TutorLab vs TutorCruncher: the simpler UK alternative for solo tutors
TutorCruncher is a powerful UK-based platform aimed at tutoring agencies with many tutors, client pipelines and split payouts. TutorLab is the opposite: built for the solo private tutor who just wants their admin done. AI lesson notes, parent reports, scheduling, invoicing and optional card collection in one focused workspace. Here is how they stack up.
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The short answer
Choose TutorLab if…
- You are a solo UK private tutor (not an agency)
- You want AI to write your lesson notes and parent reports
- You want free bank-transfer invoicing and optional card collection
- You teach GCSE / A-Level / 11+ / KS2 / KS3
- You want a workspace designed around one tutor
Stick with TutorCruncher if…
- You run a tutoring agency with multiple tutors
- You need split payments and automated payroll
- You need a CRM and sales pipeline inside the platform
- Your workflow depends on deep reporting / analytics
Feature-by-feature
Last checked 2 August 2026 against TutorCruncher's official GB pricing and Bobbin announcement. Both products evolve, so tell us if anything is out of date.
| Feature | TutorLab | TutorCruncher |
|---|---|---|
AI lesson planning and reporting TutorCruncher offers Bobbin; TutorLab includes AI tools in its solo-tutor workspace. | Yes | Yes |
No activity fee on bank-transfer invoices TutorLab does not charge a payment fee when a tutor records a bank transfer. TutorCruncher's GB pricing lists an activity fee for payments recorded outside its platform. | Yes | No |
Multi-tutor / agency workflows TutorCruncher is the stronger choice for agencies with many tutors and complex payroll. | No | Yes |
Client pipeline / CRM TutorCruncher has a full sales pipeline. TutorLab does not. | No | Yes |
Free bank-transfer invoicing in £ TutorLab does not charge a payment fee when a bank-transfer invoice is recorded as paid; optional card payments carry a fee from 3.4%. TutorCruncher lists fees for both integrated and externally recorded payments. | Yes | No |
Self-serve trial Both products advertise a self-serve trial; TutorCruncher also offers an optional demo. | Yes | Yes |
The biggest difference: which operating model fits you
Different payment-fee models
TutorCruncher's GB pricing lists fees for integrated payments and for payments recorded outside the platform. TutorLab charges no payment fee for bank-transfer invoices; optional card collection carries a fee from 3.4% on a tutor's own students.
AI tools on both platforms
TutorCruncher offers Bobbin for curriculum-aligned planning and post-lesson reporting. TutorLab includes lesson-planning and reporting tools inside a workspace built around a solo tutor.
Built around one tutor, not a team
TutorCruncher's power comes from agency features most solo tutors will never use: tutor payroll, client pipeline, multi-site. TutorLab strips all of that out and focuses on the tutor doing the teaching.
Both offer self-serve trials
TutorLab is self-serve. TutorCruncher advertises a two-week self-serve trial and also offers an optional demo and guided onboarding.
Common questions about switching from TutorCruncher
Is TutorLab a good TutorCruncher alternative for solo tutors?
It depends on your workflow. TutorCruncher supports agencies with multiple tutors, payroll and a sales pipeline. TutorLab is designed around one private tutor who wants scheduling, invoicing, payments and AI admin in one simpler workspace.
Does TutorCruncher charge a transaction fee?
TutorCruncher's official GB pricing lists online card and bank-transfer fees of 2.65% on Pay As You Go and 2.3% on Startup and Enterprise. For payments recorded outside TutorCruncher, it lists activity fees of 1%, 0.65% and 0.5% respectively. TutorLab bank-transfer invoices have no TutorLab payment fee; optional card collection carries a fee from 3.4% on a tutor's own students. Check either provider's current pricing before choosing.
Can I use TutorLab if I run a tutoring agency?
TutorLab is designed for solo tutors, not multi-tutor agencies. If you need split payouts, tutor payroll or a CRM pipeline, TutorCruncher remains the stronger fit. For a single tutor doing the teaching, TutorLab removes far more admin.
Do I have to book a demo to start with TutorLab?
No. TutorLab is self-serve. TutorCruncher also advertises a self-serve two-week trial, alongside an optional demo and guided onboarding.
Can I import my students from TutorCruncher into TutorLab?
Yes. Export your student list from TutorCruncher as a CSV and import it into TutorLab in a couple of clicks; our column matching is pre-tuned for TutorCruncher's field names, so there is no retyping. Session history imports are coming soon.
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