Brighterly is an online math tutoring platform for students (grades 1–9) that connects kids with math tutors via video lessons. It focuses on making math fun and easy to learn. This article reviews Brighterly’s ratings, pricing, and features, helping parents and students understand if it’s the right choice. We also compare Brighterly to other tutoring services, including a look at My Engineering Buddy (MEB) as an alternative for advanced STEM help.
Brighterly Reviews and Testimonials
Brighterly is generally rated highly on review sites. Its own site cites a Trustpilot score around 4.6–4.7 out of 5 from hundreds of reviews, with 89% of reviews being 5-star. Parents often praise the tutors and teaching style. For example, one parent wrote that after Brighterly tutoring their daughter “understands fractions much better” and has improved confidence. This suggests many families see real progress.
According to Brighterly, parents rate lesson experience 4.3/5 and service/support 4.4/5 on average An independent article noted Brighterly offers private lessons at about $20 per 45-minute class, which is cheaper than the typical $40/hour for in-person math tutors. In practice, many reviews highlight the platform’s success in boosting math grades and enjoyment.
What about legitimacy? Brighterly has official company pages and thousands of customers. It claims over 200,000 parents served and features verified Trustpilot ratings. Trusted media coverage (FastCompany, LinkedIn podcasts) confirms it’s real. In short: yes, Brighterly is a real company with positive reviews and a growing user base. There are some critical comments, mainly about technology hiccups or slow replies, but these are minor compared to the praise. Overall, the consensus is that Brighterly is a legitimate, well-liked tutoring service.
Brighterly Pricing
Pricing Range
Brighterly’s math lessons cost roughly $17.40 to $21 per 45-minute session. This range depends on the plan you pick. They have monthly plans where longer commitments lower the per-lesson price. For instance, a 12-month plan can get lessons as cheap as $17.40 each. Shorter plans cost a bit more (up to $25.50). This is still below many in-person tutors.
Brighterly only tutors math. It offers 1-on-1 math tutoring aligned with Common Core standards. Unlike marketplace platforms like Wyzant (where tutors set their rates), Brighterly sets fixed lesson prices. The student pays the price above, and Brighterly pays the tutor from that. So tutors cannot independently raise rates on Brighterly – the price is controlled by the company.
What Students Say About Pricing
Many parents and students find Brighterly’s prices affordable. Compared to local tutor rates (often $30–$80/hour), Brighterly is cheaper per session. Reviews note that its low cost is a big plus: one analysis said Brighterly was “most cost-effective” vs. options like Kumon or Mathnasium. On Trustpilot, some users explicitly mention that the value is good given the results. No major complaints about price stand out, as the platform is generally seen as reasonable for the quality.
Hidden Costs
Brighterly’s pricing is straightforward. There are no known hidden fees beyond the lesson cost. The one-time signup (demo lesson) is free, and then paid plans apply. There is no charge for things like registration fees. However, if you cancel classes late or miss a class, Brighterly’s policies say those sessions are not refunded. There is a policy to reschedule with 6 hours notice, but if you miss without notice, you lose that lesson with no refund. Some parents note this strict policy. But aside from late cancels, you simply pay for the lessons you schedule.
How Pricing Works
- Payment: You pay Brighterly for a bundle of lessons (1, 3, 6, or 12 months). Payments can often be by card online. They support some promo codes or discounts from time to time (watch for seasonal deals). Some payment plans allow Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) or installments.
- Packages: Plans are tiered by how many lessons/week and how many months. More lessons per week and longer commitment = lower cost per lesson.
- Trials & Discounts: New users can usually book a free demo lesson to try out the platform. Brighterly often offers promo codes or referral discounts for new customers. Check their site or contact support for current offers.
Free Trial
Yes, Brighterly offers a free trial/demo. When you sign up, you can book a free demo lesson before buying any pla. During this 45-minute session, a tutor teaches a bit of math and you can ask questions. It’s designed so parents can see if the tutor and teaching style are a good fit. No payment info is needed before this demo, so it truly is a free way to test the service.
Refund Policy
Brighterly’s refund policy is strict but clear. In general, they do not give automatic refunds. Instead, refunds are possible only for unused lessons and under limited conditions. For example, if you cancel within the first 10 days of a subscription, you may request a refund for unused classes. For monthly subscriptions, you must notify them 48 hours before the next payment to be eligible. After classes begin, missed or late-cancelled classes are not refunded. The company outlines these rules in its Terms of Service. So the bottom line: plan carefully, and if you need a refund, you must ask early and fit their criteria. Most reviews agree that getting a refund is not easy, so it’s best to use the free trial first to ensure satisfaction.
