10 Best Services for Online Algebra Tutors, Reviewed by Educators

Last Modified Date: February 09, 2024

Our Top Picks for Algebra Tutoring Services

Best Overall: Learner
Best On-Demand Help: Skooli
Best for On-the-Go: Varsity Tutors

For many students, algebra can be a challenging subject to grasp. According to recent surveys, 37% of teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17 found math to be the most challenging subject in school, while other studies reveal that 82% of American students in grades seven through ten find this abstract subject intimidating.

If your child needs a solid algebraic foundation, there are numerous ways to remedy this issue. One of the best ways to combat low test scores and poor grades is by working with an online algebra tutor.

We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of tutoring services to help you find the best algebra tutor for your needs, whether you are searching for an elementary algebra tutor or a college algebra instructor. Each platform has a different specialty and price point; therefore, we’re confident that there’s something for every student in this round-up.

Compare the Best 3 Services

Top 10 Online Algebra Tutoring Services

There are dozens of online algebra tutoring services available, which can make selecting just one platform an overwhelming process. To make things easy for you, we’ve narrowed down this long list to the top 10 online algebra tutoring services on the market:

1. Learner

Due to its high-quality instructors, state-of-the-art online classrooms, and customized lesson plans, Learner is our number-one choice for an online algebra tutoring service. To get started with Learner, students begin by answering a brief online questionnaire, which allows Learner’s team to pair each student up with a tutor with a complementary schedule, tutoring style, personality, and the appropriate expertise to suit their needs.

All math tutors at Learner are carefully vetted and have a bachelor’s degree and several years of teaching experience. Once your private algebra tutor familiarizes themselves with your teen’s algebra proficiency and algebra skills, they will build out a set of customized lesson plans tailored to your child and their class curriculum.

Each Learner lesson takes place in a virtual classroom with an interactive whiteboard, video, audio, screen-sharing, and file-sharing features. Regular progress reports are incorporated into each lesson so the tutor, student, and parents are constantly on the same page about the milestones that have been hit and what still needs to be achieved moving forward. Plus, every lesson is recorded and archived for student use.

More importantly, though, if a student is dissatisfied with the instruction they received in their first lesson, Learner will provide them with a full refund and match them with a new tutor for free.

Pros

Expert instructors offer customized instruction to each and every student
Affordable rates
Customer satisfaction guarantee
Innovative technology
Regular progress reports incorporated into algebra lessons

Cons

Not geared toward students in need of occasional homework help

Bottom Line: Customized education and customer satisfaction are at the forefront of Learner’s mission. While this online service may be relatively new to the tutoring scene, its high-quality tutors, tailored instruction, matching services, and affordable rates make it our top pick for unlocking your child’s potential in algebra.

2. Wyzant

Unlike many of the tutoring services included in this round-up, Wyzant acts more like a tutoring marketplace. Students looking for tutors can shop around on this platform and select a tutor based on their specialty, in this case, algebra, and their preferred hourly rate. The company boasts over 80,000 tutors in its network, meaning students have plenty of algebra tutors to choose from—though perhaps an overwhelming number for some to weed through. Every tutor must pass a proficiency test before being accepted into Wyzant’s network.

Once you select an instructor, you can have a quick conversation with them before booking your first lesson. Wzyant’s “Good Fit Guarantee” grants each student a free first hour of instruction, but only if the student is dissatisfied with the quality of instruction.

Aside from tutoring, Wyzant also includes additional helpful resources on its website, including thousands of interactive lessons and videos. Tutoring rates typically range between $30 and $80 per hour, though it’s of note that Wyzant also charges an additional 9% service fee.

Pros

Students can select tutors based on specialty and price
Additional resources available on the website
Good Fit Guarantee offers a free-hour session if you’re not immediately satisfied

Cons

Wyzant charges an additional service fee
No matching specialist available
Not geared toward long-term private instruction with the same tutor

Bottom Line: This established tutoring marketplace allows students to select an instructor based on specialty and price point. Wyzant also offers additional resources on its website, including interactive lessons and video tutorials. However, students and families will need to know exactly what they’re looking for in a tutor to successfully navigate the endless tutor options without getting overwhelmed.

3. Varsity Tutors

Varsity Tutors is geared toward the busiest high school algebra students. This platform works across various devices, including phones and tablets, allowing students to tune into a tutoring session at any time, whether they are on the sidelines of a game or in between classes. The app allows students and tutors to edit documents and work on algebra homework problems collaboratively.

