Cluey Learning Reviews, Alternatives, Pricing, & Offerings in 2025

Cluey Learning is an Australian online tutoring platform that offers live 1-on-1 lessons in maths, English and other school subjects. It was founded in 2017 and is now ASX-listed (ticker CLU). The company’s goal is to provide tailored lessons mapped to the local curriculum, helping students gain confidence and improve grades. In this article we review what users say about Cluey, break down its pricing, compare it to alternatives (including My Engineering Buddy), and outline how the service works and what the company offers.

Cluey Learning Reviews and Testimonials

• Trustpilot: Cluey has about 265 Trustpilot reviews (3.1/5 rating). Many negative reviewers cite technical glitches, poor customer service and tutor mismatches (e.g. one parent said “nothing works, can’t talk to a human” and noted frequent tutor swaps). On the positive side, satisfied parents praise the tutor quality and student progress. For example, one review said the tutor was “knowledgeable, patient, and truly passionate” and helped their child improve.
• ProductReview.com.au: Cluey’s website shows a high average rating (around 4.7/5) on ProductReview. (The actual number of reviews is not public.) While we couldn’t retrieve all comments, Cluey’s testimonials highlight tailored lessons and happy students.
• Official testimonials: Cluey’s own site features many parent quotes. These always praise things like engaging tutors, customized lessons, and confidence gains (e.g. one quote notes tutors are “supportive” and the student feels “more confident”). The site also claims 85% of students become more confident. These official testimonials are overwhelmingly positive, although they come from Cluey’s curated content.

Is Cluey Learning Legit? Yes, Cluey is a real company with thousands of students served. User reviews are mixed: many families report real gains (students catching up or topping tests), but some experienced frustrating service issues. Overall, Cluey is a genuine tutoring service with real staff. It offers the advertised program of personal tutoring. However, the mixed feedback suggests parents should carefully consider both the benefits (personalized learning) and the downsides (cost and customer service) before enrolling.

Cluey Learning Pricing

Pricing Range

Cluey does not list simple hourly fees on its site, since pricing varies by package. However, its published 2025 plans give a clear range: for one-on-one sessions, a basic plan (Value Max) is $70/hour (AUD), a mid-level plan is $80/hour, and the top Saver plan is $90/hour. (All prices include GST, and group sessions cost $60.) In practice, this matches other info: ex-tutors say Cluey charges about $80–90/hr to families. For context, Cluey’s own blog notes most tutoring starts around $50/hr and can go to $150–$200 for experts. So Cluey’s rates are on the higher side of typical tutoring. It often offers initial sessions at a discount (one example used $47.50 for trial lessons).

What Students Say About Pricing

Many users find Cluey expensive. For example, one parent was surprised by a $90 session charge and said they could only afford Cluey by buying a large package. Another review complained of being billed $90 unexpectedly. A former tutor noted clients are charged about $80–90/hr while tutors earn only $25/hr. In reviews, phrases like “expensive service” appear. Overall, these comments suggest Cluey’s pricing is higher than average (many private tutors charge $30–60/hr). Some parents acknowledge the quality but say Cluey’s service is a premium product.

Hidden Costs

Be aware of additional fees: Cluey may require deposits or bonds, and lost sessions are forfeited. One reviewer even complained about having to pay a “BOND” to secure lessons. According to the Service Fees page, if you cancel a paid session, you typically lose that session credit (no refund). You must also give advance notice (2–6 weeks depending on plan) before canceling or switching plans. Credit card surcharges are not refunded, so the processing fee stays with the company. In short, Cluey requires full payment up-front and strictly limits refunds – unused credits are only returned if you cancel your entire enrollment according to policy.

How Pricing Works

Cluey uses an advance-payment model. Families can choose pay-as-you-go or buy a package of sessions; there are no long-term contracts. Payment is typically by credit card on a weekly billing cycle (6, 4, or 2 weeks in advance, depending on your plan). For example, the Value Max plan bills 6 weeks ahead, while the Saver plan bills 2 weeks ahead. Cluey often offers a promotion: a discounted trial session (currently 20% off). There is no hidden billing – what you see in your package is what you pay (aside from the card surcharge).

Free Trial

Cluey does not offer a free lesson. Instead, it provides a “trial session” at a discount (20% off the first session). This trial still requires payment. In practice, Cluey requires a minimum commitment (usually at least two paid sessions). So you can try out Cluey at a lower cost, but you will not get unlimited free tutoring.

