If you’re planning to pursue a master’s degree or doctoral program, chances are the GRE is on your radar. The Graduate Record Examination remains one of the most widely accepted standardized tests for graduate school admissions, with over 256,000 test-takers in the 2023-2024 testing year alone. Finding the right GRE prep course can mean the difference between an average score and one that opens doors to your dream program.
Whether you’re a self-studier on a budget or someone who thrives with structured instruction, this guide breaks down the best GRE test prep options available right now—from premium courses to affordable alternatives that actually work.
Table Of Contents
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What to Know About the GRE in 2025-2026
Before diving into prep courses, it helps to understand what you’re up against. ETS (Educational Testing Service) made significant changes to the exam in September 2023, and these updates affect how you should approach your GRE study guide and overall preparation strategy.
The Shorter GRE Format
The current GRE clocks in at just under two hours—roughly half the length of the previous version. Here’s what changed:
- Total test time: 1 hour and 58 minutes (down from 3 hours and 45 minutes)
- Verbal Reasoning: 27 questions across two sections
- Quantitative Reasoning: 27 questions across two sections
- Analytical Writing: One essay task (the Argument essay was removed)
- No experimental section: Every question now counts toward your score
The scoring scale remains unchanged—130-170 for each Verbal and Quantitative section, with Analytical Writing scored 0-6. The GRE costs $220 worldwide (as of July 2024), with slight variations in China and India.
What Is a Good GRE Score?
According to ETS data from 2021-2024, the mean GRE scores are approximately 151 for Verbal Reasoning and 158 for Quantitative Reasoning. However, “good” depends entirely on your target programs. Top-tier graduate programs often expect scores in the 160+ range for both sections, while some programs may accept scores closer to the average.
Before starting your prep, research the GRE score requirements or averages for the online master’s programs you’re considering. This gives you a concrete target to work toward rather than an abstract “high score.”
Top GRE Prep Courses for 2026
After researching dozens of options and analyzing student feedback, pricing structures, and course content, here are the GRE courses that stand out from the pack.
1. Magoosh GRE — Best Budget Option
Price: Starting at $99-$179 | Format: Self-paced online | Best for: Self-motivated learners on a budget
Magoosh has built a reputation as the affordable GRE prep option that doesn’t sacrifice quality. At roughly a third of the price of competitors like Kaplan or Princeton Review, it delivers video lessons, practice questions, and study schedules that rival pricier alternatives.
What makes it stand out:
- 290+ video lessons covering all GRE topics
- The only prep course licensed to use official ETS practice questions
- AI-powered essay scoring and instant feedback
- Mobile apps for studying on the go
- 5+ point score improvement guarantee (money-back if not met)
The catch: No live instruction. If you need a teacher walking you through concepts in real-time, you’ll need to look elsewhere. But for disciplined self-studiers, Magoosh hits the sweet spot between affordability and comprehensiveness.
2. Manhattan Prep GRE — Best Overall
Price: $299-$1,599 | Format: Self-paced and live options | Best for: Visual learners who want engaging content
Manhattan Prep consistently earns top marks for making GRE prep genuinely engaging. Their video lessons are sprinkled with humor, animations, and interactive quizzes that break up the monotony of standardized test preparation. All instructors have scored in the 99th percentile on the GRE.
Why students love it:
- 5,000+ practice problems—more than most competitors
- Adaptive study plans that adjust to your strengths and weaknesses
- Six full-length practice tests aligned with the shorter GRE format
- 325+ score guarantee on premium packages
- Special GRE for MBA course for business school applicants
Manhattan Prep is now powered by Kaplan, which means you get the best of both worlds: Manhattan’s engaging teaching style with Kaplan’s extensive resources and infrastructure.
3. Kaplan GRE — Best for Comprehensive Resources
Price: $499-$2,299+ | Format: Self-paced, live online, and in-person | Best for: Students wanting the full test prep experience
Kaplan is the household name in test prep for a reason. Their GRE program offers more practice tests than any competitor (up to 13 full-length exams with premium packages), and their “Official Test Day Experience” lets you take a practice exam at an actual testing center under real conditions.