Even though Varsity Tutors has over 40,000 instructors in its network, this company does have a rigorous application process. All math tutors must have prior teaching experience and subject matter expertise. Each candidate must also conduct a mock tutoring session, complete an online application, and undergo an interview process.

Varsity Tutors offers various tutoring packages, including a new $269 monthly membership that provides one-on-one tutoring lessons and access to unlimited live classes. Students can also choose to purchase a certain number of tutoring hours that can be shared among family members. If you need quick homework help, you can use Varsity Tutors’ Instant Tutoring program, which lets students connect with someone online in seconds.

Pros

Platform works across various devices
Rigorous vetting process for tutors
In-person and online tutoring available
Many different payment packages available

Cons

Pricing is not always available upfront
Customers have reported that the quality of tutoring varies depending on the instructor

Bottom Line: Geared toward the busiest high school algebra students, Varsity Tutors’ app works across various devices, allowing students to tune into tutoring at all hours of the day while getting helpful support.

4. Chegg

Chegg is beloved by students and educators for its affordability and flexibility. A Chegg subscription costs $15.95 a month, giving students access to unlimited tutoring lessons and resources. If students don’t wish to meet with a tutor in a live lesson, they can also search through pre-solved homework problems on Chegg’s platform or upload a photo of their own and request assistance.

Chegg also offers additional features for an extra fee, including Chegg Math Solver. This extension gives users unlimited solutions, instructions on how to solve complex problems, and access to a graphing calculator. Chegg Math Solver costs an extra $9.95 per month.

Many of Chegg’s instructors come from top colleges and universities, and each applicant must pass a subject proficiency test before they are accepted into Chegg’s network. Tutors are available 24/7 on Chegg, granting students constant access to algebra assistance.

Pros

Tutors with impressive qualifications
Affordable payment plan
Additional resources included on site
Tutors are available 24/7

Cons

Not tailored towards long-term instruction from the same tutor
No personalized lessons

Bottom Line: Known for its affordability and flexibility, a Chegg membership grants students access to unlimited tutoring lessons and additional online resources. That said, this platform does not offer customized lesson plans or long-term instruction from the same tutor.

5. Skooli

Skooli sets itself apart from the crowd with its pay-as-you-go pricing plan. Students are charged approximately $1 per minute for each lesson, with a minimum of 15 minutes per lesson. Due to the payment structure, this platform is best suited for students who need occasional algebra assistance, whether they are stuck on the odd homework question or are preparing for a difficult test. One of the benefits of this tutoring service is that students are not locked into a monthly plan and can use it at their convenience.

At Skooli, students are tasked with selecting their own tutor. To make this decision, students can peruse tutoring profiles or simply opt to work with someone who is online when they need help. Every tutor has at least a bachelor’s degree in the field they teach, a teaching license, or a specialized certification in their field.

Skooli’s online classrooms also tout innovative technology, such as a virtual whiteboard, allowing students to collaborate on algebra problems with their tutor simultaneously. Each interaction with a tutor is recorded, which allows students to use these mini-lessons as study tools whenever they need a refresher.

Pros

Highly-qualified tutors
Pay-as-you-go pricing plan
Innovative technology
24/7 availability from tutors

Cons

Not geared toward long-term assistance
Time pressure of the pay-as-you-go model may be stressful for some

Bottom Line: If you just need a little extra help from an expert, Skooli is there. The company has helpful tutors and resources, though the payment structure makes this platform best suited for students who need occasional homework help or test prep assistance.

6. Prodigy

Prodigy aims to help math students of all ages reach their “highest potential.” All Prodigy students begin with an initial assessment and a free consultation. This process allows their team to assess the student’s algebra proficiency and determine a starting point and overall action plan. Once a student is paired with a tutor, the tutor will create a customized algebra curriculum catered toward the student’s strengths, weaknesses, and learning style.

All Prodigy lessons are hosted on Zoom, which offers video, audio, chat, and screen-sharing privileges. However, Zoom is not equipped with the same learning tools as other online classrooms included in this round-up. Every lesson includes a feedback session, where students learn more about their areas of improvement and which ones still need work.

Prodigy charges $30 for a half-hour session and $24 for students who sign up for three or more sessions. This platform also offers a $120 package for five half-hour sessions.

