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With there being so many benefits of learning Chinese, it’s not surprising that it is now one of the most widely sought-after languages to master, even in the U.S. And thankfully, there are a ton of resources online to help you master the language.
However, as a native speaker who had to undergo years of practice to speak fluently, I can confirm that nothing beats having a tutor to help you along the way. After all, when learning a new language, it always helps to have someone who you can practice with in real-time.
Why look for Chinese tutors online
How long does it take to learn Chinese? Well, to put a number of it, around 2,000 hours to reach native fluency. Based on that fact alone, I’m sure most language learners will agree that learning Chinese is no simple task. After all, it’s one of the most complicated languages in the world.
That’s why it’s a good idea to look for Chinese tutors online to help you along the way. If not for anything else, online tutors can help correct mistakes that you might never notice as you use books and apps to learn Chinese.
A Chinese tutor can help you improve your conversational skills
As much as it’s fun to listen to podcasts and watch videos to familiarize one’s self with a Mandarin-speaking environment, nothing beats a proper conversation with an actual person.
As you converse with your tutor, either as part of the lesson or as a way to communicate in general, you’ll be able to improve your confidence and fluency. What’s more, if you mispronounce or say something funny, there’ll be somewhere there to correct you.
You get to set your own lesson times
One major advantage of getting Chinese tutors online is flexibility. With so many platforms offering tutoring services in Mandarin, you’ll likely be able to find a tutor who can cater to your schedule, regardless of where you live.
You can get personalized lessons
Compared to taking a class or language course in real life, most online tutoring platforms allow language learners to communicate to their tutors what they want to learn. This enables you to engage in highly personalized Chinese lessons that can help tackle specific topics.
In addition, by learning Mandarin online with a tutor, you can set your own pace to learn comfortably. More importantly, if you make an embarrassing mistake, no one’s going to be there to poke fun at you, so there’s even less pressure!
It’s easier to find a Mandarin tutor online
Unless you live in China or any Chinese-speaking country, chances are that certified Chinese tutors are a premium. In fact, there might not even be ONE Chinese tutor or class in your city.
That’s why looking for Chinese tutors online is so much easier and better. You can connect with passionate tutors, some of whom are highly experienced professionals, from anywhere in the world at a moment’s notice, ensuring that you can always access the valuable resources you need as you increase your proficiency in the language.
Did I finally convince you? Great! Let’s look at some of the best websites to look for online Chinese tutors online!
Where to find Chinese tutors online
1. Italki
If you’re looking for Chinese tutors online, one of the best places to start is Italki. After all, this tried-and-tested platform is well-known among language learners for offering top-quality Chinese lessons online, thanks to its wide range of tutors (currently, there are over 1,300 online Mandarin tutors on Italki).
What I find most attractive about Italki for learning Chinese online is how it offers plenty of flexibility in terms of how many hours of learning you want to commit to and the overall structure of your online lessons.
A beginner Mandarin learner, for example, can opt for a proper tutoring session with an accredited teacher while an intermediate learner can engage in a casual chat with a native speaker. In fact, the community aspect is a huge thing on Italki, as language learners can also participate in a fun language exchange program to make learning Chinese online a little more fun!
Best of all, I find Italki to be super simple to use. Its filters and tutor introductory videos really go a long way in helping language learners find exactly what they want, making it one of the most user-friendly platforms for finding Chinese tutors online. The only downside, which isn’t really an issue for me personally, is that you’ll then need to set up a Skype or Zoom call with your tutor to facilitate your lesson.
Top features of Italki:
- One of the most trusted online language tutor apps on the market
- A wide range of Chinese tutors to choose from
- Flexibility in choosing an online session of your liking
- A vibrant online language community that spurs you on
Pricing: Prices on Italki are largely dependent on the tutors themselves. You can find Chinese lessons for as low as $4/hour, but I would put the average at around $15/hour. Snatch a deal on italki now!
2. Preply
While Italki offers a choice between a structured lesson and a casual chat, Preply specializes in facilitating Mandarin classes online. That’s because this popular language-learning platform boasts a network of close to 3,000 professional online Mandarin tutors, most of whom are certified experts in teaching the language.
The major plus side of Preply (and its vast variety of certified and experienced tutors) is that you’ll be able to really zero in on the aspects of Mandarin that you need help with. Be it vocabulary, grasping certain concepts, or learning how to speak in a specific setting (like in a business meeting), you’ll be able to find just the right help you need on the platform.
What’s more, unlike Italki, Preply users do not need to rely on third-party video conferencing platforms to attend their lessons — Preply itself offers a comprehensive video platform that connects learners and tutors for their lessons. Simply find the tutor you’d like to take lessons with, select a particular time slot that suits both parties and then log in when it’s time for your lessons!
Top features of Preply:
- Nearly 3,000 certified online Chinese tutors that offer flexible lessons for any timezone
- Specialized tutors who can focus on specific topics of interest
- Offers an integrated video platform for convenient lessons
Pricing: Like Italki, the price of lessons is set by the tutor. On average, a lesson on Preply costs between $5 and $20 per session. Find a Chinese tutor on Preply now.