Brighterly Alternatives
No tutoring platform is perfect for everyone, so it’s smart to consider alternatives. Different platforms vary in price, subjects, and approach. Here are some well-known options:
My Engineering Buddy
My Engineering Buddy (MEB) is an online tutoring service focusing on engineering and advanced math topics. Unlike Brighterly (K-9 math only), MEB tutors college-level engineering, physics, and math. It offers 1:1 help, homework assistance, test prep, and even lab/write-up help. The site serves students in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Gulf countries. Pricing are also very affordable. MEB emphasizes high-quality tutors. Reviews say “staff was very experienced” and “the service was very good and reliable”. Students consistently give MEB five-star ratings, suggesting very high satisfaction. In short, MEB is a strong choice if you need help with advanced STEM courses. It may cost more, but is praised for expertise. Brighterly vs MEB: Brighterly is cheaper and simpler but only K-9 math, while MEB handles tougher college-level subjects with experienced tutors.
Varsity Tutors
Varsity Tutors is a large tutoring company covering many subjects (math, science, languages, etc.) for all ages. It offers in-person and online tutoring. Pricing is generally high; some reports say lessons often exceed $50–$100 per hour. Users get live video classes or even in-person. Reviews say Varsity has many skilled tutors, but it can be very costly. For example, one review called it “not up to par and outrageously expensive”. Varsity also has features like instant scheduling and a wide subject range. Compared to Brighterly, Varsity covers more subjects and grade levels, but it’s much pricier. Varsity also has a strong support team but some tech issues are noted. In sum, Varsity is comprehensive but not budget-friendly, whereas Brighterly focuses on K-9 math and is cheaper per lesson.
Wyzant
Wyzant is a US-based tutoring marketplace. Parents pick tutors directly by subject. Tutors set their own rates, which average about $35–$60 per hour. You only pay for the time you book (no packages). Wyzant covers nearly any subject and grade. Its model means quality varies: top tutors can be excellent, others less so. They do offer a first-hour satisfaction guarantee. Wyzant’s flexibility is a plus (you can try different tutors easily). The downside is cost (often higher per hour) and the effort of selecting a tutor. Compared to Brighterly, Wyzant can serve higher grades and other subjects, but it generally costs more and has no built-in curriculum. Brighterly’s advantage is a standardized, tutor-guided program; Wyzant’s is tutor choice freedom. Both are legit and trusted (Wyzant’s platform is well-known).
Preply
Preply is another tutoring marketplace, popular for language learning but with many math tutors too. Prices on Preply vary widely – some math tutors start as low as $3 per hour, up to $40+. Like Wyzant, you browse tutor profiles and pick one. Many tutors are international and may be cheaper. Preply’s strength is affordability and variety, but quality is mixed. There are tens of thousands of tutors. Preply offers trial lessons and a secure payment system. In comparison, Brighterly’s tutors are pre-vetted and come with a full curriculum. Preply is good for budget or short-term help, whereas Brighterly ensures consistency and only math focus.
Outschool
Outschool takes a different approach: it offers live online classes (often group classes) for kids. Teachers set their own class schedules and prices (commonly $10–$15 per student per hour). It covers fun subjects, enrichment classes, and some math. Outschool is great for interactive, creative learning but is not private 1:1 tutoring (classes can have many students). Many parents love the variety, but for intensive math help, a one-on-one like Brighterly may work better. Outschool is cheaper and flexible but less personalized. Brighterly vs Outschool: Brighterly gives individual tutoring (45-min private sessions), while Outschool is like small online classes. Use Outschool for enrichment or extra practice; use Brighterly for focused skill building.
How Brighterly Works
For Students
To get started as a student or parent, you sign up on Brighterly’s site and pick your child’s grade level. Brighterly first offers a free demo class. After that, you choose a package and schedule lessons at times you want. Brighterly assigns a tutor based on your needs. Students can also take a short math test (diagnostic) so Brighterly can match the right tutor and level. Lessons happen in a live virtual classroom with video, audio, and a digital whiteboard. After each class, parents get a progress report. Brighterly promises flexible scheduling and monthly progress reports. Everything (sign-up, scheduling, payment) is managed through the Brighterly platform.
For Tutors
Brighterly hires tutors to teach math online. The process (as described on their career page) is:
1. Apply online: Candidates submit an application. Brighterly looks for tutors with good English and teaching skills. They train all tutors thoroughly.
2. Interview & onboarding: Applicants go through a screening (including demo lessons) and must pass a teaching test. Brighterly accepts only top candidates (~3% of applicants). Accepted tutors receive training and materials. All lesson content is provided by Brighterly (AI-generated worksheets and slides) so tutors focus on teaching.
3. Teaching and scheduling: Tutors are self-employed and can set their own schedules. Brighterly assigns them students. Tutors teach one-on-one live sessions with the provided curriculum and report on each class.
FAQs for Tutors:
– Can tutors set their own fee? No. Brighterly sets the lesson rate, as it pays a fixed amount to the tutor for each class. Tutors are paid by Brighterly per lesson completed, not by parent payments directly.
