Best GRE Courses

Best GRE Prep Courses of 2026

When it comes to obtaining an advanced degree from a top-tier college or university, one of the best ways to earn admittance is by demonstrating a very high GRE score in your application. A strong test score opens important academic doors and can also qualify you for a variety of scholarships, but how do you set yourself up for academic and professional success and obtain a GRE score that will make your application stand out? The GRE is a notoriously difficult exam, and preparing for it with a professional and seasoned test prep provider is one of the most established and effective ways of boosting your score. But with every test prep company promising score improvements, high-scoring instructors, and tailored test preparation, how do you choose the right prep course for your goals and learning needs?

We’ve done the research and organized our results into a guide meant to make your preparation process as stress-free as possible. After analyzing the leading GRE prep options, we’ve identified the best choices for a variety of score goals, study timelines, budgets, and learning styles. Read on to find the GRE prep course that’s just right for you.

Manhattan Review

Manhattan Review was founded in 1999 at Columbia Business School by Joern Meissner, following his students’ suggestion to turn his effective and time-saving test preparation strategies into a formal prep course. While the company started as a bespoke test prep service, it has grown into a global provider of high-quality educational services. Manhattan Review offers several GRE prep options:

  • GRE Online Classic Course ($990): this option includes 28 hours of live online instruction.
  • GRE Online Private Course ($1,590): this option includes 12 hours of live, personalized, 1:1 instruction based around the student’s desired study schedule.
  • GRE In-Person Classic Course ($1,590): this option includes 28 hours of live, in-person instruction in cities around the world, as well as 6 practice tests.
  • GRE In-Person Private Course ($1,590): this option includes 12 hours of in-person, customized, 1:1 instruction based around the student’s desired study schedule, as well as 6 practice tests.

Users appreciated the option to choose from online or in-person courses and described their instructors as knowledgeable, supportive, and excellent at tailoring their teaching to the unique needs of learners. Manhattan Review has developed a reputation for hiring not only high-scoring instructors, but teachers who are committed to helping their students succeed and achieve their desired test score. Users raved about the company’s proprietary “Turbocharge Your Prep” book series, which were described as packed with useful information in an easy-to-understand format. Learners felt seen, heard, and supported in online classes and appreciated how patient instructors were. The course was repeatedly reported to be highly structured and comprehensive in scope.

In some reviews, users found the curriculum to be challenging, although many noted that this successfully prepared them for the real GRE and boosted their confidence on the day of their exam. Some learners expressed a desire for additional practice materials or an online Qbank.

Best for: users whose learning is affected by their quality of their instructor, those seeking comprehensive prep that prioritizes live instruction and personalized learning, or those who are motivated to achieve a strong GRE score.

Not the best for: users seeking to improve specific areas of weakness, those who learn best through Qbanks or flashcards, or those searching for a light review option.

GregMat

GregMat was founded in 2018 as a way to provide affordable, effective, and highly engaging GRE prep. Over the years, the company has developed a dedicated user base and become a frequently recommended source of high-quality yet affordable test preparation. GregMat offers two GRE prep course options:

  • GregMat+ ($7.99/month): this option includes access to weekly live classes, past class recordings, more than 100 quizzes, 3 full practice tests, 1000+ practice problems, targeted skill-building drills, Vocab and Quant memorization tools, and more.
  • GregMat+ & PrepSwift ($9.99/month): this option was described as an add-on service for those on the go or who need additional, concise review and includes all GregMat+ features, plus hundreds of short video lessons, strategy videos, and a GRE study plan.

In reviews, users praised the affordable prices and described their instructors as professional and thorough. They appreciated the access to past class recordings, as well as the live instruction offered on different days of the week. Study plans were generally described as focused and helpful, and students reported that learning logical test-taking strategies improved their test performance more than simply memorizing test-related content. Answer explanations were reported to be very strong, particularly for Vocab questions.

In some reviews, the navigational dashboard was described as outdated and not especially intuitive. Some users noted that there were fewer proprietary practice questions than other companies offered. A few users reported that the course was fast-paced and worked best for learners with at least some knowledge of GRE content.

Best for: users with some knowledge of the GRE seeking to review concepts or learners on a budget.

Not the best for: users who are completely new to preparing for the GRE or those seeking tailored live instruction.

Kaplan

Kaplan was founded in 1938 as an in-person tutoring service. Over the years, the company has expanded to provide prep courses, private tutoring, and student support services to learners around the world, becoming a recognizable name in the test prep industry. Kaplan offers two GRE prep course options:

  • On Demand Course: this option includes a complete GRE video course, 30+ hours of recorded lessons on the GRE channel, 180+ hours of online instruction and practice, 13 practice tests, customizable Qbank, GRE math courses, prep books, essay feedback, vocab flashcards, and a personalized study calendar.
    • o 1 month of access: $299
    • o 3 months of access: $449
    • o 6 months of access: $599
  • Live Online Course ($1,099): this option includes 21 hours of live online instruction, accountability with flexible schedules, 30+ hours of on-demand learning, 13 practice tests, customizable Qbank, GRE math courses, prep books, essay feedback, vocab flashcards, and a personalized study calendar.