Pros

Free consultation
Offer tutor matching
Customized lesson plans
Feedback incorporated into each session

Cons

Zoom has limited interactive features and learning tools compared to other online platforms

Bottom Line: With its one-on-one tutoring and customized lesson plans, Prodigy’s platform is tailored toward students seeking long-term algebra assistance from the same instructor. The main downside of this online service is that the way it conducts its lessons means it is not as equipped with beneficial interactive learning tools.

7. The Princeton Review

While it may be best known for its SAT and ACT prep courses, The Princeton Review is, in fact, a very all-inclusive online tutoring platform. Founded over 30 years ago, this established service tutors students in more than 250 subjects, including algebra. The Princeton Review also caters to students who are taking AP or IB courses and offers a “better grades guaranteed” promise.

According to The Princeton Review website, more than 5,000 students use this platform on a daily basis. There are several different tutoring packages that Princeton Review customers can choose between. The most popular packages include $350 for 10 hours of tutoring across six months and $1,450 for 50 hours spanning six months. One of the benefits of signing up for these long-term packages is that students can cancel their membership at any time. Free tutoring is also offered to students from military families.

Pros

Offers a “better grades guarantee”
Established service with a respected reputation
Students can opt out of monthly memberships at any time

Cons

Relatively expensive
Website can be hard to navigate

Bottom Line: This established service is a great option for students seeking one-on-one tutoring or a “better grade guarantee.” There are various packages offered to suit students with various goals and priorities.

8. Revolution Prep

Revolution Prep distinguishes itself from other tutoring companies by only hiring full-time staff members. While there are no set criteria that applicants must meet, every instructor must undergo more than 150 hours of training and development before they become an official member of the Revolution Prep team.

As a result, Revolution Prep’s packages air on the more expensive end of the spectrum. Private tutoring is $1,200 for 12 hours, and small group test prep is $400 for 12 hours.

While this company is best known for its SAT and ACT prep courses, they also offer tutoring in various subjects, including pre-algebra, Algebra I, and Algebra 2. For students in need of prompt assistance, Revolution Prep also offers live homework help for middle school and high school students through an add-on feature that costs $99 a month.

Pros

Tutors are full-time, committed staff members
Offers group courses and one-on-one lessons
Tutors are available 24/7 for live homework help

Cons

Expensive compared to other platforms
To gain access to additional features, you must pay a fee

Bottom Line: Revolution Prep only hires full-time staff members, who each receive over 150 hours of training and development and are determined to set students up for success in math, the ACT, or the SAT. As a result, though, this service falls on the pricier end of the spectrum.

9. TutorMe

At TutorMe, the competition among tutors is cutthroat. This selective company only accepts 4% of applicants into its network and requires each tutor to undergo thorough training.

Each lesson takes place in a virtual classroom with a whiteboard, text editor, screen-sharing, video, and audio. Regardless of what type of lesson students opt for, every session is recorded for safety measures (including lessons that are audio-only). These archived lessons double as study tools that can be used whenever students need a refresher on a specific algebraic concept. After each lesson, students and tutors are given the opportunity to rate each other.

There are various payment packages available at TutorMe. Students can opt for a pay-as-you-go plan for $1 per minute or for $119 a month for four lessons of tutoring. Each customer is also granted a free 30-minute trial, which can be used at any time over a three-day period.

Pros

Rigorous selection of top instructors
Innovative technology used in classrooms
Various payment packages are available
Free trial

Cons

No customized lesson plans
No matching system

Bottom Line: TutorMe is known for being a selective service with a cutthroat application process. Every lesson takes place in an online classroom equipped with interactive tools, but some students looking for individualized assistance may be better suited to another tutoring service.

10. Tutor Doctor

One of our favorite things about Tutor Doctor is the company's mantra. This company believes that with lots of practice and a positive attitude, anyone can excel in any math subject, including algebra. Tutor Doctor offers private tutoring and customized lesson plans to every student.

While their private tutors’ main aim is to help students fill the gaps in their algebra knowledge and skill set, Tutor Doctor instructors also act as mentors and role models, helping to build up your child’s self-esteem. This online service promises to take the time to understand each student and what they are going through and adapt its techniques to coincide with their needs.

Tutor Doctor’s typical curriculum requires students to do a fair share of independent work and self-studying, another unique element of their service. Tutoring rates typically fall between $40 and $80 per hour, depending on the student’s package. Every student also receives a free consultation.

