Which tutoring platform is right for you? We break down the pros and cons to help you decide.
Varsity Tutors is a U.S.-based tutoring company that also operates in Canada, offering both online and in-person tutoring. However, students don’t get to choose their tutor—they are assigned based on availability through an algorithm. Varsity Tutors also requires a minimum 6-month commitment, with plans starting at $299 CAD per month for 4 hours of tutoring. While this structured approach includes assessments and progress monitoring, it may not be ideal for families who prefer transparent pricing and the ability to adjust tutoring frequency as needed.
TutorLyft, in contrast, is built for Canadian students and provides full control over tutor selection. Families can browse profiles, watch intro videos, and book instantly with real-time availability displayed upfront. TutorLyft operates on a simple pay-as-you-go model with no long-term contracts, allowing families to invest in tutoring based on their needs, not a pre-set package. Plus, every TutorLyft tutor is interviewed and vetted, ensuring students get high-quality, personalized instruction from day one.
Varsity Tutors follows a structured, questionnaire-based matching process, which means students can’t browse tutors or choose based on personal preferences. Instead, they are assigned a tutor, and switching tutors requires going through the process again. Booking also goes through an intake coordinator, adding extra steps between students and their tutors. In contrast, TutorLyft puts students in control—they can browse tutors using search filters, watch intro videos, and book directly without middlemen. TutorLyft also offers greater flexibility with no minimum monthly commitment, making it easier for families to adjust tutoring as their needs change without being locked into a long-term contract.
TutorLyft is the simplest way to find a vetted tutor for you or your child.
No choice in your tutor – Tutors are assigned based on a questionnaire, so you can’t personally choose who you work with. If the match isn’t right, you have to restart the process.
Locked into a contract – Requires a 6-month commitment with minimum monthly hours, even if your needs change.
Slow booking process – You can’t book directly with a tutor—everything goes through an intake coordinator, adding extra steps.
You pick the tutor, not an algorithm – Instead of being assigned a tutor, you choose who you work with. Browse profiles, watch intro videos, and select a tutor who matches your learning style.
Book instantly, no middleman – See real-time tutor availability and book sessions directly through the platform. Seamless scheduling.
Flexibility without the pressure – No contracts, no required monthly hours. Whether you need consistent tutoring or just a little extra help, you’re in control of how often you book.
A tutor isn’t just someone who explains concepts—they shape a student’s confidence, motivation, and success. With Varsity Tutors, students are assigned a tutor through a matching process, leaving little room for personal preference. If the fit isn’t right, they have to start over.
TutorLyft puts students in control—families can browse tutor profiles, watch intro videos, and choose a tutor who matches their learning style before booking. When students connect with the right tutor from day one, learning feels easier, confidence grows, and real progress happens.
Varsity Tutors uses a questionnaire-based algorithm to assign a tutor, meaning students don’t get to personally choose who they work with. If the tutor isn’t a good fit, students must request a rematch and restart the process. TutorLyft, on the other hand, allows families to browse profiles, watch tutor intro videos, and book directly, ensuring the best fit from the start.
Varsity Tutors requires a 6-month commitment, with pricing starting at $279/month for elementary students, $299/month for high school students, and $319/month for university students—all for just 4 hours of tutoring per month. This means the hourly rate ranges from $69.75 to nearly $80, depending on the plan.
In contrast, TutorLyft operates on a pay-as-you-go model with no contracts, and vetted tutors start at just $40 per hour. Families only pay for the sessions they book, making TutorLyft a more flexible and cost-effective option without long-term commitments.
Varsity Tutors does not offer a trial session or free consultation—students must commit to a plan before meeting their tutor. TutorLyft provides a free phone consultation with every tutor, allowing families to assess fit before booking a session.
With Varsity Tutors, all scheduling goes through an intake coordinator, adding extra steps to the process. Students can’t book directly with a tutor and must wait for availability. TutorLyft offers real-time availability on tutor profiles, allowing families to book instantly and manage scheduling directly with the tutor—no middleman required.
Both platforms support long-term tutoring, but Varsity Tutors requires a contract, which locks students into a set number of hours per month. This can be restrictive if a student’s needs change. TutorLyft provides the same consistent tutor support without a contract, so families can continue as long as needed without being tied to a rigid plan.
Varsity Tutors allows students to request a new tutor, but since tutors are assigned, the rematching process can take time. TutorLyft’s Tutor Match Guarantee ensures that if a student isn’t satisfied after the first session, they receive a refund and a free session with a new tutor, making it easy to find the right fit without risk.
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