Best GRE Prep Courses Online: Top Programs Reviewed

If you’re preparing for the GRE, you already know the stakes: a few points can be the difference between getting into your target grad school or not. And with dozens of GRE prep courses out there, it can be hard to know which one is right for your goals, schedule, and budget.

This guide breaks down the best GRE prep courses in 2025, based on expert analysis, verified student experiences, and performance data. Whether you're starting from scratch or trying to raise a good GRE score into a great one, you'll find what you need to move forward confidently.

Read: How Long Is Each GRE Section? Timing Tips for Every Part of the Test

Best GRE Prep Courses by Category

How to Evaluate GRE Exam Prep Products

Choosing a GRE prep course isn’t just about brand names. You need to evaluate exam prep products across:

• Format - Do you prefer structured GRE classes or studying at your own pace?
• Study materials - Are they aligned with the actual GRE exam?
• Practice problems & questions - How closely do they match official GRE difficulty?
• Practice tests - Are there enough full-length practice tests under realistic test day conditions?
• Support - Do they offer private chat, off-screen teachers, or live instruction?
• Analytics - Can you get detailed score reports to track progress?

Real-world insight: "The key was not the brand but matching the course to how I learn. I needed video lessons and accountability."

Read: How Long Is the GRE? Test Length, Section Breakdown, and Timing Tips

Let’s walk through the top options.

Overview Of The Top Programs

1. Magoosh: Best for Self-Paced, Budget-Friendly Prep

Why we like it:

• 1,200+ practice questions with answer explanations
• Up to 3 full-length GRE practice tests
• Custom study plans and a detailed analytics site
• Available on the mobile app for studying on the go

Real user test prep insight: "I improved from a 305 to a 320 using Magoosh and ETS questions alone. Great for busy students who want to prep at their own pace."

Who it’s best for:

• Test takers who want flexibility and affordability
• Those focusing on verbal reasoning or needing quant foundations

Drawbacks:

• Less effective for students needing live instruction or deep verbal score strategies

Guarantee: Higher score or your money back

2. Manhattan Prep Powered by Kaplan: Best for Rigorous, Live Instruction

Why we like it:

• Expert instructors and structured classes
• Access to the GRE Channel for 24/7 live and recorded lessons
• Advanced math and analytical writing skills workshops
• 6+ full-length practice exams under a realistic test day scenario

Real-world insight: "If you need to build strong quant and verbal reasoning strategies, Manhattan Prep is the gold standard."

Best for:

• High scorers aiming for a 325+ GRE score
• Students who want to live online or in person for GRE classes

Guarantee: Complete guarantee eligibility requirements apply

Tip: Sign up early to access diagnostic tests and a proven study plan

3. Princeton Review: Best for Comprehensive Coverage

Why we like it:

• 8+ practice exams, 3,500+ practice problems
• Score improvement strategies and test-taking strategies are built in
• Live instruction combined with video lessons
• Higher score guarantee

Real-world insight:

"Princeton Review helped me focus on what mattered. The structure kept me motivated."

Ideal for:

• Students who want both structure and flexibility
• Those targeting top graduate programs or business schools

4. GregMAT: Best Value for Serious Self-Studiers

Why we like it:

• $5/month pricing for full access to video library, study schedules, problem banks
• Emphasizes clear explanations, strategy, and motivation
• Regularly updated based on feedback from top scorers

Real-world consensus: “GregMAT is THE best resource for verbal and quant. It’s insane, it’s only $5/month.”

