The GRE is one of those exams that feels like a marathon. Between two essays, math concepts, and verbal reasoning that tests vocabulary in ways most people don’t use every day, it’s a challenge for even the most prepared students. Around 300,000 took the GRE in 2024, and most of them turned to GRE prep courses for support.
The tricky part? Deciding which course is worth your time and money.
I’ve worked through both Magoosh GRE and Kaplan GRE prep. On paper, they sound similar; both have video lessons, practice questions, study materials, and score guarantees. But when you actually use them, the differences in production quality, practice tests, and support really stand out.
In this review, I’ll share my firsthand experience with both courses, showing you how they compare in practice, lessons, support, and overall feel.
Magoosh or Kaplan: Which GRE Course Fits You Best?
- If You Want Simple and Self-Paced: Magoosh offers straightforward video lessons, helpful explanations, and flexible study schedules.
- If You Want Real Test Experience, Kaplan offers the Official Test Day Experience, where you take a practice test in an actual testing center.
- If You’re Studying on the Go: Magoosh’s mobile apps make it easy to squeeze in prep anywhere.
- If You Need Structure and Accountability: Kaplan provides live classes, prep books, and tutoring support.
- If Budget Is Your Priority: Magoosh gives you all the essentials without extras that inflate the cost.
Overview: Magoosh vs Kaplan GRE
Both Kaplan’s courses and Magoosh GRE prepare you for the real exam, but they go about it in very different ways.
Magoosh GRE is a clean, no-frills platform that most students find approachable. It’s all online, and the lessons are clear and to the point. I loved that the practice questions come with video explanations, and the GRE study schedules make it easy to stick to a plan. For many students, it feels comfortable because it’s not overwhelming.
Kaplan GRE, on the other hand, is more traditional but also complete. You get prep books, flashcards, video lessons, live classes, and realistic practice tests. The production quality of Kaplan’s videos is higher, and Kaplan offers a higher score guarantee that gives extra confidence. When I used Kaplan, it felt like I was preparing not just for test content but also for the full GRE test-day experience.
Both have what you’ll need, so if you’re debating Magoosh vs. Kaplan GRE prep, the decision really comes down to how much structure and polish you want in your prep.
Magoosh GRE: Straightforward and Flexible
Magoosh, founded in 2009 by UC Berkeley students, set out to make GRE prep more accessible and affordable.
When I tried Magoosh GRE, what stood out was how easy it was to use. The dashboard is clean, the lessons are short, and the study schedules give you a clear path, whether you have a week or several months. I liked that every practice question included a video explanation, which made it easier to learn from mistakes, like mixing up permutations and combinations, or falling for tricky reading comprehension answer choices. The mobile app was another highlight, letting me review flashcards or lessons whenever I had a few spare minutes.
The trade-off is that the videos are basic in production quality, and there are no live classes. Still, with 1,600+ practice questions, six practice tests, and official GRE sections, Magoosh covers all the essentials in a flexible, straightforward way.
Magoosh Package Options
Magoosh offers three main plans. The 1-Month Premium is best if you’re short on time and want focused prep. The 6-Month Premium gives most students enough time to cover lessons, practice questions, and practice tests at a steady pace. For those also preparing grad school applications, the Premium + Admissions plan adds essay support, workshops, and sample statements on top of full GRE access.
“It’s worth the price-benefit ratio. I just think that the math professor could be more detailed when explaining some doubts that students may have. Otherwise, the platform is exceptional…“
Student Review.
Course Highlights
- 1,600+ practice questions with detailed explanations
- Up to 6 full-length practice tests
- 8 full sections of official GRE questions from ETS
- 290+ video lessons covering math, verbal, and writing strategies
- Custom study schedules that keep you on track
- Access on iOS and Android mobile apps
Pros
- Affordable and Straightforward: Covers all GRE sections without unnecessary extras.
- Great Mobile Access: Study on the go with fully functional apps.
- Video Explanations: Every practice question has a clear breakdown.
- Custom Schedules: Plans from one week to six months keep you motivated.
Cons
- No Live Classes: Everything is self-paced; no real-time instructor support.
- Lower Production Quality: Videos are effective but not as polished as Kaplan’s.
While there are no live classes, many students note that the support is still strong. One saying:
“I get frequent follow up from staff and strong coordination from team members.”
Student Review.
Magoosh GRE
Kaplan GRE: Polished and Complete
Kaplan was founded by Stanley Kaplan, a first-generation college student who started the first test prep business in the United States. For over 85 years, Kaplan has helped approximately 1.2 million students worldwide each year prepare for higher education and professional advancement.
When I tried Kaplan GRE, it immediately felt more polished. The videos are high quality, with clear visuals and a structured flow that kept me engaged. Kaplan also includes prep books, flashcards, and live class options, so it feels like a complete system rather than just another online course.
The standout feature was the Official Test Day Experience. Taking a practice test at a real testing center gave me a big confidence boost heading into the actual GRE. The structure can feel heavy at times, but Kaplan’s higher score guarantee makes the effort feel worthwhile.
