Superprof and Preply are two popular tutoring platforms operating in Australia.⁶ Which one you choose is up to you, but you should know about each one and how they operate. Let's see how they compare so you can decide which one to choose.
| Feature | Superprof | Preply |
|---|---|---|
| Platform model | Open tutoring marketplace | Structured online tutoring platform |
| Main subjects | Academic subjects, languages, music, skills, hobbies | Primarily languages, some academic subjects |
| Best for | Families wanting choice and flexibility | Learners focused on language learning |
| Pricing structure | Tutor-set hourly rates plus Student Pass | Subscription-based with hourly lesson rates |
| Tutor choice | Students choose tutors directly | Tutors selected within platform system |
| Trial options | Many tutors offer a free first lesson | Trial lessons available on some plans |
| Suitable for HSC / VCE / ATAR | Yes | Limited, mainly language-focused |
| Ongoing vs one-off lessons | Both options available | Designed for ongoing learning plans |
Platform Overviews
Superprof and Preply differ in key ways.² While both connect students to tutors in Australia, how they do this, what you pay for, and even the subjects offered all differ. In many instances, you won't even need to compare the two; if you do, let's look at both.
Superprof and Preply both connect students with tutors, but they follow different models. Superprof operates as an open tutoring marketplace where families browse tutor profiles, compare experience and rates, and contact tutors directly, giving them control over tutor choice and lesson structure. Preply uses a more structured, subscription-based system that focuses on ongoing learning plans, particularly for languages, with lessons managed through the platform’s tools and scheduling.
What Is Superprof?
Superprof is a global tutoring marketplace.⁶ There are tutors all over the world offering a range of subjects. From academic support like maths, English, science, and senior secondary exam preparation to hobbies and sports, you'll likely find a tutor offering what you want to learn. It's great for both short-term help and ongoing tutoring.
What Is Preply?
Superprof is a massive marketplace for almost every subject and skill.⁶ Preply specialises in language learning. It's more hands-on than Superprof when it comes to pairing students and tutors and like KIS Academics, it has a fairly specific focus.
Services Comparison
Broadly speaking, both platforms are for students looking for tutors. However, as you've seen, the offerings differ across the two platforms, and how you organise and pay for tutoring is different. Have a look at both platforms side by side to see exactly what you need.
Superprof
- Broad subject range including maths, English, science, exam preparation, languages, music, and skills
- Suitable for HSC, VCE, and ATAR academic support
- Students and parents choose tutors directly
- One-off or ongoing lessons available
- Flexible scheduling based on tutor availability
Preply
- Strong focus on language learning and conversation practice
- Limited academic subject coverage compared to Superprof
- Designed for ongoing learning plans
- Platform tools support regular lessons and progress tracking
- Best suited to consistent, long-term language study
Subjects and Learning Focus
The subject offerings are where these two platforms differ the most. Superprof is a massive marketplace, operating similarly to Learnmate, for almost every subject and skill. Preply is mainly a language tutoring service.¹
Superprof offers a broad range of subjects, including maths, English, science, exam preparation, and senior secondary support aligned with HSC, VCE, and ATAR, as well as languages and skills-based lessons. Preply is primarily designed for language learning, with an emphasis on conversation practice and structured progress. While some academic subjects are available, its strongest focus remains on languages.
Tutor Quality and Teaching Experience
Tutor quality will also make your decision for you. Superprof lets families compare profiles independently.⁶ Preply, like Cluey Learning, is more involved in tutor sorting.¹
Superprof
- Tutors create independent profiles
- Experience and qualifications vary by tutor
- Students review profiles, rates, and reviews before choosing
- Suitable for finding niche or subject-specific tutors
Preply
- Tutors are onboarded through the platform
- Teaching experience is more standardised for languages
- Platform tools support lesson delivery and feedback
- Strong emphasis on language teaching experience
Lesson Formats and Flexibility
On Superprof, you can get online, in-person, and group tutoring.⁶ Preply is mainly online.¹ If you need a face-to-face tutor, then Superprof's your only real option.
Superprof
- Online and in-person lessons available
- Flexible lesson length and frequency
- Easy to pause or stop lessons
- Suitable for short-term academic help
Preply
- Online lessons only
- Lessons delivered through platform tools
- Subscription encourages regular scheduling
- Best suited to ongoing learning routines
Pricing Models Compared
How you pay for the service may ultimately make the decision for most families.⁵ You need to consider subscriptions, platform fees, and tutor rates. This is the area where Superprof and Preply differ significantly.