Who it’s for:

• Independent learners who want guidance without high costs
• Anyone retaking the GRE, looking to target weak areas

Drawbacks:

• No live classes or personal tutoring options

5. ETS Official Materials: Must-Have for Every Test Taker

Why we like it:

• Created by the Educational Testing Service (ETS)
• Includes free practice test and GRE practice questions
• Best for benchmarking your goal score with the real GRE

Use it for:

• Diagnostic tests to assess your starting score
• Realistic full-length GRE practice test experience
• Sharpening analytical writing skills with official prompts

Best combo: Pair ETS with Magoosh or GregMAT for content + test realism

6. Target Test Prep: Best for Quantitative Reasoning Mastery

Why we like it:

• Modular lessons with adaptive quant drills
• Personalized analytics and study plans
• Excellent for test takers struggling with math foundations

Who it’s for:

• Students scoring below 155 on the GRE Quant
• People who need a deep concept review before tackling practice exams

8-Week Hybrid GRE Prep Plan (Free + Paid Resources)

Read: GRE Study Plan & Schedule: 1, 3, & 6-Month Templates (From a Pro Tutor)

Expert Tips: How to Effectively Use the Top GRE Prep Courses

The most successful GRE test takers don’t just choose the right prep course; they know how to use it strategically. Below are expert-level tips on how to maximize the effectiveness of each major GRE prep platform, based on insights from top scorers, GRE coaches, and learning science.

Start with Official GRE Materials (ETS)

The Educational Testing Service (ETS) writes the GRE, so its materials are the most accurate reflection of the real test. Every student should begin their prep by taking a full-length diagnostic test using ETS PowerPrep. This provides a baseline score and helps identify key weaknesses early. ETS practice questions are also ideal for final-stage review, as they align perfectly with the actual GRE’s logic and structure.

It’s also important to calibrate your expectations using ETS practice tests. Many students score higher on third-party practice exams than on the real GRE. ETS sets the standard for difficulty and pacing, so use their materials to anchor your score expectations.

Use Magoosh for Daily Practice and Consistent Review

Magoosh is best used as a daily driver for concept learning and practice. Students should begin by following one of Magoosh’s study plans, then commit to a consistent routine, even 30 to 60 minutes per day can be highly effective. Each practice question includes a video explanation, which is essential for understanding not just the correct answer, but the reasoning behind it.

The platform’s review mode allows students to study their mistakes and identify patterns in their thinking. For vocabulary, Magoosh’s flashcard app supports spaced repetition, which improves long-term retention. Students who study with intention, not just volume, tend to see the biggest score gains.

Use GregMAT for Strategy, Clarity, and Mastery

GregMAT is widely considered one of the best-kept secrets in GRE prep, especially for verbal reasoning and test strategy. Its greatest strength lies in Greg’s clear explanations and structured study plans. Students should start by choosing one of their pre-built study calendars or creating a personalized version based on their templates.

To make the most of GregMAT, learners should follow one video lesson per day and immediately reinforce the concepts with targeted problem sets. For verbal reasoning, Greg’s frameworks for reading comprehension, sentence equivalence, and text completion are among the most effective available. The community support, via Discord or YouTube comments, is also helpful for clarification and motivation.

Use Manhattan Prep for Structured, High-Level Instruction

Manhattan Prep, powered by Kaplan, is ideal for students who want structure, accountability, and expert-led instruction. Students should treat the course like formal academic coursework, attending all classes, completing assignments immediately after each session, and reviewing recorded lessons when necessary.

Manhattan’s GRE Channel offers flexible access to additional lessons on topics like combinatorics, advanced algebra, or analytical writing. Students should also take advantage of diagnostic and midpoint practice tests to track progress and refine pacing. For learners aiming to score in the 325+ range, this level of rigor and accountability can make a meaningful difference.

Use Princeton Review for Comprehensive Coverage and Strategy

The Princeton Review provides a strong blend of structure, content coverage, and test-taking strategy. To get the most from it, students should follow the full course calendar and complete all assignments and practice tests as scheduled. Its strategy modules are particularly useful for mastering time management, educated guessing, and section pacing, skills that are critical for raising scores under pressure.

Live instruction and feedback sessions offer opportunities to clarify misunderstandings and refine strategy. Students who fully engage with the curriculum tend to see steady, measurable improvements across all GRE sections.