– Expected earnings? According to Brighterly, the average online math tutor might earn ~$6/hour. (Keep in mind Brighterly lessons are 45 min.) Some external reports mention initial rates around $5–$8 per lesson for new tutors. So starting pay is low; experienced tutors might earn more via bonuses.
– Workload: Tutors choose how much they work. You can teach as few or as many lessons per week as you like. Some tutors report getting regular hours easily, especially after building a rating. Work availability can be high due to Brighterly’s large student base.
– Getting students: Brighterly schedules students for you based on demand and your availability; you don’t need to find your own students.
– Tips to attract students: Keep your profile updated, be responsive, and do quality teaching. Brighterly sometimes uses internal ratings, so good reviews help you get more hours.
– Tutor Pros: Tutors often like the ready-made lesson plans, supportive team, and flexible hours. Brighterly provides all teaching materials and a clear structure, which makes teaching easier.
– Tutor Cons: Some note pay is low, especially at first. Others mention a rigorous evaluation system: Brighterly reviews recorded lessons (tutor feedback and quality checks) to keep standards high. This means more work off-camera for tutors. Also, tutors must juggle their own scheduling, profile on the platform, and multiple software tools during class. Overall, Glassdoor comments praise the training and support but note the “many apps to open” during lessons as a minor hassle.
Brighterly Company Information
Founding and Leadership: Brighterly was founded in 2021 by Ukrainian entrepreneur Eugene Kashuk. Its stated mission is to tackle the US math education problem by making math tutoring fun and effective. Kashuk aimed to help students “falling behind” in math. The company is built with a strong focus on math curriculum and has raised some venture funding (with a US-market focus). It calls itself an ed-tech startup, though it serves K-12 (mostly USA) rather than colleges.
Scale of Operations: As of 2025, Brighterly reports thousands of active students. One podcast interview mentioned “about 3,500 active students” and growing 3x year-over-year. It says over 200,000 parents have chosen Brighterly to date. The platform hires tutors globally (notably Ukraine and Philippines), serving mainly students in the US. Brighterly’s staff count isn’t public, but it’s a growing remote company (likely under 100 employees). They operate in multiple time zones to cover US hours.
Services and Subjects: Brighterly offers one-on-one math tutoring for grades 1–9 (U.S. K-8). It uses its own math curriculum aligned to Common Core standards. Each student gets diagnostic testing, personalized lesson plans, and progress reports. Brighterly provides digital worksheets and quizzes (some AI-generated) as supplements. There is no group class option or non-math subject offered; it is purely math-focused. They include exam prep (e.g. for school tests) and optional homework help. Their USP is personal attention plus fun, STEM-themed lessons. They emphasize “interactive, fun lessons” and real-world context for math. Their tutors are claimed to be top-notch (only ~3% of applicants pass), and lessons include tracking and feedback to parents after each month.
USP of Brighterly
Brighterly’s unique selling points include its specialized focus and methodology. It offers personalized 1-on-1 math tutoring with an emphasis on understanding, not rote memorization. Reviews and their own materials highlight this: lessons are made fun and contextual (parents say children “actually understand” concepts after tutoring). Brighterly also uses a diagnostic test to match each child with the right tutor and plan. The platform provides all content (powered by AI and experts) so lessons are consistent and engaging. It tracks progress carefully and gives parents regular feedback (reports and a quick rating after each session). Another USP is price: Brighterly sets rates much lower than many local tutors (~$20 for 45 min). In sum, Brighterly stands out for being math-only, affordable, tech-driven, and parent-friendly.
Drawbacks of Brighterly
No service is perfect. Brighterly’s main drawback is its narrow focus: it only teaches math (K-9). If you need help in science, writing, or higher-level subjects, it won’t cover them. Also, each lesson is 45 minutes, which some parents wish were an hour. Technically, a few reviews mention occasional internet or platform glitches (teachers or students losing connection). Support can be slow too; a parent noted it “took longer than expected” to get a reply. Finally, its refund/cancellation policy is strict (lessons can’t be made up if missed last-minute). In practice, though, the user ratings remain high (Trustpilot ~4.7), so most find these issues minor compared to the benefits.
Comparison with My Engineering Buddy
Brighterly and My Engineering Buddy cater to different needs. Brighterly is best for younger students needing steady math support, with set prices and curriculum. MEB, on the other hand, targets older students (high school and college-level engineering/math). MEB boasts top-rated tutors and 5-star reviews, suggesting very high service quality for tough subjects. In pricing, Brighterly is very transparent ($17–$25 per lesson) whereas MEB does not list rates publicly (it may charge more for expert help). Brighterly’s reviews focus on improved grades and fun learning in math. MEB’s testimonials (from engineering students) emphasize experienced staff and reliability. If your child needs advanced calculus or physics help, MEB might be more suitable. If it’s basic or middle school math, Brighterly’s simpler platform and known pricing could be better. In short: Brighterly = K-9 math specialist; MEB = advanced STEM tutor specialist.
