Studying for the GRE doesn’t have to mean being chained to a desk anymore. With the right apps on your iPhone, you can squeeze in vocabulary practice during your commute, tackle math problems while waiting in line at the coffee shop, or review test strategies from the comfort of your couch.
Since ETS introduced the shorter GRE format in September 2023, the test has become more streamlined—now clocking in at just under two hours instead of nearly four. But that doesn’t mean it’s gotten easier. With fewer questions carrying more weight, every answer counts, and smart, consistent preparation is more critical than ever.
Whether you’re a working professional juggling career demands, a college senior cramming between finals, or simply someone who learns better in short bursts, these GRE prep apps for iPhone can help you build the skills you need to hit your target score. Let’s dive into the best options available in 2025.
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Understanding What Makes a Great GRE Prep App
Before we get into our picks, it helps to know what separates a genuinely useful GRE study app from one that’ll just collect digital dust on your phone. The best apps do more than just throw questions at you—they adapt to your weaknesses, track your progress, and simulate real test conditions.
Look for apps that offer detailed answer explanations (not just “correct” or “wrong”), practice questions that mirror actual GRE difficulty, and some form of progress tracking. If you’re serious about self-study, you’ll want resources that cover all three GRE sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing.
The Best GRE Prep Apps for iPhone in 2025
1. Magoosh GRE Prep & Practice — Best Overall
Price: Free with limited features; Premium starts at $179 for full access
App Store Rating: 4.8/5 stars
If you’re going to pick just one comprehensive GRE test prep app, Magoosh should be at the top of your list. This app has helped millions of students prepare for the GRE, and the company’s name has become practically synonymous with affordable, effective test prep.
What sets Magoosh apart is its combination of video lessons and practice questions—over 250 video tutorials and 1,600+ practice questions, including official ETS questions. Magoosh is actually the only GRE prep course licensed to use official ETS practice questions, which means you’re studying material that closely mirrors what you’ll see on test day.
The app has been fully updated for the shorter GRE format, so you won’t waste time on outdated content. Every question includes a video explanation, making it easy to understand not just what the right answer is but why it’s correct.
Best for: Self-studiers seeking a comprehensive, video-based learning experience at a reasonable price. If you’re looking for the best GRE prep resources for self-study, this is a strong starting point.
2. Magoosh GRE Vocabulary Flashcards — Best Free Vocabulary Builder
Price: Completely free
App Store Rating: 4.8/5 stars
Vocabulary is the backbone of GRE Verbal success, and Magoosh’s dedicated flashcard app is one of the best free GRE study materials you’ll find anywhere. The app features 1,000 carefully selected vocabulary words organized by difficulty level: Common, Basic, and Advanced.
What makes this app genuinely useful is its smart algorithm that tracks which words give you trouble and brings them back for additional practice. Each flashcard includes the word definition, an example sentence showing the word in context, and—this is huge for audio learners—pronunciation guides. One user specifically noted this is one of the few GRE vocab apps with audio pronunciation, making it invaluable for students with learning differences.
The wordlist was curated by Chris Lele, Magoosh’s expert GRE tutor, who has been teaching the test for over a decade. These aren’t random SAT words—they’re specifically chosen based on frequency and importance on the actual GRE.
Best for: Anyone looking to build their vocabulary without spending a dime. Perfect for commute-time studying.
3. Manhattan Prep GRE Practice — Best for Serious Test-Takers
Price: Free to download; $14.99/month, $29.99/3 months, or $99.99/year for full access
App Store Rating: 4.7/5 stars
Manhattan Prep has long been considered premium territory in the test prep world, and their mobile app brings that reputation to your iPhone. With over 1,000 practice questions, 500+ vocabulary words, and comprehensive math practice, it’s a substantial study tool.
The app covers all three GRE sections—Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing—with detailed statistics that show your strengths and weaknesses over time. One standout feature is the ability to filter practice questions by difficulty level, letting you focus on areas where you need the most improvement.
Be aware that this app operates independently from Manhattan Prep’s website and book resources, so purchasing a Manhattan Prep book won’t give you access to the app’s premium content. Some users have found this frustrating, but the app itself remains highly rated for its content quality.
Best for: Students targeting top-tier graduate programs who want rigorous practice questions and in-depth analytics.
4. Galvanize GRE Test Prep — Best for Score Prediction
Price: Free with in-app purchases for premium features
App Store Rating: 4.6/5 stars
Galvanize takes a data-driven approach to GRE prep, and users love it. With a 4.6-star rating, the app offers hundreds of GRE-style practice questions for both the Math and Verbal sections, all with detailed explanations from alumni at Stanford, Harvard, Texas A&M, and IIT.
The standout feature here is the GRE Score Predictor, which estimates your potential test score based on your performance within the app. Combined with an “Exam Readiness Indicator,” you’ll have a clear sense of where you stand and how much work remains before test day.
The app also includes timed practice tests that simulate real GRE conditions—crucial preparation since the actual test is time-pressured. A GRE Quant Cheat Sheet and the option to study with friends add nice touches to an already solid package. Plus, the app is completely ad-free so that you can focus without interruptions.
Best for: Students who want clear metrics on their progress and realistic score predictions to guide their study plan.
