GRE
Best GRE Prep Courses
by John Reed· Last Updated: Jan 30, 2026
How We Ranked These Courses
Our team spent over 100 hours researching and testing GRE prep courses to bring you this comprehensive ranking. We evaluated each course based on:
-Content Quality: Depth and accuracy of lessons, video production quality -Practice Materials: Number and quality of practice questions, full-length tests -Adaptive Learning: How well the course personalizes to your strengths and weaknesses -Value for Money: Price relative to what you get -User Experience: Platform usability, mobile access, customer support
Comparison Table
| Course | Price | Practice Questions | Practice Tests | Video Content | Live Classes | Score Guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magoosh | From $149 | 1,600+ | Up to 6 | ~40 hours | No | 5-point increase |
| Manhattan Prep | From $299 | 10,000+ | 13 | 65+ videos | Yes (GRE for MBA) | Yes |
| Kaplan | From $299 | 2,500+ | 13 | 30+ hours | Yes | Yes |
| GregMat | From $7.99/mo | ~1,000 | 3 full-length + 44 mini exams | Hundreds of recorded classes | Weekly live classes | No |
| Achievable | $199 | Infinite Quant + hundreds of Verbal | 30+ section-level exams | Bonus explainer videos only | No | 4-point increase |
| Target Test Prep | From $179/mo | 4,000+ | No full-length (custom tests) | 2,000+ videos | Yes (top plan only) | 320+ framework |
Our Top Picks at a Glance
| Rank | Course | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Magoosh | Budget-conscious learners | From $149 |
| 2 | Manhattan Prep | Comprehensive prep | From $299 |
| 3 | Kaplan | Structured learning | From $299 |
Detailed Analysis
1. Magoosh — Best Overall Value
Magoosh offers an unbeatable combination of quality content and affordability. With around 40 hours of video instruction and 1,600+ practice questions, it provides solid coverage of both Verbal and Quant sections.
Key Strengths:
- Affordable pricing starting at $149 (1 month) or $179 (6 months)
- 5-point score improvement guarantee
- Up to 6 full-length adaptive practice tests
- Mobile app with comprehensive course resources
- Official licensed ETS questions integrated into the platform
- Score predictor tool
- Premium + Admissions plan available ($219) with application support
Key Weaknesses:
- No live classes or tutoring
- No prep books
- Video production value is basic compared to competitors
For a full breakdown, read our Magoosh GRE review.
Magoosh GRE
Hands-down the best affordable prep course for the GRE.
Use code TESTPREPPAL for 20% OFF2. Manhattan Prep — Best for Comprehensive Prep
If you're aiming for a top score and have the budget, Manhattan Prep's in-depth curriculum and expert instructors make it worth the investment. Their GRE Interact platform features interactive video lessons and an extensive library of over 10,000 practice questions.
Key Strengths:
- 13 full-length, computer-adaptive practice tests
- 10,000+ practice questions — more than most competitors
- Interactive video lessons with high production quality
- Comprehensive books including the 5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems
- GRE for MBA course with 27 hours of live instruction ($1,999)
- Private tutoring from 99th percentile scorers (from $2,900)
- Higher Score Guarantee on all courses
- Strong mobile app
Key Weaknesses:
- More expensive than most competitors ($299–$499 for self-paced)
- Live classes only available through the GRE for MBA course
For a full breakdown, read our Manhattan Prep GRE review.
3. Kaplan — Best for Structured Learning
Kaplan strikes a balance between comprehensive content and structured learning, with multiple course options including an On Demand course, Live Online classes, and private tutoring.
Key Strengths:
- 13 full-length practice exams
- 2,500+ practice questions with customizable Qbank
- 30+ hours of on-demand video lessons
- Official Test Day Experience at a Prometric testing facility
- 21 hours of live instruction (Live Online course at $1,099)
- 2 prep books included
- Higher Score Guarantee
- GRE Math Foundations and Advanced Math included
Key Weaknesses:
- More expensive than budget options (On Demand from $299, Live Online $1,099)
- Limited mobile platform
- Some verbal questions may differ from actual GRE difficulty
For a full breakdown, read our Kaplan GRE review.
4. GregMat — Best Budget Option
GregMat is an extraordinarily affordable option with a month-by-month subscription starting at just $7.99/month. Despite the low price, it offers excellent content coverage and interactive live classes.
Key Strengths:
- Incredibly affordable ($7.99/month for GregMat+, $9.99 with PrepSwift)
- Weekly live classes with interactive instruction
- Well-structured 1-month and 2-month study plans
- 44 mini exams and 100+ quizzes
- PrepSwift add-on for concise, fast-paced review
- One-on-one tutoring available at $40/hour
- Excellent strategy videos
Key Weaknesses:
- Only 3 full-length practice tests
- Lectures can be long
- Platform organization could be improved
For a full breakdown, read our GregMat GRE review.
5. Target Test Prep — Best for Quant Focus
Target Test Prep (TTP) is a strong option for students who need to significantly improve their Quantitative Reasoning score. With 4,000+ practice questions and 2,000+ video explanations, TTP offers deep Quant coverage.
Key Strengths:
- 4,000+ practice questions with customizable Qbank
- 2,000+ video explanations
- 1,700+ flashcards (Math and Vocabulary)
- Personalized study plans with daily calendar
- In-depth analytics and error tracking
- Live classes option (40 hours, $1,299)
- 320+ score guarantee framework
Key Weaknesses:
- Heavily focused on Quant — Verbal coverage is lighter
- No full-length practice tests (relies on official ETS tests)
- Text-based lessons may not suit visual learners
- No mobile app (mobile-friendly website)
For a full breakdown, read our Target Test Prep GRE review.
6. Achievable — Best for Adaptive Learning
Achievable is a newer player offering a unique approach with adaptive learning technology and an AI-powered essay grader, all at an affordable $199 for a full year of access.
Key Strengths:
- Affordable flat rate ($199 for 1 year of access)
- Adaptive learning algorithms that personalize your study plan
- Infinite quantitative questions generated from 200+ templates
- AI-powered instant essay grading
- 30+ section-level practice exams
- Score increase guarantee (4-point improvement or refund)
- Clean, modern mobile-friendly interface
Key Weaknesses:
- No video lessons (text-based digital textbook)
- No live classes or private tutoring
- Practice exams recycle verbal questions
- No mobile app (web-based mobile experience)
For a full breakdown, read our Achievable GRE review.
Final Recommendations
-Best Overall: Magoosh — exceptional value with quality content and score guarantee -Best for High Scorers: Manhattan Prep — most comprehensive curriculum with 10,000+ questions -Best for Structure: Kaplan — well-organized learning path with Test Day Experience -Best Budget: GregMat — incredible value starting at $7.99/month with live classes -Best for Quant: Target Test Prep — deepest Quant coverage with 4,000+ questions -Best Adaptive Tech: Achievable — personalized learning with infinite practice
Choose based on your budget, target score, and learning style. All courses on this list have helped thousands of students achieve their GRE goals.