3. AmazingTalker
Find Chinese tutors on AmazingTalker
As the name suggests, AmazingTalker’s main goal is to get you comfortable speaking Mandarin and to sound amazing while doing it. Despite only being launched in 2017, this up-and-coming language learning platform has become increasingly popular when it comes to finding Chinese tutors online.
With over 2,500 active Chinese tutors, all of whom are native speakers, AmazingTalker offers plenty of options when it comes to learning Mandarin online with a tutor. Before matching users with a suitable tutor, the platform presents the learner with a few questions about their learning goals and needs.
And then, based on the answers, a selection of tutors is suggested for you to choose from. Whether you’re trying to improve your conversational Chinese, get better at writing, or prepare for your Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK) exam, you’ll be able to find an online Mandarin tutor to help you do just that!
Top features of AmazingTalker:
- Every tutor has an introductory video to help users get a feel for what lessons are like
- A basic questionnaire in the beginning accurately pinpoints which tutors work best
- A wide range of options when it comes to lesson structure and budget
Pricing: You can find lessons from as low as $8/hour. However, sometimes, with limited promos, you can actually get free lessons or lessons for just $1. Check AmazingTalker discounts here.
4. TutorABC
Find Chinese tutors on TutorABC
TutorABC offers a convenient and personalized way to find qualified Chinese tutors for your learning journey. The platform boasts certified teachers with an average of 1.5 years of experience. This translates to a pool of instructors who are not only knowledgeable but also seasoned in guiding students toward fluency.
Leveraging AI technology, TutorABC takes the guesswork out of finding the right fit. Its system matches you with a tutor based on your learning goals, interests, and even your preferred learning style. This ensures that you connect with a teacher who can tailor lessons to keep you engaged and motivated.
TutorABC has 1-on-1 classes for beginners up to advanced levels. You can also take specialized courses such HSK and AP Chinese prep.
Top features of TutorABC:
- Large pool of certified tutors
- Personalized learning plans
- Flexible schedule and several pricing plans to choose from
Pricing: Starts from $25 per session but the cost gradually lowers when you sign up more sessions. Check out TutorABC now.
5. MyLingoTrip
Find Chinese tutors on MyLingoTrip
Underrated as it may be, I personally like MyLingoTrip the most when it’s time to search for online Mandarin tutors. While it’s true that the platform doesn’t have as large a pool of Chinese tutors as others on this list (hence why I say it’s underrated), MyLingoTrip makes up for it by offering only experienced, professional tutors on its platform.
Users can choose between one-to-one lessons or group classes, depending on whichever style makes them more comfortable. Best of all, there are tutors offering specialized Chinese exam preparation courses for the HSK exam!
What’s more, unlike some online language exchange sites, MyLingoTrip isn’t just a platform to set up lessons. It features a holistic, integrated platform that’s well-designed to keep track of your progress and help you gain fluency.
From an interactive archive of reading materials to a personalized calendar to help note down important days, MyLingoTrip offers a range of impressive tools to facilitate learning Mandarin online.
Top features of MyLingoTrip:
- Personalized lessons based on the needs of the learner
- Integrated platform to track progress
- Features an interactive library, customizable notes, personalized calendar, and more holistic tools
- Being able to choose between one-to-one or group classes
Pricing: You have to buy a prepaid package of 5, 10, 15, 20, or 50 hours. Depending on the level of proficiency and class setting, prices may vary. The most basic package starts from $23 (22€) per hour.
6. LanguaTalk
Find Chinese tutors on LanguaTalk
For those looking for Chinese tutors online, I have to say that LanguaTalk has one of the most impressive pools of tutors I’ve seen yet. That’s because the platform is extra stringent in vetting tutor applications on its site. As a result, most of the tutors you’ll see here are experienced and highly qualified in teaching Mandarin online.Â
All that experience goes a long way in helping a language learner, especially since lessons on LanguaTalk are tailored to the learners’ needs and goals, allowing them to learn at their own pace whilst receiving thorough and holistic help from the tutor(s) of their choice.
Most interestingly, LanguaTalk also has tutors that specialize in specific topics and niches. While browsing the list of tutors, I stumbled on a few who were teaching Medical Chinese for professionals! So if you’re looking for quality lessons, LanguaTalk certainly won’t disappoint!
Top features of LanguaTalk:
- Offers elite tutors thanks to its stringent application process
- A diverse selection of tutors that offer lessons ranging from beginner classes to specialized niches
Pricing: Prices are set by the tutors and start from $22/hour. Book a free trial here!
7. Verbling
Find Chinese tutors on Verbling
Sometimes, one of the challenges to finding Chinese tutors online is the timezone difference. After all, if most native speakers offering Mandarin lessons online live in one timezone, it might be hard for learners from the other side of the planet to find tutors who cater to their timezone.
