Kaplan and Princeton Review are the two most recognized names in standardized test prep, and both offer comprehensive GRE programs. At $880 and $1,099 respectively, they occupy the mid-to-upper price range. This comparison examines which legacy brand delivers better GRE preparation in 2026.
| Feature | Kaplan GRE | Princeton Review GRE |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $880 | $1,099 |
| Practice Questions | 5,000+ | 2,500+ |
| Video Lessons | 180+ | 160+ |
| Live Class Hours | 21 | 24 |
| Access Period | 6 months | 4 months |
| Score Guarantee | Higher score guarantee or money back | Score improvement or retake free |
When choosing between Kaplan and Princeton Review for GRE prep, you're comparing two companies with decades of experience and millions of students served. Both have adapted their programs for the current GRE format, and both offer a mix of online and self-paced options. The differences are in the details.
Kaplan GRE ($880) offers a structured curriculum with video lessons, live online sessions, and a comprehensive study plan. Their approach is methodical, building skills progressively across both verbal and quantitative sections.
Princeton Review GRE ($1,099) provides a similar structure but with more hours of live instruction and additional strategy workshops. Their program is slightly more intensive, which accounts for part of the price premium.
Both companies employ experienced instructors who are well-versed in GRE content and strategy. Kaplan's instructors follow a standardized curriculum, ensuring consistency across classes. Princeton Review's instructors have more flexibility to adapt their teaching to student needs.
Kaplan provides multiple full-length practice tests with detailed score reports. Their question bank is extensive and well-organized by topic and difficulty.
Princeton Review offers a similar suite of practice materials, plus their "Score Preview" feature that helps you understand how your practice performance translates to actual GRE scores.
Both offer score improvement guarantees — complete the course and if your score doesn't improve, you get your money back. The guarantees are structured similarly, with requirements to complete the full program.
Both courses have incorporated adaptive elements into their platforms, though neither is as sophisticated as purpose-built adaptive platforms. Kaplan's adaptive quizzes adjust difficulty based on your performance, and Princeton Review offers personalized study recommendations.
Choose Kaplan GRE if: You want comprehensive prep at a slightly lower price point, you prefer a structured and methodical approach, or you want solid preparation without the premium pricing.
Choose Princeton Review GRE if: You want more hours of live instruction, you prefer a slightly more intensive program, or you value Princeton Review's specific teaching strategies.
Kaplan offers better value for most GRE students. At $219 less than Princeton Review, Kaplan delivers comparable content quality and preparation. Princeton Review's additional live instruction hours justify the premium for students who benefit from more structured teaching time, but for most students, Kaplan provides everything needed at a more accessible price.