stages: Enlightenment, Introduction, Advancement, and Mastery.

The curriculum is designed to align with both the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) and the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), ensuring that students not only gain language proficiency but also achieve academic milestones. The early levels (0–2) focus on foundational skills such as phonics, letter recognition, and basic sight words. Middle levels (3–6) emphasize the transition from learning English to using it practically, covering phonics, grammar, reading strategies, and vocabulary expansion. The advanced levels (7–11) prepare students for academic English and international exams like Cambridge exams (KET, PET, FCE), IELTS, and TOEFL.

Each lesson is 25 minutes long and follows a structured cycle, beginning with an AI-guided pre-class preview, followed by live interactive instruction, and concluding with post-class reinforcement through AI dialogues and assessments. Regular tests track progress across speaking, listening, reading, and writing, ensuring continuous improvement.

Teachers and Support

51Talk employs over 20,000 certified teachers from North America and the Philippines, all holding TEFL/TESOL certifications and bachelor’s degrees or higher. These teachers undergo a six-stage training process, including pre-service training, curriculum workshops, specialized skills development, and continuous professional development. The AI-powered teacher-matching system ensures that each student is paired with an instructor whose teaching style aligns with their learning preferences.

Students benefit from detailed post-lesson reports, which assess performance in areas such as pronunciation accuracy, comprehension, and skill mastery. Furthermore, parents can access full lesson recordings at any time to track their child’s progress. With a 96% teacher retention rate and consistent positive ratings, 51Talk’s teachers provide a stable and effective learning environment.

Pros:

• Structured curriculum: The comprehensive curriculum offers systematic progression from basic to advanced levels, with clear milestones and regular assessments.
• Qualified teachers: All instructors are certified and undergo rigorous training, ensuring high-quality education.
• AI-powered learning tools: The platform utilizes AI to guide lesson preparation, lesson delivery, and post-lesson reinforcement.
• Global reach: Available in over 50 countries with teachers from North America and the Philippines.

Ideal For:

• Families with children aged 3 to 15 who want a structured, internationally recognized English curriculum.
• Parents seeking a comprehensive language learning system with progress assessments and a strong focus on academic English and exam preparation.

2. iTalki – Flexible One-on-One Lessons for All Ages

Product Overview

iTalki is one of the most popular platforms for learning English and other languages online. The platform offers one-on-one lessons with a wide range of qualified teachers, from native speakers to certified language instructors. Unlike VIPKid, iTalki caters to learners of all ages, from beginners to advanced students, making it a versatile platform for anyone looking to improve their English skills.

iTalki offers both professional teachers and community tutors, giving learners the flexibility to choose the type of instructor that suits their learning style and budget. The platform features an array of tools, including video calls, lesson scheduling, and feedback tracking, all designed to enhance the learning experience.

Features and Teaching Style

iTalki’s lessons are highly customizable, allowing students to set their own learning goals and select a teacher based on specific needs, such as grammar focus, business English, or conversational practice. Lessons typically last for 30-60 minutes and are conducted via video chat. Students can choose from a wide range of materials, from grammar textbooks to conversation topics, depending on their goals.

The platform also offers a “trial lesson” option, allowing students to test out a teacher before committing to a full course of lessons. This is an excellent feature for students who want to ensure compatibility with their instructor before making a long-term commitment.

Pros:

• Wide range of teachers: iTalki offers a variety of teachers with different backgrounds and teaching styles, making it easy to find one that suits your learning preferences.
• Flexible pricing: Lesson prices on iTalki range from as low as $5 to $50 per lesson, offering something for almost any budget.
• Customizable learning experience: iTalki allows students to tailor their lessons to their specific needs, whether that’s business English, conversational skills, or exam preparation.
• Global availability: iTalki is available worldwide, so students can easily find a teacher in their time zone.

Ideal For:

• Learners of all ages who want a flexible, personalized learning experience with a wide range of teachers to choose from.
• Students on a budget who still want to receive quality English lessons at an affordable price.