In reviews, users generally described their instructors as knowledgeable, experienced, and professional. Users appreciated the realistic practice tests, as well as the Qbank and extensive study materials. The majority of reviews found the on-demand video lessons to be engaging and helpful in breaking down complex material. Many learners found the prep books to be informative and good for those who don’t enjoy or want a break from video lessons.

In some reviews, users noted that the quality of their instructor varied, with some individuals demonstrating better teaching skills than others. Some learners described the on-demand video lessons as dry or not particularly engaging, while others found the prep books difficult to engage with. Although many users found the practice question Qbank to be helpful, others recommended supplementing the prep course with official ETS practice materials to gain familiarity with the specific style of GRE questions.

Best for: users who need to supplement live instruction with extensive study materials, those who care less about the quality of an individual instructor and more about structure and a set schedule, or those seeking to build a basic but solid GRE foundation.

Not the best for: users whose learning is affected by the quality of their instructor, self-motivated learners who do not require extensive structure, or those on a budget.

Scholar Den

Scholar Den was founded in 2016 to provide AI-powered, personalized test prep. While the company is newer than some others in this guide, they have gained popularity for utilizing technology to help busy professionals and international students prepare for the GRE. Scholar Den offers six GRE prep course options:

  • Monthly Basic ($39/month): this option includes AI-powered study plans, 2000+ video and text lessons, more than 1,600 practice questions, advanced lessons to score over 320, basic Math and English lessons, performance analytics, and helpful tips and test-taking tricks.
  • Monthly Premium ($49/month): this includes everything in the Monthly Basic option, in addition to 8 Math practice tests.
  • Quarterly Basic (one-time payment of $57): this includes everything in the Monthly Basic option, but with a slightly discounted price per month.
  • Quarterly Premium (one-time payment of $87): this includes everything in the Monthly Premium option, but with a slightly discounted price per month.
  • 6 Months Basic (one-time payment of $192): this includes everything in the Monthly Basic option, but with a more discounted price per month.
  • 6 Months Premium (one-time payment of $252): this includes everything in the Monthly Premium option, but with a more discounted price per month.

In reviews, users described the video and text lessons as being structured, organized, and easy to understand. Learners reported that the AI-driven personalized study plans helped them to target and improve specific areas of weakness. The practice exams, particularly the mock Quants, were noted to help test-takers improve their time-management skills while also reducing test-related anxiety. Learners found the practice questions to closely match those on the real GRE, and they appreciated the strong focus on understanding concepts as opposed to rote memorization.

In some reviews, students reported that the inclusion of more reading-related exercises would be helpful, as would a stronger focus on Vocab, in general. Some learners reported that Scholar Den was most helpful as a supplement for strengthening Quant concepts after using official ETS materials or completing another prep course or workbooks.

Best for: international students seeking to obtain a graduate-level education at a US-based college or university, or those seeking to strengthen or supplement their Quant knowledge.

Not the best for: users who already possess a strong Quant knowledge, or those seeking structured live instruction.

Princeton Review

Princeton Review is an instantly recognizable name when it comes to standardized test preparation, and they have been supporting students and providing educational services since 1981. The company offers test preparation, private tutoring, and admissions materials, as well as several GRE prep courses:

  • Self-Paced ($499): this option includes 60+ interactive lessons, more than 3,000 practice questions, adaptive drills, and 8 full-length practice tests with interactive score reports.
  • GRE 10 Points+ ($899): this option includes 470+ online drills, hours of instructional on-demand lessons, 8 computer section-adaptive practice exams with interactive score reports, a structured study plan, and live GRE math classes.
  • Fundamentals Live Online ($1,199): this option includes 24 hours of expert-led live instruction, plus more than 470 online drills, 3000+ practice questions, hours of on-demand video lessons, 8 full-length section-adaptive practice tests with interactive score reports.
  • GRE 162+ ($2,399): this option includes 45 hours of expert-led live instruction, 15 additional hours of Quant and Verbal supplemental sessions, a score guarantee of 162+ or your money back, 2 GRE manuals (Quant and Verbal), more than 3,000 practice questions, and 8 full-length section-adaptive practice tests with interactive score reports.

Princeton Review offers comprehensive GRE preparation through both self-study and live instruction options. Students described the practice tests as being realistic, high-quality, and a good way to improve test-taking stamina. Several reviews noted that the Quant and Verbal problem-solving strategies were highly effective. While the online dashboard was described as not particularly intuitive, the prep course content itself was noted to be highly organized and easy to navigate.

Some students reported that the Quant section was not challenging enough and easier than the real GRE. Users felt that some of the test-taking strategies taught in the on-demand videos were outdated and in need of updating. Reviewers did not always find that the high course cost was justified, although they appreciated the 162+ course money-back guarantee. Live classes were also noted to be quite a bit larger than those offered by other companies on this life.

