Choosing the right GRE prep can be tough, especially with options like Magoosh and Kaplan.
I’ve been there, feeling stressed about which one would actually help me get a good score.
Magoosh is known for its budget-friendly price and flexible study options, while Kaplan offers a more traditional, classroom-like experience with lots of resources.
But which one really fits your needs? I’ve compared them based on features, pricing, and study styles to help you decide.
Let’s break down the pros and cons of Magoosh vs. Kaplan so that you can pick the best study buddy for your GRE journey.
Bottom Line:
Both Kaplan and Magoosh are excellent choices. However, if you want the best refund policy, practice material, and tests in the industry, Magoosh is the way to go.
Magoosh has over 500 hours of video lessons with real instructors that will teach you everything from vocabulary to math concepts to help you improve your test score. Furthermore, they provide unlimited access to all of our content, so you won’t run out of things to study!
Sign up with Magoosh today and see what it feels like when studying becomes fun again!
Magoosh vs Kaplan GRE 2025: Overview
Here is an overview comparison between Magoosh and Kaplan GRE:
Kaplan Overview
Kaplan offers live courses nationwide in more than 40 states. Its classroom structure is suitable for busy schedules.
Kaplan GRE test prep allows you to learn entirely on your own or with the assistance of an instructor. There are many day options, and you can select any time from those options.
Everything is also available on Kaplan’s mobile app. The app provides both quantity and quality of study materials.
There will be a lot of test and practice materials to help you learn for GRE prep courses. It is accessible to anyone and everyone.
Kaplan will assist those who wish to study from home while participating in live online courses. Its quiz banks contain over 5,000 questions.
In this industry, the number of questions is the highest. You select the study plan, such as the type of question and difficulty, based on your abilities. Other online courses do not provide offline resources, but Kaplan does.
The Kaplan courses are available in in-person test prep courses in 46 states. If you are interested in a study hall, Kaplan may be the best option for you.
Kaplan is a well-known test prep company with the most area and timing options of any available test prep course.
This GRE prep plan has provided a large library of materials, likely their most valuable component.
Kaplan offers more full-length practice test sets than competitors, more practice questions, offline resources, and a GRE prep course test plan. It provides live aptitudes, system recommendations, and exercises.
Kaplan has so many video sessions, practice questions, tests, and other materials that a typical student would struggle to finish them all.
This may appear to some as an overdose, but the majority of students can ensure adequate substance for their weak zones.
With the help of this massive resource, they can become acquainted with the course’s nuts and bolts and progress to the master level. Kaplan’s score increase guarantee also works, and you can use it to improve your GRE test score.
Magoosh Overview
Magoosh is also an excellent option for preparing students for the GRE test because it offers a plus 5-point score increase guarantee. Every Magoosh GRE prep course plan is online and available on a computer, tablet, and smartphone.
There are no class meetings, textbooks, DVDs, or deadlines; open Magoosh on your computer, tablet, or smartphone and get started right away.
It provides video lessons based on your progress and compares you to other students. It provides dependable learning resources to help you recognize your potential, skills, and abilities.
Magoosh GRE prep provides study plans ranging from one week to six months, depending on how much time you have left for GRE courses.
The best part is that these plans are available on the website and GRE prep courses test blog even if you cannot purchase them for this course.
However, premium study plan material is available after you make a purchase. It has fewer questions rather than many, and it simply provides the best material.
It provides a more optimized study environment than a classroom. You can access the material whenever you want and watch the videos as many times as you want. Magoosh is a top test preparation company.
When you enroll in a Magoosh prep course, you approach their test prep entry. You also gain access to their iPhone, iPad, and Android applications. The application contains most of their exercises, problem sheets, and tests.
The Magoosh offers GRE prep courses that are entirely online. There are no books or software to order or carry, giving you the flexibility to test quickly. It provides dependable learning resources as well as numerous practice tests.
They are also excellent at providing alternative options. When considering GRE courses, one of the most important abilities to understand is when to use simple math and reasoning.
The math-based arrangement will be demonstrated in your regular test prep clarification. I hope this comparison helped you decide between Magoosh and Kaplan.
When a math-based arrangement is required, the recordings will frequently provide alternative solutions to the problems. You can also get help via email.
Magoosh vs Kaplan: Practice Material
Here is a comparison between Magoosh and Kaplan GRE practice material:
Magoosh Practice Materials
It does not provide many options, but the content of the one-month and six-month premium period courses is identical. They include approximately 250 video lessons, 1,200 practice questions, and three GRE prep tests.
The video lessons last no more than 4-5 minutes. To watch all of the videos, you’ll need to set aside approximately 21 hours.
The practice tests do not contain the same practice questions as the practice questions, but the method is the same. Magoosh provides simple tutoring options. It offers dependable learning resources.
The questions are divided into categories ranging from easy to extremely difficult. Based on your progress, you can answer questions. If you are a beginner, simple questions are best. It also displays GRE score predictors based on your test results.
Even though it has less material than Kaplan, it still has many videos and practice questions. Students do not always use most of the Kaplan material. Magoosh satisfies a student’s needs even with limited resources.