Pros

Customized lesson plans
Tutors act as mentors as well as instructors
Free consultation

Cons

Independent work element may not benefit all students

Bottom Line: Tutor Doctor offers private tutoring, personalized lesson plans, and a free consultation for all students. While their private tutors’ strive to help students improve their algebra skills first and foremost, Tutor Doctor instructors also take on a mentorship role to try to meet all of a student’s needs.

Why Hire an Algebra Tutoring?

There are many ways that online math tutoring can supplement classroom learning. One of the most significant benefits of private tutoring is that students receive personalized support. Getting one-on-one attention in a traditional classroom setting is rare. Students might have the opportunity to ask a few questions here and there, but they won’t have someone by their side offering feedback, encouragement, or guidance.

Online algebra tutors can create a customized curriculum aligned with what your student is learning in school and tailor each lesson toward concepts and math skills where the student needs the most assistance.

How to Find the Right Online Algebra Tutoring Platform for You

When searching for an online algebra tutor, it can be tempting to simply conduct a quick internet search and hope for the best. While you will receive a long list of results, there might be better uses of your time than scrolling through each post. Here are some more productive ways to conduct your search:

Use a reputable online tutoring company

There are dozens of established online tutoring platforms available online. One of the many benefits of working with an online platform is that you can skip a few steps in the search process. For one, the tutors in online networks have already been trained and vetted, so you don’t need to perform your own background check on each candidate. With some tutoring platforms, like Learner, the company will also do the heavy lifting of matching you with the most compatible instructor for your student.

Check tutor credentials

If you are working with an online tutoring portal, like Wyzant, or looking at independent contractors, it is crucial for you to evaluate each candidate yourself. Dig into the tutor’s background, education, teaching experience, and subject matter expertise. If your child is an eighth-grade student learning intermediate algebra, your ideal candidate will have prior experience teaching a middle school algebra curriculum. Some tutors may be willing to undergo a background check for your peace of mind.

Read reviews

While a tutor’s resume provides you with basic information about a tutor’s education and job experience, the information it provides stops there. This means it can be tricky to gauge what working with a tutor is really like until your first lesson. One way to gain further insight into tutors’ services is to read their reviews and ratings. Looking at honest feedback from other students is a great way to field out any tutors with multiple red flags.

Ask for recommendations

One of the best ways to work with an algebra expert whom you can trust is through a direct referral. Ask your child’s math teacher if they know of any tutors they can connect you with. Not only might they know some experts in the math tutoring community, but they will also know what type of tutor will best serve your child’s interests, goals, and learning style.

Meet your tutor

The final step in your search process should be interviewing each candidate. Write down a list of questions that you couldn’t answer by looking at the tutor’s resume, profile, ratings, and reviews. Ask how they might cater to your child’s unique learning needs and goals. If possible, see if the candidate is willing to conduct a mock tutoring session.

Our Criteria for the Best Online Algebra Tutoring Services

Between the abundance of online tutoring services on the market, it was challenging to narrow down our list to the top 10. Here are the factors we considered when making this selection:

Quality of tutors

The most critical factor we considered in this selection was the quality of the instructors at each tutoring network. Even if a tutoring platform uses state-of-the-art technology at cost-effective rates, their services will only be worth your while if their tutors have expertise and experience. To evaluate this criterion, we looked into a company’s hiring process and its tutoring standards. We selected companies that rigorously vetted their candidates through interviews, background checks, subject tests, and mock interview sessions. We also choose services that primarily hire candidates with bachelor’s degrees from accredited colleges and several years of teaching experience.

Customized learning plans

Algebra tutoring is most beneficial for students when lessons are designed for their skill sets and learning styles. In a classroom setting, teachers must create lesson plans that cater to the masses. Private tutors, however, can match a student’s pace, answer questions, and focus on the areas of the curriculum that the student is most confused by. Customized lesson plans benefit students in various ways, which is why we wanted to ensure that a handful of the selected tutoring companies provided this service.

Flexible scheduling

It can be tricky for busy high school and college students to find time for weekly algebra tutoring sessions. Many students juggle hectic workloads and extracurriculars, so they are rarely available during the traditional working hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. That’s why we selected tutoring services that offered flexible hours. In fact, many of the platforms on this list have 24/7 tutor availability. Whether your student likes to do their homework late at night, early in the morning, or on the weekends, these online tutoring services have their needs covered.

