TEO Academy vs Preply & italki: Why We're the Smarter Choice
Last updated: 8 September 2025
The online learning market is crowded. Platforms like Preply, italki, and Cambly offer a vast choice of tutors for countless subjects. While this "supermarket" approach provides options, it often leads to a generic, one-size-fits-all experience.
TEO Academy was built on a different philosophy. We believe that for ambitious professionals and students, true progress comes from specialised knowledge, a fair system, and the right tools. We are not a jack-of-all-trades; we are masters of one: **effective English language learning**.
1. We Are Specialists, Not Generalists
While other platforms list tutors for everything from maths to music, our focus is laser-sharp: we are dedicated exclusively to English language learning. This specialisation means we can concentrate on what truly matters for our learners: recruiting tutors with deep expertise not just in English, but in the specific professional and academic contexts where you need to succeed.
2. A Fairer Deal for Tutors (and Why It Matters to You)
This is our most important difference. Many major platforms charge tutors high commission rates—often up to 33%—and frequently take 100% of the fee for trial lessons. This model devalues the tutor's expertise.
TEO Academy's commission is as low as 10%.
Why does this matter to you as a student? A fair commission attracts and retains higher-quality, more motivated, and more experienced professionals. It creates a virtuous cycle: valued tutors provide exceptional lessons, which leads to your exceptional success.
3. The Right Tools for the Job
Effective teaching requires more than just a video call. That’s why we use Lesson Space, a purpose-built virtual classroom that is more versatile and collaborative than a standard Skype or Zoom call. It includes an interactive whiteboard, document sharing, and other tools designed for teaching.
Alongside one-to-one lessons, we offer structured **courses** and collaborative **online classroom settings**, providing a flexible, blended learning environment that suits your needs.
TEO Academy vs Other Platforms: At a Glance
| Feature | TEO Academy | Other Platforms (e.g., Preply, italki) |
|---|---|---|
| Tutor Commission | As low as 10% | Up to 33% (100% on trials) |
| Learning Focus | English Language Specialist | Generalist (all subjects) |
| Tutor Expertise | Industry Professionals & Career Coaches | Broad range, from casual conversationalists to teachers |
| Technology | Purpose-built Lesson Space | Basic video call platforms |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is TEO Academy more expensive than platforms like Preply or italki?
A: Tutors on TEO Academy set their own rates. While you can find very cheap lessons on larger platforms, our focus is on value. By offering tutors a much lower commission, we attract top-tier professionals who provide a higher quality of specialised instruction, ensuring a better return on your educational investment.
Q: What is Lesson Space and how is it better than a standard video call?
A: Lesson Space is a purpose-built virtual classroom that is far more versatile than a standard video call. It includes features like an interactive whiteboard, document editing, and other collaborative tools designed specifically for effective teaching.
Q: Why is a low commission rate for tutors important for me as a student?
A: A low commission rate attracts highly qualified, motivated professionals who feel valued. This creates a better, more stable pool of tutors who are invested in your long-term success, leading directly to a higher quality of education for you.
Make the Smarter Choice for Your Career
Your language learning is an investment in your future. Choose a platform that values expertise, specialisation, and fairness. Experience the TEO Academy difference today.
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