Kaplan and Magoosh represent two of the most popular mid-range and budget ACT prep options. Kaplan at $599 offers a structured, comprehensive curriculum, while Magoosh at $129 provides an affordable self-paced alternative. This comparison helps you decide whether the extra investment in Kaplan is worth it.
| Feature | Kaplan ACT | Magoosh ACT Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $599 | $129 |
| Practice Questions | 2,500+ | 1,500+ |
| Video Lessons | 200+ | 100+ |
| Live Class Hours | 30+ | 0 |
| Access Period | 6 months | 12 months |
| Score Guarantee | Higher score guarantee or money back | 4+ point improvement or money back |
Not every student needs a $1,800+ premium prep course. For many students, a well-designed mid-range or budget option can deliver excellent results. Kaplan and Magoosh are two of the most popular choices in this space, but they offer very different experiences at very different price points.
Kaplan ACT ($599) provides a structured curriculum with video lessons, practice materials, and access to live online sessions. Their content is organized into a clear study plan that guides you through all four ACT sections systematically. Kaplan's instructors are experienced, and the course includes periodic assessments to track your progress.
Magoosh ACT Premium ($129) is a self-paced video course with a large question bank. You watch video lessons at your own pace, then practice with their question bank. Each question includes a detailed video explanation. Magoosh's approach is straightforward — learn the concepts, then practice extensively.
Kaplan's content is comprehensive and well-organized. Their video lessons cover every topic tested on the ACT, and their practice tests are realistic simulations. The structured study plan means you always know what to study next.
Magoosh's content is solid but more streamlined. Their video lessons are clear and concise, typically shorter than Kaplan's. The question bank is extensive, and the video explanations for each question are genuinely helpful. However, Magoosh doesn't offer the same depth of strategy instruction that Kaplan provides.
Kaplan provides multiple full-length practice tests, a large question bank, and detailed score reports. Their practice tests closely mirror the actual ACT in format and difficulty.
Magoosh offers practice questions organized by topic and difficulty, but their full-length test experience isn't as polished as Kaplan's. For students who want realistic test-day simulation, Kaplan has the edge.
Magoosh wins on flexibility. The entire course is self-paced, accessible on any device, and you can study whenever and wherever works for you. There's no schedule to follow — you set your own pace.
Kaplan offers more structure, which is both a benefit and a limitation. If you need accountability and a clear study plan, Kaplan's structure helps. If you prefer total flexibility, it can feel restrictive.
The elephant in the room: Kaplan costs 4.6x more than Magoosh ($599 vs $129). Is it worth it? For students who need structure, comprehensive content, and live instruction access, Kaplan's premium is justified. For self-motivated students who can create their own study plan, Magoosh delivers remarkable value at its price point.
Choose Kaplan ACT if: You want a structured study plan, you benefit from live instruction, you want realistic practice tests, or you need accountability to stay on track.
Choose Magoosh ACT Premium if: You're self-motivated and can create your own study schedule, you're on a tight budget, you want solid content without the premium price, or you prefer to study at your own pace.
It depends on your needs and budget. Kaplan is the better overall course with more comprehensive content, better practice tests, and structured guidance. But Magoosh offers extraordinary value at $129 — it's hard to beat that price for quality ACT prep. If budget is your primary concern, Magoosh is the clear winner. If you can afford the investment and want a more complete prep experience, Kaplan is worth it.