Key features:
- 180+ hours of video instruction
- 5,000+ practice questions with detailed explanations
- Live online classes with flexible scheduling
- Higher score guarantee or money back
- Free email support and online make-up sessions
Worth noting: Kaplan’s private tutoring minimum starts at 15 hours, which can get pricey. If one-on-one instruction is your priority, other options may offer more flexibility.
4. Princeton Review GRE — Best Score Guarantee
Price: $399-$2,399+ | Format: Self-paced and live instruction | Best for: Students who want guaranteed results
Princeton Review offers perhaps the most aggressive score guarantees in the industry. Their 162+ course promises you’ll hit that mark on both Verbal and Quant—or you get your money back. The Drill Smart technology adapts practice questions to your skill level in real-time.
What’s included:
- 8 full-length practice tests with interactive score reports
- 4,400+ practice drills and questions
- Up to 45 hours of live instruction (on premium plans)
- Physical prep books included with instructor-led courses
- Live math support for struggling students
Heads up: The score guarantee comes with fine print. You’ll need to complete all required materials and meet certain criteria to qualify for the money-back guarantee.
5. GregMat+ — Best Value for Live Instruction
Price: $7.99/month | Format: Live classes + on-demand | Best for: Budget-conscious students who want live teaching
At less than $8 a month, GregMat+ is almost impossibly affordable. Founded by Greg Kegoyan, this platform strips away the bells and whistles of premium courses to focus on what matters: solid instruction and strategic test-taking approaches. It’s become something of a cult favorite among GRE test-takers.
What you get:
- 10+ live classes held weekly
- Extensive library of recorded lessons
- Comprehensive 1-month and 2-month GRE study plans
- Vocabulary resources and practice materials
- Active community of fellow test-takers
The tradeoff: GregMat+ doesn’t have the polished production quality or sophisticated analytics dashboards of bigger companies. If you want adaptive technology and detailed progress tracking, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
6. Target Test Prep — Best for Quantitative Reasoning
Price: $149-$399+ | Format: Self-paced with AI assistance | Best for: Students who need to boost their Quant score
Target Test Prep (TTP) built its reputation on GMAT quant prep and has translated that expertise to the GRE. Their course is particularly strong for students who struggle with GRE math questions and need systematic, concept-by-concept instruction to build a solid foundation.
Standout features:
- 4,000+ practice questions with video solutions
- 400+ hours of video instruction
- AI-powered study assistant (TTP AI Assist)
- Personalized study plans that adapt to your progress
- 320+ score guarantee
Quick Comparison: GRE Prep Courses at a Glance
| Course | Starting Price | Live Classes | Practice Tests | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magoosh | $99 | No | 3 | Budget self-studiers |
| Manhattan Prep | $299 | Yes (premium) | 6 | Visual learners |
| Kaplan | $499 | Yes | 10-13 | Comprehensive prep |
| Princeton Review | $399 | Yes | 8 | Score guarantees |
| GregMat+ | $7.99/mo | Yes | Via ETS | Best value overall |
| Target Test Prep | $149 | Yes (bundle) | Multiple | Quant improvement |
Free GRE Practice Test Resources
You don’t need to spend a fortune to prepare for the GRE. ETS offers several free resources that should form the foundation of any GRE study plan, regardless of whether you’re also using a paid course.
Official ETS Resources (Free)
- POWERPREP Online: Two full-length practice tests that simulate the actual GRE experience, complete with the section-adaptive format
- GRE Mini Quiz: A quick 10-question diagnostic with 5 Verbal and 5 Quant questions from real GRE tests
- POWERPREP Preview Tool: Sample questions from all three sections with answer keys
- GRE Vocabulary Flashcards: 1,600+ words to build your verbal reasoning skills
For additional official practice, the POWERPREP PLUS tests are available for $39.95 each and include score explanations and detailed feedback. The Official Guide to the GRE (around $25) contains two additional unique practice tests and hundreds of sample GRE questions with explanations.