Customer Support and Policies
Brighterly provides support via email and chat. They promise help with technical issues or scheduling. However, some customers have found their response slow. On refunds, as noted, Brighterly’s policy is strict and handled case-by-case. For proactive parents, this can be a downside. MEB’s support is less documented online; their review site shows high customer satisfaction (97% would recommend), which implies positive support experience. It appears MEB relies on referrals (“word of mouth”), so they likely handle issues quickly to keep that reputation. In terms of policies (like refunds/cancels), MEB’s site should be consulted, but their public info highlights reliability and no hidden fees. Compared to Brighterly, MEB likely has a more flexible mindset (since every contract is probably custom), but we don’t have exact details. Overall, Brighterly’s policies are on their site (transparency is moderate), whereas MEB prides itself on high service standards and repeat customers.
Global Reach and Localization
Brighterly mainly serves students in English-speaking regions (especially the USA) and uses English-only instruction. Its content is aligned to US Common Core math standards. There is no indication of multilingual support. My Engineering Buddy explicitly serves students in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and the Gulf. MEB tutors are likely able to speak multiple languages (they mention Gulf countries and have tutors from India), suggesting wider localization. If you need help in another language or region-specific curriculum, MEB might have an edge. For US-based kids studying math, Brighterly is well-targeted. MEB’s global approach might suit international students better, whereas Brighterly is tailored for US curricula.
Brighterly’s Future Plans
Brighterly continues to grow rapidly. The CEO mentions being “AI-powered” as a goal, meaning they will use AI more in lessons. Already, Brighterly uses AI to auto-generate lesson content so tutors can focus on teaching. We can expect them to build more AI tools (maybe for grading or personalization). They also plan U.S. expansion: one interview noted they want to reach millions of US students who need math help. In short, Brighterly is moving toward more AI-driven tools and scaling up in the US market. Any other new subjects or markets have not been announced yet; math remains their core for now.
FAQs
- Is Brighterly legit? Yes. Brighterly is a registered company (founded 2021) and widely used by parents. It has strong reviews on Trustpilot (around 4.7/5) and has been featured in media like FastCompany and educational podcasts.
- What grades and subjects does Brighterly cover? Only math, for grades 1–9 (U.S. K–8). It does not offer science, reading, or other subjects. If you need other subjects, consider alternatives (e.g. Varsity Tutors or Wyzant).
- How much do lessons cost? Each 45-minute lesson ranges from $17.40 to $25.50, depending on your plan. Longer subscription plans have lower per-lesson prices (down to $17.40 if you sign up for 12 months).
- Does Brighterly have a free trial? Yes. You can book one free demo lesson before committing. This helps you judge if the tutor and style are right for your child.
- How do I cancel or get a refund? Brighterly does not do automatic refunds. For subscriptions, you must request any refund early (within 10 days of start) and unused lessons may be credited. For one-time plans, cancellations are difficult. Always try the free demo first to avoid issues.
- Can tutors set their own rate? No. Brighterly sets lesson prices and pays tutors accordingly. Tutors are paid a set wage per lesson completed, as determined by Brighterly’s system. This is unlike platforms like Wyzant, where tutors set prices.
- Should I choose Brighterly or My Engineering Buddy? It depends on your needs. If you have a young child (grades 1–9) who needs standard math help, Brighterly is a solid, cheaper option. If you have older students needing advanced engineering or university-level math help, My Engineering Buddy may be better because it specializes in higher-level STEM subjects. Check both for fit.
- Is online tutoring effective? Many reviews of Brighterly and MEB say yes. Brighterly parents report improved grades and confidence. Tutor-led online learning can be very effective, especially when lessons are 1-on-1 and tailored. The key is finding a platform and tutor that fits your child.
Conclusion
Brighterly is a legitimate, math-focused online tutoring platform with generally strong reviews. It offers affordable, 1-on-1 math lessons and uses fun, interactive methods. The low hourly cost and structured curriculum make it a good choice for K-9 math help. However, it only covers math and uses 45-minute sessions. In contrast, My Engineering Buddy (MEB) is an alternative for advanced or college-level STEM help, with top-rated tutors and global reach. For students who need higher-level science or engineering support, MEB may be smarter – but for elementary and middle school math, Brighterly is a simple, proven option. Either way, families in 2025 have many choices; weigh pricing, subjects, and reviews. Brighterly’s strength is its math expertise and positive parent feedback. If that aligns with your needs, it could be a great fit. If not, consider these alternatives like MEB or Wyzant that might better match the curriculum or level your child requires.