5. Kaplan GRE Vocabulary Flashcards — Best Physical-Digital Combo
Price: App is free when purchased with Kaplan’s physical flashcard set (around $18-25)
Kaplan has been helping students prepare for standardized tests for over 80 years, and their vocabulary flashcard system combines old-school physical cards with a modern mobile app. The set includes 500 essential GRE vocabulary words carefully selected for the Verbal Reasoning section.
The app lets you sort words into categories based on how well you know them—a simple but effective way to prioritize your study time. While not as feature-rich as some competitors, the flexibility to switch between physical cards and the digital app makes this a practical choice for students who prefer tactile learning but also want mobile convenience.
Best for: Students who prefer a hybrid approach and want to supplement their physical study materials with mobile practice.
6. Varsity Tutors GRE Prep — Best for Free Diagnostic Testing
Price: Free
Varsity Tutors offers a surprisingly comprehensive free GRE prep app that includes quizzes, practice tests, flashcards, videos, and diagnostic tests. The “Learn by Concept” feature provides structured lessons on specific GRE topics, making it easy to target your weak spots.
The app tracks your progress and lets you review past results, giving you insight into how you’re improving over time. It’s an excellent option for students who want to start their GRE prep without any financial commitment while still accessing quality content.
Best for: Budget-conscious students looking for free GRE practice tests and diagnostic tools.
7. Vince’s GRE Vocab Cartoons — Best for Visual Learners
Price: Free with premium upgrade options
If traditional flashcards put you to sleep, Vince’s GRE Vocab Cartoons offers a refreshingly different approach. The app illustrates 1,300+ GRE vocabulary words and 161 root words with funny, memorable cartoon images and mnemonics.
The concept is simple: visual associations help words stick in your memory better than rote repetition. The app also uses a spaced repetition algorithm to optimize your study efficiency. User reviews consistently praise the “outlandish stories and brilliant illustrations” that make vocabulary studying genuinely enjoyable.
Best for: Visual learners and anyone who finds traditional vocabulary study methods tedious or ineffective.
How to Choose the Right GRE App for Your Needs
Consider Your Budget
If you’re looking for affordable GRE prep options, the Magoosh Vocabulary Flashcards app and Varsity Tutors are excellent free choices. For more comprehensive prep, Magoosh’s premium subscription offers strong value compared to competitors.
Think About Your Learning Style
Video learner? Go with Magoosh. Prefer data and metrics? Try Galvanize. Visual learner struggling with vocabulary? Vince’s Cartoons might be your answer. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
Check for Updated Content
Make sure any app you choose has been updated for the shorter GRE format introduced in September 2023. The test structure has changed significantly—the overall duration dropped from 3 hours and 45 minutes to just 1 hour and 58 minutes, and the argument essay has been eliminated. Studying with outdated materials could leave you unprepared.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of GRE Prep Apps
Having the best apps installed won’t help much if you don’t use them effectively. Here’s how to maximize your mobile study time:
Set a consistent study schedule. Even 15-20 minutes daily is more effective than occasional marathon sessions. Many students follow a 2-month GRE study plan that incorporates daily use of apps alongside other study materials.
Use multiple apps strategically. Consider pairing a comprehensive app like Magoosh for structured learning with a vocabulary-specific app for daily word practice.
Take advantage of offline features. Most quality GRE apps let you download content for offline use—perfect for subway commutes or areas with spotty Wi-Fi.
Review your mistakes carefully. Don’t just check if you got a question right or wrong. Read the explanations for every question you miss—and even some you got right—to deepen your understanding.
Simulate test conditions. When taking GRE mock tests in apps, try to replicate actual test conditions: timed, quiet environment, no breaks in the middle.
Don’t Forget Official ETS Resources
While third-party apps are invaluable, don’t overlook the free resources available directly from ETS, the makers of the GRE. The free POWERPREP Online practice tests give you the most authentic preview of the actual test experience.
ETS also offers an official GRE app developed in partnership with McGraw-Hill. While not as feature-rich as some third-party options, it provides real test questions from past GRE administrations—the most authentic practice material available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I prepare for the GRE using only mobile apps?
Technically, yes—especially with comprehensive apps like Magoosh that cover all sections. However, most test prep experts recommend supplementing app-based study with full-length practice tests on a computer, since that’s how you’ll take the actual exam. Apps are excellent for building content knowledge and daily practice, but you’ll want to simulate real test conditions at least a few times before your test date.
Q: How long should I study for the GRE?
Q: What is a good GRE score?
Q: Are paid GRE apps worth the money?
Q: Can you use a calculator on the GRE?
Q: How has the GRE changed in 2024-2025?
Final Thoughts
The right GRE prep app can transform dead time into productive study sessions and make the path to your target score more manageable. Whether you choose a comprehensive solution like Magoosh or piece together several specialized apps, the key is consistent, focused practice.
Remember that apps are tools, not magic solutions. Your success ultimately depends on the time and effort you put into preparation. Start with a diagnostic test to understand where you stand, create a realistic study schedule, and commit to daily practice—even if it’s just 15 minutes of vocabulary review on your lunch break.
Graduate school is an exciting next step, and a strong GRE score can open doors to programs that might otherwise feel out of reach. With these apps in your pocket, you have the tools to get there.
Ready to take the next step in your graduate school journey? Explore our guide to choosing the right online master’s program to find the perfect fit for your career goals.