How to Study for the GRE: A Practical Approach
The best way to study for the GRE depends on your starting point, target score, and available time. Most students benefit from 1-3 months of consistent preparation, though some may need 6 months or more for significant score improvements.
Step 1: Establish Your Baseline
Take one of the free POWERPREP tests under realistic conditions before starting any prep. This tells you exactly where you stand and helps identify whether you need more work on Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, or both.
Step 2: Set a Target Score
Research the average or required GRE scores for your target programs. A student applying to business programs might need different scores than someone pursuing a humanities doctorate. The gap between your baseline and target determines how much prep you need.
Step 3: Create a Study Schedule
Here’s a general timeline based on your score gap:
- 0-5 point improvement needed: 2-4 weeks of focused review
- 5-10 point improvement needed: 1-2 months of structured study
- 10+ point improvement needed: 3-6 months of comprehensive preparation
Step 4: Balance Content Review and Practice
Effective GRE prep combines learning concepts with applying them through practice problems. Aim to spend roughly 60% of your time on practice questions and GRE mock tests, and 40% on content review. As you get closer to your test date, shift more heavily toward full-length practice tests to build stamina and timing.
Step 5: Review Your Mistakes Systematically
Taking practice tests without reviewing your errors is a waste of time. For every question you miss, understand why you got it wrong. Was it a content gap, a careless error, or a timing issue? Track patterns in your mistakes to identify areas that need more attention.
Tackling the GRE Writing Section
The Analytical Writing section now consists of a single “Analyze an Issue” task (30 minutes). While many graduate programs don’t weight this section as heavily as Verbal and Quant, a solid essay score demonstrates your ability to construct coherent arguments—a skill every graduate student needs.
Tips for success:
- Practice with official GRE writing prompts. ETS publishes their entire pool of potential essay topics online.
- Develop a template structure. A clear intro, 2-3 body paragraphs with specific examples, and a conclusion works for most prompts.
- Time yourself rigorously. Aim to finish with 2-3 minutes for proofreading.
- Use the ScoreItNow! service. ETS offers AI-powered essay scoring that mimics the real grading process.
Frequently Asked Questions About GRE Test Prep
How long is the GRE?
The current GRE takes 1 hour and 58 minutes with no breaks. It includes one 30-minute Analytical Writing section, two 18-minute Verbal Reasoning sections, and two 21-minute Quantitative Reasoning sections.
Can you use a calculator on the GRE?
How much does the GRE cost?
Can you take the GRE at home?
How long are GRE scores valid?
Do all graduate programs require the GRE?
The Bottom Line
Choosing the best GRE test prep comes down to your learning style, budget, and timeline. If money is tight, GregMat+ ($7.99/month) or Magoosh ($99-$179) deliver solid results without breaking the bank. If you want the most comprehensive experience and don’t mind spending more, Kaplan or Manhattan Prep offer extensive resources and multiple learning formats.
Regardless of which course you choose, supplement your prep with official ETS materials. Nothing predicts your actual GRE performance better than questions written by the same people who create the real test.
Remember: a prep course is only as effective as the effort you put into it. Set a realistic study schedule, track your progress through regular practice tests, and address your weaknesses systematically. The GRE is a learnable test—with the right approach, you can achieve the score you need to reach your graduate school goals.
Sources
• ETS: A Snapshot of the Individuals Who Took the GRE General Test (July 2023 – June 2024).
• ETS: Interpreting Your GRE Scores: 2025-26.
• Kaplan Test Prep.: The Shorter GRE: New Test, Half as Long.
• Test Prep Insight: The Best GRE Prep Courses of 2025.• Achievable: Key GRE Statistics from the 2024 ETS GRE Snapshot Report.