Use Target Test Prep for Quantitative Reinforcement

Target Test Prep is best suited for students who need to rebuild or strengthen their quantitative reasoning foundations. It’s especially effective for those scoring below 155 in Quant who want to raise their score through focused practice. The platform’s learning modules are designed to be completed sequentially, not skipped or sampled randomly.

Students should commit to the full curriculum, taking time to complete lessons, quizzes, and mastery drills. The most valuable part of TTP is its detailed error logging and analytics, which help students identify patterns in their mistakes and focus their review on the highest-impact topics. With consistency and discipline, Target Test Prep can lead to major quant improvements.

Sequence Your Prep Strategically for Maximum Results

Rather than relying on a single course, the most effective test takers blend and sequence multiple resources to play to their strengths. For example, a student might begin with ETS and GregMAT in Weeks 1 and 2 to establish a foundation. They might then add Magoosh or Princeton Review in Weeks 3 to 5 for structured practice and stamina-building. In the final phase, Weeks 6 to 8, they could layer in Manhattan Prep or ETS materials to simulate real test conditions and fine-tune strategy.

The key is to approach prep intentionally, not reactively. Tools are powerful, but only if used with discipline and strategy. Each platform has a strength, whether it’s pacing, depth, affordability, or realism. Match the tool to the need.

Which GRE Prep Course Should You Choose?

Here’s a quick decision guide based on your profile:

Expert tip: You don’t need a single prep course. The best GRE prep often comes from blending official GRE practice, affordable prep, and expert-led instruction.

Read: The 3 Biggest Mistakes People Make Preparing for the GRE

Final Thoughts

The best GRE prep is not one-size-fits-all. Use the tools that match your learning style, schedule, and score goals. Whether you prefer live online classes, bite-sized video lessons, or full-length practice exams with expert feedback, your GRE prep strategy should be intentional.

If you’re aiming for a top score for MBA applications or graduate programs, it’s worth investing in the right prep course and starting early.

For students who want a step-by-step, customized prep plan, a GRE coach can be a game-changing investment. Many top scorers work with a coach to cut through the noise, stay accountable, and avoid wasting time. Get matched with a Leland GRE coach here.

Check out our GRE exam prep bootcamp and free events and group classes for more strategic GRE insights.

See: The 10 Best GRE Tutors

[top GRE tutors]

Read next:

• How Late Can You Take the GMAT/GRE for MBA Applications?
• GRE Algebra: Guide, Formulas, Tips, & Practice Questions
• GRE Data Analysis: Guide, Formulas, Tips, & Practice Questions
• GRE Arithmetic: Guide, Formulas, Tips, & Practice Questions
• GRE Geometry: Guide, Formulas, Tips, & Practice Questions
• GRE Quantitative Practice Resources: Where to Find the Best Questions & Practice Tests
• What Is a Good GRE Score? Percentiles, Targets, and What Schools Want

FAQs

What’s the best GRE prep course if I only have two months to study?

• Many students are on a tight timeline. This question lets you highlight which programs offer high-impact study plans, flexible scheduling, or accelerated strategies (e.g., Magoosh, GregMAT, Manhattan Prep intensive courses).

Can I study for the GRE without paying for an expensive course?

• This speaks to the budget-conscious audience and allows you to explain how free and low-cost resources like GregMAT, ETS, and Khan Academy can be used effectively, especially when paired strategically.

Is Magoosh enough to get a good GRE score?

• A very common, specific question people ask in forums and AI tools. It invites a nuanced answer, acknowledging where Magoosh excels (structure, affordability, verbal/quant foundations) and when students might want to supplement it.

What’s the difference between Manhattan Prep and Princeton Review for the GRE?

• Perfect for helping students compare two popular premium options. You can answer with expert insight around structure, live instruction, teaching style, and ideal student profiles.

How should I combine official GRE materials with a prep course?

• This FAQ lets you reinforce a key takeaway: using ETS materials to benchmark and validate progress, then pairing them with strategy-focused platforms for content learning and review.