Best Online GMAT Prep: Complete Comparison

Choosing the right online GMAT prep course can significantly impact your score and your chances of getting into your dream business school. This comprehensive comparison evaluates six of the top online GMAT prep options, considering factors like course structure, content quality, practice materials, pricing, and user experience. We delve into the strengths and weaknesses of each program to provide you with an objective and helpful guide. Whether you're looking for a highly structured course, adaptive learning technology, or extensive practice questions, this comparison will help you make an informed decision and select the best online GMAT prep course to meet your individual needs and learning style. Ultimately, finding the right fit can boost your confidence and maximize your GMAT score.

Manhattan Prep GMAT

Rating:
4.8/5

Manhattan Prep GMAT is renowned for its expert instructors and comprehensive curriculum. Their courses are designed to provide a deep understanding of GMAT concepts, with a focus on both content mastery and test-taking strategies. The platform offers a vast library of practice questions and simulated exams, allowing students to hone their skills and track their progress. While the price point is higher than some competitors, many students find the quality of instruction and materials to be well worth the investment. They offer both live online and on-demand options to cater to different learning preferences. The instructors are consistently praised for their knowledge and ability to explain complex topics clearly.

Pros

  • Expert instructors with high GMAT scores
  • Comprehensive curriculum covering all GMAT sections
  • Extensive practice question bank and simulated exams
  • Detailed analytics to track progress and identify weaknesses

Cons

  • Higher price point compared to some competitors
  • Can be overwhelming due to the sheer volume of material

Kaplan GMAT Prep

Rating:
4.5/5

Kaplan GMAT Prep is a well-established provider with a long history of helping students succeed on the GMAT. They offer a variety of course options, including live online classes, on-demand video lessons, and self-paced study programs. Kaplan's platform features adaptive learning technology that personalizes the learning experience based on individual strengths and weaknesses. The course materials are comprehensive and cover all sections of the GMAT in detail. While some students have found the instructors to be less engaging than those at Manhattan Prep, Kaplan's structured approach and extensive resources make it a solid choice for many students. Their score increase guarantee provides additional peace of mind.

Pros

  • Adaptive learning technology for personalized study
  • Comprehensive curriculum with detailed explanations
  • Variety of course options to suit different learning styles
  • Score increase guarantee

Cons

  • Instructors may not be as engaging as some competitors
  • Practice questions may not be as challenging as the actual GMAT

The Princeton Review GMAT

Rating:
4.3/5

The Princeton Review GMAT offers a range of prep courses designed to help students improve their GMAT scores. Their courses include live online instruction, on-demand video lessons, and practice tests. The Princeton Review emphasizes test-taking strategies and techniques, helping students to approach the GMAT with confidence. While their content coverage may not be as in-depth as Manhattan Prep, their focus on strategy can be beneficial for students who struggle with test anxiety or time management. The platform is user-friendly and provides detailed feedback on practice tests. They also offer a score guarantee for many of their courses.

Pros

  • Focus on test-taking strategies and techniques
  • User-friendly platform with detailed feedback
  • Score guarantee for many courses
  • Variety of course options

Cons

  • Content coverage may not be as in-depth as some competitors
  • Instructors may vary in quality

Veritas Prep GMAT

Rating:
4.6/5

Veritas Prep GMAT is known for its challenging practice questions and focus on advanced GMAT concepts. Their courses are designed for students who are aiming for a very high score. The instructors are experienced and knowledgeable, and the course materials are comprehensive. Veritas Prep offers a variety of course options, including live online classes and on-demand video lessons. While the price point is relatively high, the quality of instruction and materials can be worth the investment for serious students. They emphasize a data-driven approach to GMAT prep, helping students identify their weaknesses and focus their efforts accordingly.

Pros

  • Challenging practice questions that mimic the actual GMAT
  • Experienced and knowledgeable instructors
  • Focus on advanced GMAT concepts
  • Data-driven approach to identify weaknesses

Cons

  • Higher price point compared to some competitors
  • May be too challenging for students who are new to the GMAT

Target Test Prep GMAT

Rating:
4.4/5

Target Test Prep GMAT specializes in a highly structured and quantitative-focused approach to GMAT preparation. Their program is particularly well-suited for students who struggle with the quantitative section of the GMAT. They offer a comprehensive curriculum with detailed explanations and numerous practice questions. The platform is user-friendly and provides detailed analytics to track progress. While they don't offer live instruction, their on-demand video lessons are thorough and engaging. Target Test Prep's focused approach can be highly effective for students who need to improve their quant score.

Pros

  • Highly structured and quantitative-focused approach
  • Comprehensive curriculum with detailed explanations
  • User-friendly platform with detailed analytics
  • Excellent for students struggling with the quant section

Cons

  • No live instruction
  • Less comprehensive coverage of the verbal section

Magoosh GMAT Prep

Rating:
4.2/5

Magoosh GMAT Prep offers a budget-friendly and flexible option for students preparing for the GMAT. Their platform features a vast library of video lessons and practice questions, covering all sections of the GMAT. Magoosh's approach is less structured than some other providers, but their affordable price and extensive resources make it a popular choice for self-motivated learners. The video explanations are clear and concise, and the practice questions are challenging. While they don't offer live instruction, their customer support is responsive and helpful. Magoosh is a great option for students who want a comprehensive and affordable GMAT prep solution.

Pros

  • Affordable price point
  • Vast library of video lessons and practice questions
  • Clear and concise video explanations
  • Responsive customer support

Cons

  • Less structured than some other providers
  • No live instruction