Kaplan Practice Materials
It is more expensive than Magoosh because it provides significantly more content. Kaplan provides approximately 5,000 practice questions, seven practice tests, 180 hours of video lessons, and four GRE test course-related textbooks/workbooks.
The self-paced option includes approximately 18 hours of course time and all other features, but it is only available online for six months. Kaplan provides simple tutoring options.
It includes 35 hours of elective live instruction in GRE Math and advanced GRE Math material. Every lesson lasts more than 7 hours and includes 200 practice questions, including GRE course verbal.
It also has additional options, such as tutoring and coaching sessions, but you must pay for them. Magoosh also provides simple tutoring options.
It also includes a score predictor, similar to Magoosh. However, it compares the scores based on subjects.
For example, if you score much higher on verbal than mathematical questions, it will show you more math questions in practice sessions throughout the program to make you equally good in GRE prep course math.
Because of this feature, Magoosh is one of the best test prep companies. It provides dependable learning resources. I hope this comparison is useful to you in deciding between Magoosh and Kaplan.
Kaplan vs Magoosh GRE: Essay
Magoosh Essay
Even though the verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE course demand more time and attention, the essay writing section is also critical.
Nonetheless, Magoosh does not provide any essay-related features. Magoosh also provides essay evaluation services.
Numerous videos, blog posts, and articles provide writing tips for the Analytical Writing Assessment.
These are helpful, but they pale in comparison to practice essay sessions, where students are graded and given feedback. Magoosh also provides simple tutoring options.
Kaplan Essay
It has an essay-writing feature. You can submit up to two essays at once, and Kaplan’s qualified instructors will grade them and send you your score within a few days.
These instructors provide feedback on your essay writing abilities and advise you on improving them.
Kaplan’s essay writing service is far superior to Magoosh’s because it includes evaluation options.
Magoosh and Kaplan: Score Guarantee
Magoosh Offers a Score Guarantee
It guarantees a 5-point increase in your final GRE score if you complete the entire Magoosh GRE course and watch all of the videos.
If you complete all the practice questions and explanation videos for the questions you answered correctly and still do not receive the 5-point increase on the exam, you will receive a full refund for the course.
It provides simple tutoring options. To take advantage of this offer, you must have taken the GRE within the last five years. You must send a copy of your score before enrolling in the course.
Magoosh GRE offers greater assurance than Kaplan. It also provides video instructions to students. I hope this comparison helped you decide between Magoosh and Kaplan.
Kaplan Score Guarantee
Kaplan guarantees a one-point increase in your final GRE score. That is, if you scored even one point higher than your previous score, you will not be eligible for the guarantee.
However, just like Magoosh, you must complete all the practice questions, practice tests, and video lessons to be eligible for the guarantee. It also provides students with video instructions.
However, remember that Kaplan offers over 5,000 questions, seven practice tests, and 18 hours of content. If you do not complete all course options, you will not be eligible for a refund. It also provides students with video instructions.
It also sells hardcopy preparation books. However, before enrolling in the course, you must pass a GRE test like an official exam. The result of this test will serve as the guarantee’s baseline.
If you do not wish to receive a refund, it also provides a retake option, which allows you to retake the course for free.
However, once you choose the retake option, you will not be able to get your money back. Both options are viable, and it is entirely dependent on your objectives.
Which One Has A Better Refund Policy? Â
Magoosh Refund Policy
Magoosh offers a refund policy if you don’t think that course is good for you seven days after signing up. You will get your money refunded once you apply for the refund, and they will not ask a single question.
It’s similar to a 7-day free trial. You are not required to give a reason for leaving the course. Magoosh outperforms Kaplan in this regard. It also provides students with video instructions. It also provides an excellent learning opportunity.
Kaplan Refund Policy
It does not offer refunds like Magoosh. Once you sign up for the course, there is no way out. If you change your mind after signing up and decide not to take the course, the money has vanished.
Then, you must take the course even if it does not assist you in preparing for the GRE.
Magoosh and Kaplan: Performance Analysis
Magoosh Analysis
Magoosh’s dashboard tracks your progress. It analyzes your project and then recommends practice tests and questions to you. It instructs you to concentrate on a specific area.
You will be given a score based on your performance, and a comparison with other students will help you realize your potential, skills, and what you are good at and bad at.
Following the analysis, you can easily navigate wherever you need to go to perform well on the final exam. You can improve your scores by repeating questions, videos, and practice sets.
There is no end to it. As a result, it is adequate but not as good as Kaplan’s performance analysis.
Kaplan Analysis
Kaplan provides an intelligent report on your practice exam scores and a guide to break down your performance.
You can keep track of your progress, weaknesses, strengths, skills, and areas where you excel or fail.
It is designed to direct your attention to your weaknesses, such as which areas you need to study more to improve your scores.
It has a chart that shows your scores over time, and you can also view your past scores and compare them to other tests you’ve taken.
You can use this to identify your strengths and weaknesses; the recommended option will direct you to focus on a specific area. It also sells hardcopy preparation books.
