The two biggest names in test prep go head-to-head. We compare Kaplan and Princeton Review across MCAT, LSAT, GRE, GMAT, SAT, and ACT to help you decide which company deserves your money.
The Two Giants of Test Prep
Kaplan and Princeton Review have been competing for decades. Together, they have prepared millions of students for standardized tests. But which one is actually better?
The honest answer: it depends on which test you are taking and how you learn. After reviewing both companies across every major exam, here is our definitive comparison.
Company Overview
| Factor | Kaplan | Princeton Review |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1938 | 1981 |
| Tests Covered | MCAT, LSAT, GRE, GMAT, SAT, ACT, DAT, and more | MCAT, LSAT, GRE, GMAT, SAT, ACT, DAT, and more |
| Teaching Approach | Content-heavy, comprehensive coverage | Strategy-focused, test-taking techniques |
| Technology | Solid but traditional | Modernizing with adaptive features |
| Price Range | $$$-$$$$ | $$$-$$$$ |
| Score Guarantee | Higher Score Guarantee | Better Score Guarantee |
| Free Trial | Yes | Yes |
Head-to-Head by Exam
MCAT: Kaplan vs Princeton Review
This is one of the most searched comparisons in test prep, and for good reason. Both companies offer comprehensive MCAT courses.
| Category | Kaplan MCAT | Princeton Review MCAT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Content Depth | Extensive textbook-style content | Strategy-focused with targeted content | Kaplan |
| Practice Questions | 3,000+ questions | 2,500+ questions | Kaplan |
| Full-Length Tests | 15 full-length tests | 15 full-length tests | Tie |
| Live Instruction | Available but large class sizes | Smaller classes, more interaction | Princeton Review |
| Technology/Adaptive | Basic adaptive features | More modern interface | Princeton Review |
| Price | $2,299-$3,999 | $1,999-$3,799 | Princeton Review |
| Best For | Content mastery, self-disciplined studiers | Strategy learners, those who want structure | Depends |
Our verdict: For MCAT, neither company is the clear winner. Kaplan excels at content depth, while Princeton Review offers better teaching methodology. However, both are outperformed by newer competitors like Blueprint MCAT in technology and adaptive learning. Read our detailed Kaplan vs Princeton Review MCAT comparison and see our full MCAT rankings.
LSAT: Kaplan vs Princeton Review
| Category | Kaplan LSAT | Princeton Review LSAT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logic Games | Adequate coverage | Strong methodology | Princeton Review |
| Logical Reasoning | Good fundamentals | Strategy-heavy approach | Tie |
| Reading Comp | Solid | Solid | Tie |
| Practice Tests | 70+ real LSAT questions | 60+ practice tests | Kaplan |
| Live Classes | Large format | Smaller, more interactive | Princeton Review |
| Price | $799-$2,499 | $999-$2,399 | Kaplan |
| Best For | Budget-conscious, self-studiers | Those who want live instruction | Depends |
Our verdict: For LSAT, both companies face stiff competition from specialized LSAT prep companies like Blueprint, 7Sage, and LSAT Demon. If you are choosing between just these two, Princeton Review has a slight edge for live instruction, while Kaplan is better for self-paced study. See our Kaplan vs Princeton Review LSAT comparison and full LSAT rankings.
GRE: Kaplan vs Princeton Review
| Category | Kaplan GRE | Princeton Review GRE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quant Coverage | Strong | Strong | Tie |
| Verbal Coverage | Good | Good | Tie |
| Practice Tests | 7 full-length | 8 full-length | Princeton Review |
| Adaptive Practice | Basic | Better adaptive features | Princeton Review |
| Price | $449-$1,599 | $499-$1,799 | Kaplan |
| Best For | Budget option | More comprehensive prep | Depends |
Our verdict: For GRE, both are solid but neither is best-in-class. Manhattan Prep and Target Test Prep often outperform both for serious GRE preparation. See our full GRE rankings.
GMAT: Kaplan vs Princeton Review
| Category | Kaplan GMAT | Princeton Review GMAT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focus Edition Coverage | Updated | Updated | Tie |
| Quant Instruction | Strong | Good | Kaplan |
| Verbal/DI Instruction | Good | Strong | Princeton Review |
| Practice Questions | 5,000+ | 4,000+ | Kaplan |
| Price | $799-$2,499 | $999-$2,399 | Kaplan |
| Best For | Quant-focused studiers | Balanced prep | Depends |
Our verdict: For GMAT Focus Edition, Manhattan Prep remains the gold standard. Between Kaplan and Princeton Review, Kaplan has a slight edge for quantitative preparation. See our Kaplan vs Manhattan Prep GMAT comparison and full GMAT rankings.
