This guide covers the gear for tutoring over video. The products were not tested by this site; links go to browse options on Amazon.ca. For the business, see online tutoring, online tutoring startup costs and teaching English online.
What should you look for in online tutoring gear?
| Item | What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Headset or mic | USB connection, boom mic with noise rejection | Clear voice without echo |
| Webcam | 1080p, decent low-light, mount that fits your screen | Sharper picture than many built-in laptop cameras |
| Writing tablet | Pressure-sensitive pen, works with your whiteboard app | Natural math and diagram writing |
| Light | Soft, dimmable, adjustable colour | Even light on your face for evening lessons |
| Connection | Wired Ethernet or strong Wi-Fi | Fewer freezes and dropped calls |
| Ergonomics | Laptop stand, external keyboard | Comfortable posture over back-to-back sessions |
Which tablet or camera suits which subjects?
| Gear | Good for | Watch out for | Browse |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pen tablet (no screen) | Math and science on a budget | Writing while looking at the monitor takes practice | See options on Amazon.ca |
| Pen display or iPad-style tablet | Writing directly on screen | Higher cost | See options on Amazon.ca |
| Document camera | Showing worksheets and textbooks | Desk space | See options on Amazon.ca |
| 1080p webcam | All subjects | Placement at eye level | See options on Amazon.ca |
What is a sensible first tutoring setup?
What should Canadian online tutors know?
- Ergonomics. CCOHS’s office ergonomics guidance and monitor positioning apply to a home tutoring desk.
- Headphone volume. Keep it moderate over long days; see CCOHS on noise.
- Booking and payment. Compare Calendly vs Square Appointments vs Acuity.
- Deductions. Gear used for tutoring is generally a business expense, with personal-use portions excluded.
Which guides help you grow tutoring?
Read online tutoring pricing, your first online tutoring client, in-person tutoring and exam season tutoring.
What are the common questions?
What equipment do I need to tutor online?
A computer, a reliable connection, a headset or mic, and a webcam cover most subjects. Math and science tutors usually add a pen tablet or document camera.
Is a headset better than a desk microphone for tutoring?
A headset with a boom mic keeps your voice close to the mic and stops student audio from echoing back, which helps on most video platforms.
Do I need a drawing tablet for online math tutoring?
It helps a lot. A pen tablet lets you write equations naturally on a shared whiteboard. A screen tablet or document camera are alternatives.
How should I set up my desk for long tutoring days?
CCOHS recommends placing the monitor about an arm's length away with the top of the screen at or slightly below eye level. A laptop stand with an external keyboard helps.
Can I deduct tutoring gear?
Equipment used to earn tutoring income is generally deductible or claimed through capital cost allowance on Form T2125. This is general information, not tax advice.
Which sources support this guide?
The rules, rates, and platform requirements in this guide are checked against these primary sources. Retail price ranges are labelled as ranges to verify locally, and they are not quotes.
- Office Ergonomics — Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
- Positioning the Monitor — Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
- Noise - Basic Information — Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
- Business expenses — Canada Revenue Agency