Helpful communication

Receiving feedback is a critical component of the learning process. Receiving praise for accomplishments helps students stay motivated. Meanwhile, receiving feedback on areas that still need improvement helps students set new milestones to work toward. We selected services that incorporate regular feedback sessions into their lesson plans, involving students and their parents. Keeping parents updated about their child’s learning journey allows them to intervene and adjust their child’s tutoring plan when necessary.

Technology and resources

The main reason online tutoring is such an effective learning tool is because of the technology and resources it offers. Virtual tools like interactive whiteboards allow students and tutors to collaborate on algebra problems as if they were working together in the same classroom.

Some online services also post additional resources in their portals for students to use outside of lessons, such as video lessons and pre-solved algebra problems. We made sure to select tutoring services offering both innovative technology and additional learning tools, so students get the most out of their membership with whatever online tutoring service they select.

The Benefits of Online Algebra Tutors

Some parents and guardians worry that online algebra tutoring cannot compare to in-person instruction. But with the rapid transition to online learning due to the pandemic, many families have realized the benefits that virtual tutoring provides. Here are some of the advantages of learning algebra online:

Convenience

For middle and high school students, time is valuable. When a student has to commute to meet with a tutor face-to-face, these are precious minutes they could have spent studying for a test or revising a paper. One of the unparalleled benefits of online tutoring is that students can meet with a tutor anytime, anywhere. Online tutoring means that students aren’t locked into regular tutoring sessions, which might not coincide with when they need assistance.

Personalization

Most online tutoring services offer private, one-on-one instruction. Having a tutor tailor every aspect of the lesson to what will best benefit the student, from the subject matter to the teaching style, is an unmatched advantage that private tutoring has over other forms of instruction. Research also shows that a long-term relationship between a student and a tutor can significantly impact student performance.

Access to a wider range of tutors

Whether you live in a small town where algebra instructors are few and far between or a bustling metropolis with thousands of available tutors, finding the best algebra tutor for you can take time and effort. For instance, searching for an AP algebra tutor who is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8 p.m. can be like finding a needle in a haystack. That’s where online tutoring comes in. Since there are no geographic restrictions with virtual tutoring, you never have to settle for a tutor who doesn't meet all of your requirements and expectations.

More affordable

There are many reasons why online tutoring rates are often more affordable than those charged by in-person instructors. For one, online tutoring services do not require a physical location, such as a rented office or classroom space, eliminating overhead costs such as rent, utilities, and maintenance fees. Conversely, online tutors are also not required to travel to and from a student’s home, reducing transportation costs. Due to the lack of overhead costs and the greater competition amongst online tutors, their hourly rates are relatively low.

Use of technology

Not only are online tutoring services a cost-effective and convenient alternative to in-person tutoring, but they also maintain the same level of quality education, thanks to technology integration. Online classrooms have more than just video and audio features; most also include a virtual whiteboard, screen-sharing, and file-sharing tools. Some tutoring platforms also record and archive their lessons, which gives them an edge over in-person lessons. Many companies record lessons as a safety protocol, but these lessons can also be used as study tools whenever students need a refresher.

Frequently Asked Questions

Even after reviewing this comprehensive list, you may still have some lingering questions about choosing an algebra tutor for your student. Check out some of the most frequently asked questions below.

Who should use online algebra tutoring services?

All algebra students can benefit from online tutoring in different ways. While some students may need to brush up on foundational concepts, other high-achieving students may be looking to work ahead of their curriculum. There are online tutoring services for every type of student, whether your teen would benefit best from occasional homework help or long-term assistance.

How much do online algebra tutoring services cost?

The cost and payment structure of online algebra tutoring services differs across the board. Some services will charge a monthly subscription, while others charge by the hour. You can expect to pay between $30 and $80 per hour for most tutors.

What should you look for in online algebra tutoring services?

There are key criteria you should evaluate with every online algebra tutoring service, including the quality and expertise of tutors, tutoring methods and approaches, flexibility, scheduling, feedback and progress monitoring, cost, and safety. You want to select a service that meets your individual needs and goals and provides your teen with a high-quality learning experience.

What are the pros of using online algebra tutoring services?

Online algebra tutoring services are a cost-effective and convenient alternative to in-person tutoring. These platforms allow students to connect with algebra tutors from all over the country whenever and wherever they need assistance.

What are the cons of using online algebra tutoring services?

Some students may be less engaged in an online session, especially those who are prone to distractions or who might deal with frequent interruptions.