English is the most widely spoken language in the world, and the demand for learning it continues to grow. According to Preply, which offers English courses, there are more than 1.75 billion English speakers worldwide. With such a vast number of learners, digital platforms have become an essential tool for language acquisition.
In fact, Preply highlights that online English learning provides flexibility, access to native-speaking tutors, and personalized lessons tailored to individual goals—making it an increasingly popular choice for English learners.
As hundreds of millions of non-native speakers continue to learn the language, the demand for ESL tutoring has grown and given rise to both online teaching and in-person tutoring as popular options. With Preply’s expertise in online language instruction, they provide valuable insight into how digital learning compares to traditional face-to-face tutoring.
In this article, we will examine their differences to understand what each approach offers. We will also explore the advantages and challenges of both formats and consider which factors matter most when choosing between them.
Teaching Environment: Virtual vs. Physical Presence
To begin our comparison between these two methods of learning English, let’s start with the most obvious difference: where the lessons take place.
Online tutoring happens in a virtual classroom, where teachers and students connect through video calls, chat platforms, and digital tools like interactive whiteboards and shared documents. This gives students the opportunity to learn from anywhere and eliminates the need for travel, allowing access to a wider selection of tutors across different time zones.
In addition, online learning also allows students to access pre-recorded lessons, giving them the flexibility to review material at their own pace rather than following a fixed schedule.
In contrast, in-person courses take place in a physical classroom or a designated location such as a student’s home, a library, or a tutoring center, where lessons unfold face-to-face. While not as widely accessible as online learning, this format of direct engagement has its own unique advantages, particularly for students who learn better with physical presence and structured settings.
It is also worth mentioning that because online English lessons rely entirely on technology, both students and tutors need a stable internet connection and familiarity with online platforms to communicate effectively.
In-person learning removes these technical concerns altogether and ensures that classes run smoothly without the risk of technical difficulties, lag, or connectivity issues disrupting the lesson. What’s more, in-person tutors can rely on body language, facial expressions, and physical gestures to assess student engagement in real time, something that isn’t always easy to gauge through a screen.
This face-to-face interaction makes it easier for teachers to provide immediate feedback, adjust their teaching approach based on student reactions, and foster stronger student-teacher relationships.
All in all, both learning environments offer distinct advantages, and the choice depends on what a student finds most effective. Online classrooms provide flexibility and accessibility, while physical classrooms offer direct engagement and a structured atmosphere that some learners prefer.
Flexibility & Scheduling: Own Hours vs. Fixed Timetable
Another major difference between online and in-person English tutoring is how lessons are scheduled and the level of flexibility available to both students and teachers.
As we mentioned earlier, online classes allow for greater control over when and how lessons take place. Many online English teachers set their own hours and offer lessons at various times to accommodate students from different time zones. This flexibility benefits both learners with unpredictable schedules and tutors who want to work as many or as few hours as they choose.
Additionally, some online platforms provide on-demand lessons and allow students to book sessions whenever they need them, rather than having them commit to a fixed schedule.
In-person classes, on the other hand, operate on a fixed timetable, where lessons are scheduled in advance at a specific time and place. Unlike online sessions, which can be easily rescheduled or adjusted, in-person lessons require a higher level of commitment from both student and tutor.
This structure, while rigid, can be beneficial for learners who thrive on routine and accountability, as it encourages consistency and discipline in their studies.
We should also point out that while teaching English online enables students to study at odd hours or during non-traditional learning times, it may not always align with a tutor’s availability. On the other hand, in-person sessions, though less flexible, provide more stability, ensuring that both parties can plan their schedules without last-minute changes.
In summary, online tutoring offers greater flexibility for both students and teachers and is ideal for those students who need adaptable learning schedules. In-person tutoring, on the other hand, provides a structured routine that some learners may find more effective for maintaining consistency.
Teaching Methods: Digital Tools vs. Hands-On Activities
With each method using different tools and techniques to facilitate learning, online and in-person English classes also offer distinct approaches to engagement and instruction for their learners.
Teaching online relies heavily on software learning tools to engage students. Interactive whiteboards, shared documents, quizzes, and educational apps help replicate the classroom experience in a virtual environment. Some platforms also integrate AI-driven assessments and gamified learning to keep students engaged.
Additionally, online teachers often include multimedia resources, such as videos and interactive exercises, to reinforce concepts beyond traditional textbook methods.
