GoStudent is one of Europe's best-funded tutoring companies, and its model is built around subscriptions. iTutorOnline takes the opposite approach with pay-as-you-go lessons. If you are deciding between the two, the difference in commitment is the thing to understand.
Quick answer: GoStudent sells auto-renewing monthly packages of fixed 50-minute lessons (base around £24.99 per lesson) with a tutor matched for you; after a 14-day window the subscription is binding. iTutorOnline is pay-per-lesson with no contract: you pick your own verified tutor, the €5 per hour platform fee is already in the shown price, and you stop whenever you want.
How GoStudent works
GoStudent matches your child with a tutor after a short assessment, usually with a free trial lesson and no card details required up front. From there, you choose a membership.
- Monthly packages. You pick a plan of 4, 6, 8, or 12 lessons per month. Each lesson is 50 minutes, and the per-lesson price drops as you buy more. The base rate sits around £24.99 for a single 50-minute lesson.
- Contracts and auto-renewal. Memberships renew automatically each month. There is a 14-day refund window from your first payment, after which the subscription is binding and unused lessons are generally not refunded.
GoStudent's reviews are largely positive on tutor quality, but the most common complaints relate to auto-renewal charges and difficulty cancelling. If you want a structured, ongoing programme and you will use the lessons every month, the package model can work well.
How iTutorOnline works
iTutorOnline has no packages, no minimum commitment, and no contract to cancel.
- Pay per lesson. You book and pay for the lessons you actually take. If you need help for two weeks before an exam and then stop, you stop. Nothing renews in the background.
- The price you see is the price you pay. The €5 per hour platform fee is already included, with no subscription and no booking fees.
- You choose the tutor. Rather than being assigned a match, you browse verified tutor profiles and pick who you want. Many offer a free first 30 minutes.
- Verified tutors. Every tutor passes ID and age verification, with optional diploma verification.
Who each platform is best for
GoStudent fits families who want a managed, long-term programme with a fixed weekly rhythm and are comfortable with a monthly commitment. The structure is the point.
iTutorOnline fits anyone who wants flexibility: occasional help, exam-season support, or simply the freedom to stop any time without a contract or a cancellation deadline to watch.
Fees at a glance
| iTutorOnline | GoStudent | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Pay per lesson | Monthly subscription packages |
| Commitment | None | Auto-renewing membership |
| Cancellation | Stop any time | 14-day window, then binding |
| Lesson length | Set with your tutor | Fixed 50 minutes |
| Choosing a tutor | You browse and pick | Matched for you |
The bottom line
GoStudent is built for committed, ongoing tutoring with a managed feel. iTutorOnline is built for flexibility and control, with verified tutors, transparent per-lesson pricing, and no subscription to manage. If the idea of a recurring contract makes you uneasy, pay-as-you-go is the safer bet.
FAQ
Does GoStudent require a subscription? Yes — monthly memberships of 4, 6, 8 or 12 fixed 50-minute lessons that auto-renew. After the 14-day refund window the subscription is binding, and unused lessons are generally not refunded.
Can I cancel GoStudent easily? Auto-renewal charges and cancellation difficulty are the most common complaints in its reviews. iTutorOnline has no contract: you pay per lesson and simply stop booking.
Do I choose my own tutor on GoStudent? GoStudent matches you after a short assessment. On iTutorOnline you browse verified profiles and pick yourself — many tutors offer a free first 30 minutes.
Is GoStudent or iTutorOnline better for me? GoStudent for a managed, long-term programme with a fixed weekly rhythm. iTutorOnline for flexibility: occasional help, exam-season support, and stopping any time without a deadline to watch.
Prefer to pay only for what you use? Find a tutor or see our pricing. See also how much tutoring costs.