Intro
Hey friend, real talk from Joburg.
You’ve got your TEFL qualification, you’re teaching on Preply or Italki, but your lessons still feel a bit flat and you’re spending way too much time preparing materials.
The good news? The right apps for teaching English can completely change your teaching game. They help you create engaging lessons in minutes, keep students motivated, and ultimately help you get better reviews and higher rates.
In this guide, I’ve rounded up the best apps for teaching English that South African teachers are actually using and loving in 2026. I focused on tools that are easy to use, work well with South African internet and load shedding, and genuinely help you earn more.
Let’s dive in.
Quick Verdict
✅ Best overall app: Preply Classroom + Quizlet
✅ Best for engagement: Kahoot! and ClassDojo
✅ Best for lesson planning: Canva for Education + FluentU
✅ Best free tools: Duolingo for Schools, BBC Learning English, and Quizlet
✅ My top recommendation rating: 9.2/10 for the winning combo
✅ Biggest benefit: Cut your prep time in half and get better student reviews (which = more bookings and higher rates)
Bottom line: The best apps for teaching English don’t just make lessons fun — they make you a better, more efficient teacher who earns more money.
Why the Right Apps for Teaching English Matter for South African Teachers
Teaching online from South Africa has its challenges: unstable electricity, data costs, and the need to stand out among thousands of teachers.
The right apps solve these problems by:
- Making lesson planning much faster (so you can teach more hours)
- Creating interactive lessons that students love (leading to better reviews and repeat bookings)
- Helping you teach more professionally and confidently
- Allowing you to work even during load shedding (many apps work offline or with low data)
Teachers who use good apps consistently report higher student satisfaction, more five-star reviews, and the ability to charge higher rates.
Next-Level Details: The Best Apps for Teaching English in 2026
Here are the apps South African teachers are getting the most value from right now:
1. Preply Classroom (Best All-in-One)
Built-in video classroom with whiteboard, screen sharing, and lesson tools. Perfect if you already teach on Preply.
2. Quizlet
Create flashcards, games, and tests in minutes. Students love the competitive learning mode.
3. Kahoot!
Gamified quizzes that make lessons super fun and interactive. Great for groups or 1-on-1.
4. Canva for Education
Create beautiful worksheets, presentations, and flashcards in minutes — even on your phone.
5. FluentU
Uses real English videos (music, news, movies) with interactive subtitles. Excellent for teaching listening and vocabulary.
6. ClassDojo
Great for tracking student progress, giving positive feedback, and communicating with parents/students.
Bonus Free Tools: BBC Learning English, Duolingo for Schools, and Google Slides with add-ons.
Honest Pros & Cons of Using Apps for Teaching English
Pros
- Save hours on lesson planning every week
- Lessons become more engaging → better reviews → more students
- Many apps work well on mobile or low-data connections
- Help you look more professional as a teacher
- Most have free versions to start
Cons
- Can feel overwhelming if you try too many at once
- Some have learning curves
- Premium features cost money (though most are worth it)
Comparison Snapshot: Best Apps for Teaching English 2026
| App | Best For | Free Version? | Ease of Use | South Africa Friendly | Overall Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preply Classroom | Online teaching | Yes | Very Easy | Excellent | 9.4/10 |
| Quizlet | Vocabulary & revision | Yes | Easy | Excellent | 9.2/10 |
| Kahoot! | Games & engagement | Yes | Easy | Very Good | 9.0/10 |
| Canva for Education | Materials & worksheets | Yes | Very Easy | Excellent | 8.9/10 |
| FluentU | Real English videos | Limited | Medium | Good | 8.7/10 |
My Recommendation
For most South African teachers right now, I recommend this simple stack:
- Preply Classroom (your main teaching space)
- Quizlet + Canva for materials
- Kahoot! once a week for fun review lessons
Start with just 1–2 apps so you don’t get overwhelmed. Once you’re comfortable, add more.
Ready to upgrade your teaching?
👉 Check the best current deals on premium teaching tools here (affiliate links support the site)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are these apps free to use?
Most have excellent free versions. You only need to pay for premium features once you’re earning more.
2. Which app is best for beginners?
Start with Canva + Quizlet — they’re the easiest and most useful.
3. Do these apps work well with South African internet?
Yes — especially Quizlet, Canva, and Preply Classroom. Many have offline modes.
4. Will using apps help me get more students?
Absolutely. Students love interactive lessons and give better reviews.
5. Can I use these on my phone?
Most of them work very well on mobile.
Final Thoughts
The right apps for teaching English can turn good teachers into great ones — and great ones into teachers who earn significantly more.
You don’t need to use every app. Just pick 2–3 that solve your biggest problems right now and you’ll quickly see the difference in your lessons, your reviews, and your income.
Start small today. Your future students (and your bank account) will thank you.