In comparison, in-person classes make use of hands-on activities, role-playing, and real-time exercises that allow students to interact directly with their tutor.
Unlike online learning, where engagement happens through a screen, in-person lessons allow for immediate physical interaction with lesson materials, such as printed worksheets, flashcards, and group exercises. This approach can be particularly beneficial for young learners and students who struggle with screen-based learning.
While online education allows students to access a global community of tutors and diverse resources, it can sometimes lack the spontaneity and adaptability of face-to-face teaching. In-person English tutors can instantly adjust their lessons based on a student’s reactions, offer immediate hands-on corrections, and adapt to a learner’s unique needs in real-time.
To sum it all up, teaching English online leverages software and virtual to create an interactive and flexible learning experience, while in-person learning provides a more tangible, hands-on approach that some students may find more effective.
Cost & Earning Potential: Online Teaching Jobs vs. Traditional ESL Careers
The financial factor is another key difference between these two formats of teaching English, one that impacts both the students and the teachers.
Online classes tend to be more affordable for students since they eliminate expenses related to commuting, classroom space, and physical materials. Many online platforms offer flexible pricing models and allow students to pay per session, subscribe to courses, or take advantage of discounted group lessons. Additionally, free or low-cost digital resources make online learning even more accessible.
English classes in person, on the other hand, often have higher costs due to factors like rental fees, travel expenses, and printed lesson materials. While some students may prefer the structured environment of a traditional classroom setting, the added expenses can make this option less accessible compared to online learning.
From an English teacher’s perspective, online teaching jobs provide opportunities to work with multiple students from different countries, often without the constraints of a single employer. Many online tutors work on a freelance or contract basis, and this allows them to earn from various sources instead of being tied to a single institution.
However, the lack of stable contracts or benefits, such as health insurance or paid leave, can be a downside for those looking for long-term job security.
In contrast, in-person teaching often provides more stable employment, especially in brick-and-mortar schools or established language institutions. Many full-time ESL teachers receive fixed salaries, benefits, and structured career growth opportunities, which can make in-person positions more appealing for those looking for a steady income.
To put it in simple terms, online teaching offers more flexibility and earning potential through multiple streams of income, while in-person teaching provides greater job stability and structured benefits that appeal to those seeking long-term career security.
Qualifications & Career Growth: Teaching English Online vs In-Person
One of the most important differences between online and classroom teaching, especially for those who consider teaching as a long-term career, are the qualifications required and the opportunities these career paths can offer.
The requirements for teaching English online are often more flexible than those for in-person teaching. Many online English companies only require a TEFL certificate, while some platforms allow teachers to work without a formal bachelor’s degree, depending on the country and institution.
This makes teaching online an accessible option for those looking to enter the field quickly or work on a part-time or freelance basis.
In contrast, in-person teaching, especially in schools and structured institutions, typically demands higher qualifications. Most positions require a bachelor’s degree in English, education, or a related field, along with a recognized TEFL certificate or equivalent training.
Schools and universities often prefer qualified teachers with prior classroom experience, making in-person teaching a more structured career path with clearer growth opportunities.
When it comes to career stability, in-person jobs generally offer more security, with long-term contracts, salaries, and benefits like health insurance. Teachers working in physical locations often receive constructive feedback from colleagues and supervisors, helping them refine their methods and advance their careers.
Online teaching, on the other hand, offers more flexibility in working hours and income streams, allowing teachers to earn from multiple sources, such as tutoring platforms, private students, or digital courses. However, this also means less job security, as most online ESL teachers work on a month-to-month basis without guaranteed contracts or career progression within a single institution.
Overall, online courses make it easier to start teaching English and provide greater income flexibility, while in-person teaching offers more structured career growth, professional development, and long-term job security. The choice depends on whether a teacher prioritizes freedom and variety or stability and career advancement.
Making the Best Choice for Your ESL Journey
In the end, the decision between online and in-person ESL tutoring comes down to what works best for each student and teacher. Both options have their unique strengths and challenges, whether it’s the flexibility of virtual classrooms or the structured engagement of face-to-face learning.
For those who prioritize convenience and accessibility, online lessons open up opportunities to learn or teach from anywhere. Meanwhile, those who thrive in physical environments may find that in-person classes offer deeper engagement and stronger connections.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on individual learning styles, teaching preferences, and career goals. By considering factors like scheduling, teaching methods, costs, and qualifications, both ESL students and educators can find the approach that best suits their needs.