On Superprof, parents typically pay per lesson at rates set by individual tutors, with a Student Pass required to contact tutors but no obligation to continue lessons long term. Preply generally uses a subscription model where students commit to a set number of lessons each month, with platform fees and tutor commissions built into the price, which can make costs more predictable but less flexible over time.
| Pricing element | Superprof | Preply |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly lesson rates | Set individually by tutors | Set by tutors within platform |
| Monthly or subscription fees | Student Pass required for contact | Subscription plans required |
| Trial lesson availability | Often offered by tutors | Available depending on tutor and plan |
| Commission impact | No commission added to lesson price | Tutor commissions factored into pricing |
| Long-term cost predictability | High, pay per lesson | Moderate, ongoing subscription commitment |
How Superprof Pricing Works
Superprof's pricing model is unique among tutoring platforms. Students who want to contact tutors must have a Student Pass, an active subscription.⁵ This helps vet students so that tutors aren't constantly contacted by time-wasters. However, it can cause confusion for some users who don't realise they don't need the Student Pass for ongoing tutoring, only to contact potential tutors.
How Preply Pricing and Subscriptions Work
Preply gets students to commit to a set number of lessons.³ Prices include platform fees and commissions. This makes billing simpler, but it can reduce flexibility and push up prices.
User Reviews and Platform Reputation
Reviews are a good way to compare platforms that you haven't used before.⁷ Just remember to read what the reviews actually say rather than just the star ratings. Like elsewhere on the internet, angry customers can leave low scores, and that doesn't make them right.
Superprof Review Summary
Superprof is an excellent platform that makes it easy to research, compare, and choose a tutor that truly matches your learning style and goals.
Zachary Lazarevski, Trustpilot
Superprof users like the flexibility and selection.⁸ Parents like being able to choose their children's tutors directly based on whatever factors they deem necessary. Negative reviews are mainly aimed at the platform's payment model, which we've explained here, on the site, and in various blog articles.
Preply Review Summary
I'm impressed with Preply! I absolutely love my tutor, Diana. I'm an intermediate Spanish student, and she has made my lessons really interesting. Yes, we work on vocabulary, grammar, and tenses- but we also study Mexican history, culture, and cuisine. Preply has quality tutors, no extra charges, and an efficient website. Just what I was looking for!
Margo Castorena, Trustpilot
Preply reviewers like the quality of the language tutors on the platform.⁷ Key benefits include consistent scheduling and good progress. Downsides include the commitment required, but that's true of learning any foreign language.
Which Platform Should You Choose?
The choice is yours. Think about what's important to you and your child, even if this means looking beyond Superprof and Preply to services like Kinetic Education. Shop around for tutors who meet your criteria. Since you're already on Superprof, why not browse some of the tutors' profiles? You're bound to find tutors offering what you're looking for.
Superprof Pros
- Wide range of subjects including maths, English, science, exam preparation, languages, music, and skills
- Strong fit for HSC, VCE, and ATAR academic support
- Students and parents choose tutors directly
- Flexible lesson scheduling with one-off or ongoing options
- Pay-as-you-go lesson model with no mandatory long-term commitment
Superprof Cons
- Tutor quality varies and requires parents to compare profiles carefully
- Student Pass required to contact tutors
- Less structured learning pathway compared to subscription platforms
Preply Pros
- Strong focus on language learning and conversation practice
- Structured platform with built-in scheduling and learning tools
- Suitable for learners who prefer routine and consistency
- Tutors often experienced specifically in language teaching
Preply Cons
- Limited coverage of academic subjects outside languages
- Subscription model requires ongoing commitment
- Less flexibility for short-term or one-off tutoring needs
- Not ideal for exam-specific academic support such as HSC, VCE, or ATAR
Choose Superprof If…
Choose Preply If…
References
- Preply. “How Preply Works.” Preply, https://preply.com/en/how-it-works. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.
- Preply. “Online Tutoring Platform.” Preply, https://preply.com/en/. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.
- Preply. “Preply Commission Model.” Preply Help Center, https://help.preply.com/en/articles/4171383-preply-commission-model. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.
- Preply. “When and How Will I Get Paid for Lessons?” Preply Help Center, https://help.preply.com/en/articles/4171348-when-and-how-will-i-get-paid-for-lessons. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.
- Superprof. “How Does Superprof Work for Students? Charges and Payments.” Superprof Australia Blog, https://www.superprof.com.au/blog/charges-payments-superprof/. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.
- Superprof Australia. “Find a Tutor in Australia.” Superprof Australia, https://www.superprof.com.au/. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.
- Trustpilot. “Preply Reviews.” Trustpilot, https://www.trustpilot.com/review/preply.com. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.
- Trustpilot. “Superprof Australia Reviews.” Trustpilot, https://www.trustpilot.com/review/superprof.com.au. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.
Summarise with AI:
Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