3. Cambly – Instant Access to Native Speakers

Product Overview

Cambly is an online language learning platform that offers one-on-one English lessons with native-speaking tutors via video chat. The platform is designed to provide instant access to English teachers, making it ideal for those who want to practice speaking English at any time of day or night. Cambly operates on a pay-as-you-go model, meaning that students only pay for the time they use, which adds a level of flexibility not found in other subscription-based services.

The focus of Cambly is on conversational practice. Teachers are available around the clock, and students can schedule lessons as they please, making it an excellent option for busy individuals or those with irregular schedules.

Features and Teaching Style

Cambly offers flexible, on-demand lessons, allowing students to connect with a tutor whenever they are ready to practice. The platform has a vast network of tutors from different English-speaking countries, including the U.S., the U.K., Canada, and Australia, so students can choose a teacher based on their preferred accent and teaching style.

The lessons focus on conversation practice, with tutors helping students improve their speaking and listening skills. Students can also request feedback on pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary during their lessons. Cambly also offers specialized lessons for preparing for exams like TOEFL and IELTS.

Pros:

• Instant access to tutors: Cambly’s on-demand model allows students to connect with tutors whenever they need to practice.
• Native English-speaking teachers: Cambly connects students with teachers who are native speakers, offering an authentic language experience.
• Flexible pricing: Cambly offers several pricing plans, including a pay-as-you-go model, making it suitable for those who want to learn at their own pace.
• Great for conversation practice: Cambly excels in helping students improve their speaking skills through real-time conversations.

Ideal For:

• Busy professionals, students, or anyone looking for flexible, on-demand English lessons.
• Learners who primarily want to improve their speaking and listening skills through conversation practice with native speakers.

4. Preply – Tailored Learning with a Global Reach

Product Overview

Preply is a flexible online learning platform that offers one-on-one English lessons with tutors from around the world. Similar to iTalki, Preply offers both professional teachers and community tutors, allowing students to choose an instructor who best meets their needs. What sets Preply apart is its focus on personalized learning, with tutors available for various specialized courses, including business English, exam preparation, and accent reduction.

Features and Teaching Style

Preply provides a tailored learning experience by allowing students to book a free trial lesson with their chosen tutor. After the trial, students can create a learning plan together with their tutor to meet specific goals, such as improving fluency or preparing for a language exam. Preply offers a range of interactive tools, including video calls, shared notes, and exercises to enhance the learning experience.

The platform offers lessons in 50+ languages, and the ability to choose teachers from all over the world ensures that students have access to tutors with diverse teaching styles and accents.

Pros:

• Wide selection of teachers: Preply offers a large pool of tutors with different specialties and price ranges.
• Tailored learning plans: Students can create a personalized learning plan with their tutor based on their specific needs.
• Affordable pricing: Preply offers competitive pricing, with lessons starting as low as $5 per session.
• Specialized courses: Whether you’re looking to improve your business English or prepare for an exam, Preply has a tutor for every need.

Ideal For:

• Learners who want to create a personalized learning experience with a focus on their specific needs, whether it’s for business English, academic exams, or casual conversation.

FAQs

1. How do I choose the best English tutor for my child?

When selecting an English

tutor for your child, consider factors such as the tutor’s experience, teaching style, and background. Platforms like 51Talk offer an AI-powered teacher-matching system, which helps recommend instructors based on the student’s learning preferences. Additionally, reviewing teacher profiles and reading feedback from other parents can help ensure compatibility.

2. How long should each English lesson be?

The length of each English lesson depends on the student’s age, learning goals, and attention span. Many platforms, like 51Talk, offer 25-minute lessons, which are ideal for younger children, while platforms like iTalki and Preply provide 30-60 minute lessons for older students and adults. Shorter lessons tend to keep younger learners engaged, while longer sessions can be more suitable for advanced learners or adults aiming to make faster progress.

Conclusion

Choosing the right online one-on-one English course depends on your individual needs, learning goals, and budget. Each of the platforms discussed in this article has its unique strengths. Whether you’re looking for a structured curriculum for children, a flexible platform with on-demand access, or personalized lessons tailored to your specific goals, there is an online course for you.

Ultimately, it’s important to consider factors such as the type of English instruction you need, the level of flexibility you require, and how much you are willing to invest in your education. With the options available today, mastering English online has never been more accessible or convenient. Happy learning!