Refund Policy

Officially, Cluey will only give full refunds in case of a “major failure” (e.g. if the service was unusable). For other issues, Cluey may try to credit rescheduled sessions instead. The policy states that unused session credit will be refunded if you cancel your account, but surcharges (like card fees) are kept. In practice, some parents report difficulty getting refunds. For example, one reviewer said Cluey “slimed” them and refused to return the trial payment. Another said Cluey would not honor a refund despite poor service. So while there is a formal refund procedure, many users warn that Cluey does not easily refund session fees unless forced by law.

Cluey Learning Alternatives

Given Cluey’s mixed reviews and high rates, some families may look at other tutoring options. Here are a few alternatives to consider:

My Engineering Buddy

My Engineering Buddy (MEB) is an online tutoring service focused on math, science and engineering subjects up through college level. It offers hundreds of advanced topics (AP, IB, computer science, etc.) and 1-on-1 help. Crucially, its pricing is much lower: sessions start around USD $20/hr for school students and up to $35/hr for college/adult learners. This is far below Cluey’s $70–95 AUD rates. MEB advertises only top tutors (often graduate students and professionals). Its reviews are very positive (287 reviews at 4.8/5, 97% recommended). Families praise MEB’s quick support and say the company honors refunds promptly. In short, My Engineering Buddy often outshines Cluey on price and global reach. Cluey’s edge is that it’s tailored to Australian school curricula, while MEB suits STEM and college-level help.

Skooli

Skooli is a web-based tutor marketplace that offers on-demand help for a wide range of subjects. It allows instant tutoring by the minute. Pricing is about $0.82 per minute (≈$49/hour) on pay-as-you-go, with cheaper bulk plans (down to $0.65/min for a 32-hour package). This is lower than Cluey’s rates. Skooli covers many subjects (K–12 math, English, science, languages, and university level). Users give Skooli decent marks; for example, a parent said their child’s grades improved a whole letter grade after using Skooli. The trade-off is that Skooli is more like a tutoring marketplace and less structured: you might not always get the same tutor, and you pay by the minute. In contrast, Cluey offers scheduled sessions and its own curriculum, but at a higher cost. Skooli’s model can be convenient for quick help, while Cluey is more planned and personalized.

Tutor.com (Princeton Review)

Tutor.com (run by the Princeton Review) is a large service that claims 4,000+ expert tutors across 250+ subjects. It provides 24/7 access to tutors for everything from elementary topics to college subjects and test prep. Customer surveys give it very high marks (around 95–96% say grades improved and would recommend it). Pricing isn’t listed publicly (it is often offered via school or library subscriptions), but it is generally competitive for institutional clients. Compared to Cluey, Tutor.com is more global and always available. Cluey offers dedicated sessions aimed at the student’s goals. Tutor.com is great for on-demand study help, whereas Cluey is a regular weekly service. Both use screened tutors, but Cluey focuses on Australian curriculum while Tutor.com is more general.

Khan Academy

Khan Academy is a free non-profit learning site with video lessons and practice exercises in math, science, computing, humanities and more. It has no live tutors or lesson scheduling – students learn on their own. Khan’s Trustpilot rating is around 3.6/5, with many users praising the free content (“Khan Academy has everything for everyone, and it’s free”, though some wish it were more interactive. As an alternative to Cluey, Khan Academy is much cheaper (free) but not a personal tutor. It’s a good resource for extra practice and concept review, but families who need one-on-one explanation may still prefer a paid tutor like Cluey or MEB.

Other Options

There are many other tutoring services worldwide. For example, Varsity Tutors (US-based) offers private tutoring in thousands of topics, and Preply is known for language and homework help. Local tutoring centers (like Kumon or local coaching classes) are also choices, as are test-prep companies (Kaplan, etc.) for exam focus. Each has its own pricing, pros and cons. In general, students looking for alternatives should compare cost, tutor qualifications, and how well each service matches the student’s needs.

How It Works?

For Students

• Sign-up: Students or parents sign up on Cluey’s website and describe the student’s needs. Cluey then creates a personalized learning program to meet those goals.
• Tutor matching: Cluey matches the student to one of its vetted tutors (there are over 2,500 qualified tutors available) based on subject and learning style.
• Scheduling: Lessons are booked at mutually convenient times. Cluey sessions can be anytime from 7am to 10pm on any day, which gives flexibility for busy families.
• Sessions: Each session is live online (video + audio) with a collaborative whiteboard. Tutors follow Cluey’s structured lesson plans and also handle the student’s questions. Parents can often sit in or later view session recordings to see progress.
• Feedback: After each lesson, Cluey provides progress notes. Parents can review session reports and recordings via the Cluey portal.
  Any concerns can be raised with the tutor or Cluey’s customer care team.