In steps Verbling to solve that issue. Boasting a vast array of native Chinese speakers on its site, Verbling prides itself on offering reliable Mandarin tutoring sessions for every timezone. Tutors on the site live in almost every timezone, allowing Mandarin learners plenty of flexibility in finding a tutor that matches their schedule.
What’s more, tutors on Verbling are able to help with personalizing and customizing your lessons to meet your specific needs. Some are able to offer sessions on specific subjects beyond the usual grammar and vocabulary classes.
Top features of Verbling:
- Tutors have an introductory video and a list of available slots for easy booking
- Ratings for online Mandarin lessons are available for public viewing
- An extensive pool of tutors covering different timezones
Pricing: Prices are set by the tutors and start from $20/hour.
8. FluentCity
Find Chinese tutors on FluentCity
Rather than point language learners searching for Chinese tutors online down a rabbit hole of endless tutors to choose from, FluentCity adopts a more streamlined process to help users get the Mandarin lessons online that they want.
You start with a free language assessment test (or you can skip it) before being directed to choose your study plan (how many hours do you want to commit per week/month and what goals do you want to achieve). After selecting that, you’ll be asked to choose your time slot. Only after that will you be allowed to choose from a list of available tutors to book your lessons with.
You can then choose whether you’d like to book an individual session or a group class, which from experience, is often more conducive for those learning a language.
Top features of Fluent City:
- Choose between group classes or one-on-one sessions
- An easy process to get started and to start looking for tutors
- Lessons customized based on your own study plan
Pricing: You can choose between monthly packages or prepaid packages. The former starts at $49/month while the latter starts at $47/hour for 12 hours.
9. Verbalplanet
Find Chinese tutors on Verbalplanet
For those who value instant feedback on their language progression, a great platform to look for Chinese tutors online is Verbalplanet. Featuring a wide range of tutors from around the globe, the platform is able to cater to language learners of different proficiency levels, even those who are already at the advanced level.
What’s more, you can choose between enrolling in a structured language course to learn Mandarin online or simply book a few individual tutoring sessions with a native speaker if all you’re looking for is to brush up on some specific topics. Simply connect with a prospective tutor and discuss your language learning needs and goals to get started.
Best of all, Verbalplanet’s tutors will offer you instant analysis and feedback on your language progression based on the CEFR or HSK scales!
Top features of Verbalplanet:
- A wide range of tutors that cater to different proficiency levels
- Choice between individual tutoring sessions or complete language courses
- Tutors offer valuable feedback based on the CEFR
Pricing: Prices are set by the tutors, with classes from as little as $15/hour and can go up to $45/hour. Some tutors offer free trial classes
10. Mandarin9
Find Chinese tutors on Mandarin9
While all of the platforms covered so far are great in their own way, most of them aren’t exactly platforms that are dedicated to just offering Chinese lessons online. Mandarin9, on the other hand, is.
This Chinese-specific platform is powered by real teachers and is one of the best places to look for Chinese tutors online with years of experience teaching the language. Tutors on the platform are mostly native speakers living in China, some of whom teach at universities in the country.
In terms of the lessons on the platform, users have a choice between one-to-one sessions or group classes with three to five other learners.
More importantly, apart from offering quality, personalized online Mandarin lessons, Mandarin9 also features a plethora of different language learning resources, such as online books, audio clips, and videos, that can all work in tandem to help learners master the language more quickly.
Top features of Mandarin9:
- An extensive archive of resources on its integrated platform
- All tutors are properly trained to teach Mandarin online
- Customizable and personalized lessons based on level of fluency
Pricing: A set price of $24/hour or $6/hour for an 8-week course featuring two lessons per week. Note that one-to-one lessons usually cost more.
11. Mandarin Tutor
Find Chinese tutors on Mandarin Tutor
Similarly, Mandarin Tutor, as the name suggests, is one of the best platforms to look for Chinese tutors online. Just like Mandarin9, this platform is dedicated to connecting Mandarin learners to experienced tutors who know how to teach Mandarin online.
With Mandarin Tutor, you can book a highly personalized lesson based on your learning goals. Whether you’re trying to improve your overall fluency or need to practice for an upcoming interview, you’ll be able to customize your own course and lessons.
Best of all, before you commit to learning Mandarin online with any particular tutor, you have the option of booking a 25-minute trial just to see what it’s like!
Top features of MandarinTutor:
- Specialized platform for online Mandarin lessons
- Flexible lesson structures based on learner’s needs
- Tutors are all professionally trained native speakers
Pricing: Prices are set by tutors but expect to pay between $10 to $15/per session (50 minutes) on average. Some tutors offer bulk lessons that cost a little less.
Final thoughts
And there you have it: 10 of the best websites to find Chinese tutors online! Hopefully, you’ll soon be able to find the ideal tutor to help you learn Mandarin online in a much more holistic way!
Plus, if you’re in the mood to learn other languages online, check out our recommendations for Spanish, Japanese, or Korean tutors too!