“Wonderful instructors and excellent, reliable contents. Clear strategies, applicable knowledge, and test preparation by professional instructors. With Kaplan, you don’t have to worry about testing skills!”
Student Review.
Kaplan Package Options
Kaplan offers several tracks depending on how much structure you want. The On-Demand course is self-paced and includes practice questions, video lessons, and prep books. The Live Online course adds scheduled classes with instructors for accountability. The Live Online Plus plan is my recommendation because it includes tutoring hours, advanced math workshops, and extra practice tests. For the most personalized prep, Kaplan’s Tutoring packages provide a custom study plan with one-on-one guidance.
Course Highlights
- 2,500+ customizable practice questions in the Qbank
- Up to 13 full-length practice tests
- Prep books and flashcards
- Personalized homework assignments that adapt to your strengths
- 40+ hours of live and recorded video lessons on the GRE Channel
“The channel lectures were very good and educative and the qbank too was good and the rationale was very helpful.”
Student Review.
Pros
- High Production Quality: Kaplan’s videos are polished and engaging.
- Comprehensive Materials: Includes prep books, flashcards, and online tools.
- Realistic Practice Tests: Kaplan’s exams mirror the real GRE closely.
- Live Classes and Tutoring: Extra support and accountability.
- Higher Score Guarantee: Improve your score or get your money back
Cons
- Heavier Structure: Can feel overwhelming compared to Magoosh’s simplicity.
Kaplan GRE
Magoosh vs Kaplan GRE Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $149-$219 | $400 – $3,500 |
| Practice Questions | 1,600+ with explanations | 2,500+ customizable Qbank |
| Practice Tests | 10+ | 13+ |
| Video Lessons | 290+ straightforward lessons | 40+ hours, polished production |
| Study Materials | Online-only | Prep books, flashcards, and online materials |
| Live Classes |  Self-paced only |  Live classes available |
| Score Guarantee | +5 point guarantee | Higher score guarantee +10 (325+ on premium plans) |
| Mobile Apps | iOS & Android apps | ⚠️ Works on mobile, but less streamlined |
| Support | Email support | Live instructors + tutoring support |
| Discounts | No Discounts | Save 23% |
| Get Started | Start Now | Start Now |
Extra Comparison: Tech, Practice, Value, and Support
Platform Performance & Video Quality
- Kaplan has a higher production value. The videos look and sound professional, and the platform feels structured and organized.
- Magoosh is functional and simple. The interface is easy to use, and the short video lessons are clear, but the production quality is simple.
Winner: Kaplan – stronger visuals and a more professional learning experience.
Practice Tests: How They Stack Up
- Magoosh offers 1,600+ practice questions, six practice tests, and explanations for every single answer. It’s enough for most students to get solid practice, and the explanations really help when you’re stuck.
- Kaplan gives you 2,500+ customizable practice questions, up to 13 full-length practice tests, and the Official Test Day Experience, which is as close to the real GRE as you can get.
Winner: Kaplan – more questions, more practice tests, and the edge with its test-day simulation.
Course Value ($$)
- Kaplan is more expensive but adds extras like prep books, flashcards, live classes, and tutoring. For students who want everything in one package, it feels more complete, with 6 months of course access.
- Magoosh is one of the best values in GRE prep. It includes lessons, practice tests, official questions, schedules, and mobile apps at a lower cost, with plans from 1 month to 6 months of access.
Winner: Tie – Magoosh wins for affordability and efficiency, Kaplan wins for comprehensiveness.
Accountability & Support Options
- Magoosh provides email support, and I found responses to be fast and helpful. But that’s where support ends; there are no live classes or tutoring options built in.
- Kaplan offers live instructors, tutoring packages, and structured accountability. If you need personal guidance or like having someone to answer questions in real time, Kaplan is much stronger here.
Winner: Kaplan – far more options for support and accountability.
My Final Verdict
Both courses are strong in their own way. Magoosh GRE is best for students who want a self-paced, straightforward course with helpful explanations and mobile flexibility. It’s affordable, efficient, and doesn’t overwhelm you with too many extras.
But if you’re looking for the most complete GRE prep course, Kaplan GRE is the clear winner. With live classes, polished videos, realistic practice tests, and a stronger score guarantee, Kaplan goes beyond test prep to make sure you feel comfortable walking into the real exam.
For most people, Kaplan will be the better choice, especially if you want structure and accountability. But if you’re budget-conscious and motivated to study on your own, Magoosh is still a reliable and effective prep course.
Start your GRE prep journey today and get ready to ace the exam.
FAQs
Yes. Magoosh guarantees a +5 point score increase if you complete their program.
Yes. Kaplan offers a higher score guarantee, and premium tutoring packages include a 325+ guarantee.
Kaplan’s practice exams feel closer to the real test, but Magoosh gives you solid practice with up to 6 tests.
Magoosh is better if you want to study on your own schedule with mobile apps.
Yes. Both include strategies, lessons, and feedback to help with the Analytical Writing section.