Magoosh and Kaplan: Additional Options And Packages
Magoosh Additional Options
Magoosh does not offer any additional packages or options. It provides only the primary choice for preparation, which you can avail of for a small amount of money, and there is no add-on option in Magoosh. You have to be satisfied with the basic options.
But still, if you get good at basic options, you probably won’t need any add-on options. In this particular area, Kaplan is better than Magoosh GRE.
Kaplan Additional Options
As a student, if you are not ready to purchase the entire platform, Kaplan offers you the option of purchasing an additional option or package to work on a specific skill of yours. It also offers smaller packages to help you hone your skills.
If you already know the fundamentals and only need practice questions, you can purchase Kaplan’s add-on option for a small fee. They also have everything available on their official mobile app. It also offers hardcopy preparation books.
We hope this comparison was useful to you in deciding between Magoosh and Kaplan.
You can get 2,500+ practice questions, a practice test, and an official test day experience for only $200.
Pricing Plans: Which Platform Has Better Pricing?Â
Magoosh Pricing Plans
The price of Magoosh is more reliable than any other online test preparation course. It offers complete library course materials, videos, and practice tests for a six-month premium for just $99. The price is less for the same content, only one month.
Although the time differs, the material in both courses is identical. It is a low-cost option with many resources, making it an excellent course.
Students who can’t join the real classroom can still prepare for the GRE with Magoosh with just a small amount of money.
Kaplan Pricing Plans
Kaplan offers many different options for different prices. If you want to prepare for the GRE in person or take online live classes, Kaplan is the best option.
If you prefer to learn independently, you can choose self-paced or self-paced, which costs around $399.
It’s four times as long as Magoosh’s prep course. The premium plus option costs an additional $200. The cost of in-person and live online sessions is higher than that of Magoosh.
It costs around $1,999 for these options, making it difficult for the average student to purchase this course.
Magoosh vs Kaplan GRE: Pros and Cons
Magoosh GRE Pros
- Offers affordable pricing and an easy-to-use online platform.
- Provides customizable study schedules and a large question bank with detailed explanations.
- It includes a free 7-day trial for users to explore the platform.
- Allows access to study materials on both desktop and mobile devices.
- Offers score improvement guarantees, providing a refund if your score doesn’t improve.
Magoosh GRE Cons
- Does not offer in-person classes.
- Has fewer practice tests compared to other options.
- Provides less interactive support for students.
Kaplan GRE Pros
- Provides both in-person and live online classes with expert instructors.
- Offers a high number of full-length practice tests and comprehensive study materials, including textbooks.
- Includes a robust set of resources, like GRE prep books and flashcards.
- Has a user-friendly mobile app for studying on the go.
Kaplan GRE Cons
- More expensive than many other prep options.
- The platform can be overwhelming for beginners.
- Limited free trial availability.
FAQs:
Is Kaplan or Magoosh better for the GRE preparation?
Magoosh is the safest option if you’re preparing for GRE because it offers a retake option and a money-back guarantee as well. But if you want detailed study material, then Kaplan trumps over Magoosh.
Is only Magoosh enough for GRE?
If you’re preparing for GRE then Magoosh is a good option, but it is not enough. You have to make your vocabulary, find questions online, and prepare with the material provided by Magoosh. You have to do your research for study materials if you want to clear GRE.
Is Magoosh harder than the actual GRE?
Magoosh is a little bit harder than actual GRE. The math videos and questions are more difficult than the actual test. But if you’re solving questions like that, then definitely your GRE score will improve in reality.
Is Kaplan harder than GRE?
Practice tests provided by Kaplan are somewhat similar to the actual GRE test and some questions are a bit harder than the GRE test.
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Conclusion: Magoosh vs Kaplan GRE 2025
In my opinion, the Magoosh course is the safest and most economical GRE prep course. But in the area of study materials, Kaplan has a lot to offer than Magoosh GRE.
Kaplan is superior to Magoosh for improving your GRE score because it offers a package of in-person and live online sessions, which are far superior to previously recorded questions and videos.
Magoosh does not have an instructor option. GRE means you have to take the course independently, with no one to guide you, but Kaplan provides many qualified instructors to guide you through your GRE preparation.
If money is not an issue, Kaplan is the best choice for you.
However, it does not provide a satisfying money-back guarantee like Magoosh because Magoosh guarantees that you will score five points higher than your previous official GRE test; if not, your money will be refunded.
In the case of Kaplan, you will only receive a one-point increase in your final score. If you are unable to improve your score, they will refund your money or allow you to retake the course for three months.
You should retake instead of a refund if you believe it is a better option.
Magoosh also has a 7-day refund policy if you don’t think Magoosh is right for you, and they won’t ask you a single question, whereas Kaplan has no refund policy, which means you can’t back out of the course once you’ve signed up for it.
Magoosh also provides free resources, such as over 1,000 practice questions, and Kaplan allows you to take a practice test for free; otherwise, you must pay.
Finally, based on the information presented in this article, I believe Magoosh is superior to Kaplan for various reasons. I hope this Magoosh vs Kaplan comparison serves your needs.