SAT and ACT: Kaplan vs Princeton Review
For college admissions tests, both companies offer solid preparation, but the landscape has shifted dramatically with free resources like Khan Academy (SAT) and the rise of budget-friendly digital options.
| Category | Kaplan | Princeton Review | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Content | Good, updated for Digital SAT | Good, updated for Digital SAT | Tie |
| ACT Content | Comprehensive | Strategy-focused | Tie |
| Price | $199-$999 | $299-$1,299 | Kaplan |
| Best For | Budget families | Families wanting premium experience | Depends |
See our SAT rankings and ACT rankings for all options.
The Bigger Picture: Are Kaplan and Princeton Review Still the Best?
Here is what most comparison articles will not tell you: for many exams, neither Kaplan nor Princeton Review is the top-ranked option anymore.
The test prep industry has evolved significantly. Newer companies with better technology, more adaptive learning, and often lower prices have disrupted the market. Here is who we rank #1 for each exam:
| Exam | Our #1 Ranked Course | Where Kaplan Ranks | Where Princeton Review Ranks |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCAT | See current #1 | Mid-tier | Mid-tier |
| LSAT | See current #1 | Mid-tier | Mid-tier |
| DAT | See current #1 | Not reviewed | Not reviewed |
| GRE | See current #1 | Mid-tier | Mid-tier |
| GMAT | See current #1 | Mid-tier | Mid-tier |
| SAT | See current #1 | Competitive | Competitive |
| ACT | See current #1 | Competitive | Competitive |
This does not mean Kaplan and Princeton Review are bad. They are both solid, well-established companies with comprehensive offerings. But the "which of these two is better?" question may be the wrong question entirely.
When to Choose Kaplan
Choose Kaplan if:
- Budget is a primary concern. Kaplan is typically $100-$300 cheaper than Princeton Review for comparable packages.
- You prefer self-paced study. Kaplan's on-demand content is well-organized for independent learners.
- You want the most practice material. Kaplan consistently offers more practice questions across most exams.
- You value brand recognition. With 85+ years in the industry, Kaplan has the longest track record.
When to Choose Princeton Review
Choose Princeton Review if:
- You want live instruction. Princeton Review's live classes tend to be smaller and more interactive.
- You are a strategy-oriented learner. Princeton Review focuses more on test-taking techniques and shortcuts.
- You want a score guarantee. Princeton Review's "Better Score Guarantee" is slightly more generous in some cases.
- You prefer a more modern learning experience. Princeton Review has invested more in updating their technology.
When to Choose Neither
Consider alternatives if:
- You want cutting-edge adaptive technology. Companies like Blueprint and Magoosh lead in AI-powered learning.
- You are preparing for a niche exam. Specialized companies (like 7Sage for LSAT or UWorld for MCAT) often outperform generalists.
- You are on a tight budget. There are excellent options under $500 for every exam. See our budget guides for MCAT and LSAT.
- You want the absolute best score improvement. Check our exam-specific rankings to see which course actually scores highest in our methodology.
How We Made This Comparison
Our analysis is based on:
- Hands-on testing of both platforms across multiple exams
- Analysis of published score improvement data
- Student survey data and reviews
- Pricing analysis across all package tiers
- Technology and feature comparison
Read about our full scoring methodology to understand how we evaluate every course.
FAQ
Q: Is Kaplan or Princeton Review better for the MCAT? A: Neither is clearly better. Kaplan has more content depth, Princeton Review has better teaching methodology. But both are outperformed by newer competitors. See our MCAT rankings for the current best options.
Q: Can I get a refund if I do not like my course? A: Both offer money-back guarantees, but the terms differ. Kaplan offers a "Higher Score Guarantee" (retake or refund), while Princeton Review offers a "Better Score Guarantee." Read the fine print carefully.
Q: Are Kaplan and Princeton Review worth the price? A: For some students, yes. But there are often better value options available. Read our analysis on whether test prep courses are worth the money.
Q: Which company has better tutoring? A: Princeton Review's tutoring is generally more personalized, but both charge premium rates ($100-$200+/hour). For tutoring specifically, consider specialized tutoring platforms as well.