Best for: users seeking to supplement their GRE prep who already have foundational knowledge.

Not the best for: users seeking comprehensive live instruction at affordable prices.

Conclusion

Preparing for the GRE with professional test prep providers can mean the difference between a good score and a score that gains you admittance to the university or business program of your dreams. After reviewing and analyzing the best GRE prep courses of 2026, we’ve found leading, high-quality options for all learners. Whether you prefer on-demand video lessons, live online learning, or in-person instruction, there’s certain to be a prep option that’s best for you. While all prices mentioned were accurate at the time of writing, some companies on this list offer seasonal sales or discounts, so we encourage interested users to visit the provided websites for the most up-to-date pricing information. Equipped with this guide, we hope you will be empowered to take control of your future, and we wish you all the best in your academic and professional endeavors.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Does taking a prep course mean I’ll earn a really high GRE score?

Enrolling in a prep course is a great way to know what to expect when you take the GRE. It helps you understand the types of questions you’ll be asked and how to manage your time so you don’t rush through or fall behind on a particular section. Taking a prep course doesn’t automatically mean you’ll earn a high score—obviously, you have to put in the time and effort to complete the lessons and homework assignments. But not only does a prep course show you what to study, it helps identify your strengths and weaknesses, so you know where to focus. Prep courses provide comprehensive instruction on all parts of the GRE and give you a place to practice and ask questions so you’re as prepared as possible on the day of your exam. You get out of a prep course what you put into it, so the more you prioritize your studying, the better score you’re likely to earn.

My friend says prep courses are a waste of money when there are so many free resources available online. Why should I pay for something when I can get study materials for free?

It’s true there are tons of free GRE resources available online, but just because they’re available doesn’t mean they’re accurate. The GRE is updated every few years, and while prep companies change their materials following every update, free online resources rarely get changed or updated. That means you could spend weeks or months studying material you ultimately aren’t even tested on because what you studied is old and outdated.

One of the nice things about taking a prep course is that you can be confident the material you’re learning is exactly what you’re going to be tested on. You can answer practice questions, take practice tests, and have a good idea of how you’ll score before the day of your exam. There are several highly rated prep courses that are perfect for learners on a tight budget, so even though they aren’t free, they’re affordable and you’re learning the most up-to-date information.

Out of the all the prep courses reviewed here, what’s the best one if I’m on a super tight budget?

We’d recommend GregMat for learners on a budget. Their most expensive prep course option is $9.99 a month, and for that price you get access to weekly live classes, past class recordings, quizzes, practice tests, a study plan, and more. They’re a slightly better fit for students who aren’t completely new to preparing for the GRE (it helps if you’ve read a prep book or watched some online videos), but they’re an excellent resource for anyone who wants to strengthen their knowledge of the GRE without emptying their bank account.

What prep course should I take if my biggest priority is personalized instruction and having a teacher who makes sure I learn what I need to know?

If that’s your focus, we’d recommend taking a prep course with Manhattan Review. Based on our research, their instructors are really good at tailoring their teaching style to the needs of individual learners. That means if you don’t understand something, their instructors can explain it in different ways until it makes sense. The company is known for hiring dedicated professional instructors who are committed to helping learners succeed, and they know how to make it feel like you’re getting private tutoring even though you’re taking a group prep course. They also offer a private prep course option if you prefer to be the only person in the class and receive undivided attention without paying private tutoring prices.

Is two months enough time to prepare for the GRE?

How long it takes to prepare for the GRE depends on several factors, like how well you usually do taking standardized tests, how much time you have each day to study, and how disciplined you are about studying. Two months in a rigorous prep course might be plenty of time for some people, but most test prep experts recommend giving yourself 4-6 months to prepare. While some parts of the test might be easier than you expect, other parts might be harder and require more time. Rushing through your test prep isn’t the best way to really absorb the material, so it’s better to give yourself as much time as possible, based on what you know about how you learn. Many test prep courses offer customized study schedules based on when you plan to take the GRE, which can be helpful for getting organized and keeping your prep on track, especially if you’re taking a self-paced or on-demand course.

What’s the difference between on-demand learning and live instruction?

On-demand learning means you can access the course materials whenever it’s convenient for you. Video lessons were recorded at an earlier date, so what you’re watching isn’t happening live. The great thing about on-demand learning (also called self-paced learning) is that you can study when it’s best for you...you don’t have to change your schedule to prepare for the GRE.

Live instruction is exactly what it sounds like—you’re either in a room with an instructor or you’re watching them live online in real time. Live instruction is a good way to be accountable with your studying because you have to show up for a lesson happening at a certain time on a certain day. Neither type of prep course is good or bad, they just work better for different types of learners. Self-motivated learners tend to do well with on-demand learning because they hold themselves accountable and don’t need help making sure they study. Learners who do best when they need to show up and participate in a lesson tend to do best with live instruction because it blocks off time on their calendar dedicated solely to GRE prep.