For Tutors

• Application: To become a Cluey tutor, you submit an online resume and cover letter.
• Selection: Cluey runs a multi-stage interview process. This may include a qualification check, a video interview, and any required background checks (e.g. police clearance). Only a small fraction (around 6%) of applicants are accepted after this vetting.
• Training: New tutors receive paid training to learn Cluey’s platform and content. Cluey states that tutors are given all materials and do not need to plan lessons themselves. They emphasize teaching, not admin work.
• Teaching: As a Cluey tutor, you teach the scheduled online lessons using the Cluey system. Tutors must prepare to explain the curriculum and keep students engaged. Cluey provides continuous support and feedback.
• Earnings: Tutors are paid as contractors, typically receiving about $22–30 per hour (AUD/NZD) depending on qualifications. Payments are usually made weekly or fortnightly.
• Getting more students: Cluey assigns students to tutors based on fit. Good tutors who receive strong feedback are more likely to be rebooked. Being punctual, professional and able to build rapport helps tutors earn repeat students.

Tutor FAQs

• Q: How much do Cluey tutors get paid? A: According to Cluey’s site, tutors earn roughly $22–30 AUD per hour based on experience and qualifications.
• Q: What are the tutor requirements? A: Tutors are usually experienced teachers or top students with expertise in their subject. Cluey looks for candidates with strong subject knowledge and passion for teaching.
• Q: How do I apply to be a Cluey tutor? A: You apply online via Cluey’s website, then go through their interview process (which includes a video call and background check). If accepted, you receive training and are onboarded into the system.
• Q: Is training provided? A: Yes. Cluey provides paid initial training so tutors learn the platform and content before their first live session.
• Q: How can tutors attract more lessons? A: Cluey automatically matches students to tutors. Tutors can get more lessons by maintaining high ratings and availability. Cluey’s system tends to reassign tutors who get good feedback.

Cluey Learning Company Information

Cluey Learning was founded in 2017 by Mark Rohald (an education entrepreneur) and is headquartered in Sydney. It has since grown into a publicly-traded edtech company. Cluey’s mission is to personalize learning for every student. The company says it provides “the right help at the right time” with expert tutors and programs aligned to the curriculum.

Cluey’s operational scale is significant: its site reports over 33,000 Australian students have used Cluey. It offers one-on-one online tutoring for K–12 (Primary through Year 12) in core subjects. According to Cluey, its programs cover English, Maths, Biology, Chemistry and Physics (among others), with content mapped to the Australian syllabus. The platform also supports specialized programs like NAPLAN exam prep, ATAR tutoring for high school, LANTITE (literacy/numeracy test), and even coding and holiday camps.

Key features include: Personalised lesson plans developed by education experts; live interactive sessions with digital whiteboards; recording and reporting of each session; and a flexible scheduling system. Cluey claims 85% of students gain confidence through their tutoring. All content is delivered online, so students anywhere with internet can join (including special offerings for expat families).

USP of Cluey Learning

Cluey promotes several selling points. It emphasizes truly personalized 1-on-1 tutoring. Each student gets a customized program and a dedicated tutor. The lessons are face-to-face online, and Cluey insists its tutors are highly qualified (often professional teachers or top achievers). Cluey also highlights its curriculum alignment: content is “mapped to the Australian Curriculum”. It offers flexible schedules and no long-term contracts. In addition, Cluey advertises high satisfaction; for example, its marketing says most students see confidence boosts.

Review analysis: Some of these USPs are seen in user feedback. Many families confirm that Cluey provides qualified tutors and engaging lessons. One parent wrote that their tutor was “knowledgeable, patient, and truly passionate” about teaching. However, other advertised promises receive criticism. For example, Cluey says students can keep the same tutor for continuity, but some reviewers report frequent tutor changes and the promised consistency not happening. Cluey also touts responsive support, yet several users complained about being unable to reach a human advisor when needed. Thus, while Cluey’s advertised strengths (quality tutors, personalized lessons, curriculum focus) are valid, actual experiences vary, and some families find the service falls short on customer service.

Drawbacks

User feedback highlights several drawbacks. The most common issues are high cost and rigid policies. Many reviews mention the service is expensive and notes hidden fees (like forfeited session fees or bonds). Others describe poor customer support – for instance, one parent said support only “call[s] you when they want” and they couldn’t ever reach a live person when problems arose. Several customers reported being surprised by automatic billing or cancellation rules, leading to frustration. Technical problems also came up in some reviews, as did tutor assignments that didn’t match the student’s needs. In summary, verified users often cite: difficulty cancelling, no refunds on missed sessions, and impersonal service, which counteracts Cluey’s polished marketing.

Comparison with My Engineering Buddy

Compared to Cluey, My Engineering Buddy (MEB) has advantages in price and scope. Cluey’s hourly rates (AUD $70–$90) are much higher than MEB’s (USD $20–$35). MEB also covers a broader array of advanced subjects (including college STEM, test prep, homework help), whereas Cluey focuses on school curriculum. In terms of quality, MEB boasts strong online reviews (4.8/5) and quick customer support. Users praise MEB’s prompt refunds, while Cluey got complaints on this point. On the other hand, Cluey’s strength is its curriculum alignment and Australian focus, which MEB lacks. Overall, MEB often “excels” where Cluey has gaps: it is much cheaper, serves global students (including in the Gulf and US), and has a reputation for being responsive to issues.

Customer Support and Policies

Cluey provides online help via its website (Help Centre, email and phone support) and a “Customer Care” team. It also offers a portal where parents can review lesson reports and recordings. Official policies are strict: unused sessions roll over as credit, but cancelled sessions are forfeited (especially under the Value plans). Notice of 2–6 weeks is needed to change plans or cancel. The refund rules state customers only get refunds for major failures, and credit card fees aren’t returned. In practice, many parents say it’s hard to get direct help – one complained they “couldn’t talk to a human” at Cluey. So while Cluey has formal support channels, reviews suggest response quality is uneven.

Global Reach and Localization

Cluey is primarily an Australian company. It offers content aligned to the Australian (and also NZ) curriculum. In fact, Cluey maintains a separate New Zealand site for local students. Its online model means any child in the world with internet could theoretically join, but the subject matter is geared to Australia/New Zealand. Cluey mentions “Expat Tutoring” programs, implying support for overseas Australian families. Unlike some global platforms, Cluey does not explicitly market to US/UK curricula or Gulf countries. (By contrast, My Engineering Buddy actively serves students in the US, UK, Canada, Australia and Gulf countries.)

Cluey Learning’s Future Plans

Cluey has shown interest in integrating more technology and AI into education. For example, its STEM arm Code Camp offers coding and AI workshops to kids (over 200,000 students so far). Cluey’s blog emphasizes the importance of AI skills for future careers, and they promote hands-on AI projects for students. While Cluey has not announced an AI tutor, its move into tech education suggests future curriculum updates may include AI-based tools or learning experiences. In short, Cluey appears to be expanding in tech-focused learning and will likely incorporate AI literacy in its offerings.

FAQs About Cluey Learning

• Q: How does Cluey Learning compare to My Engineering Buddy? A: Cluey offers personalized tutoring in school subjects (math, English, science) with tutors vetted to Australian standards. MEB focuses on advanced STEM and college prep at much lower cost. MEB has higher reported ratings and faster support, while Cluey has deeper ties to the Australian curriculum.
• Q: What subjects and grades does Cluey cover? A: Cluey covers primary through Year 12 curriculum. It offers one-on-one lessons in core subjects like Maths, English, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. It also provides specialized prep for NAPLAN, ATAR exams, etc.
• Q: How much does Cluey cost? A: Packages range from about $70/hr (AUD) up to $90/hr for premium plans. A trial session is discounted 20%. There are no hidden monthly fees, but you must pre-pay for sessions.
• Q: Is there a free trial or refund? A: There is no free lesson. You can book a trial session at 20% off. Cluey’s refund policy only returns money for major failures or unused credit after account cancellation. Many users say Cluey does not easily refund missed sessions, so plan carefully.
• Q: How flexible is scheduling/cancellation? A: You can book sessions any day between 7am and 10pm. Cancellations require advance notice (usually 2–6 weeks based on your plan). If you miss or cancel a session without proper notice, the fee is typically forfeited.
• Q: Are Cluey’s tutors qualified? A: Yes. Cluey selects only about 6% of applicants, focusing on experienced teachers and top subject experts. All lessons use Cluey’s curriculum and resources. Tutors receive training before they start.

Conclusion

Cluey Learning offers a well-structured online tutoring program with proven content aligned to local curriculum. Many students benefit from the personal tutor attention (reviewers note improved confidence and skills). However, Cluey’s services come at a premium, and reviews frequently mention frustrations with cost and service consistency. In comparison, My Engineering Buddy stands out as an alternative it is much cheaper (from $20/hr), serves more subjects for older students, and earns very high ratings. For families considering Cluey, it’s worth weighing Cluey’s structured curriculum and local focus against the lower price and broader scope of alternatives like My Engineering Buddy.

Sources: User reviews on Trustpilot and Cluey’s site; Cluey official FAQs and policies; My Engineering Buddy site and reviews; Skooli site testimonials; Cluey company blog and investor info.