Kaplan vs Princeton Review
An honest side-by-side comparison of two of our top test prep services picks — pricing, strengths, weaknesses, and who each one is really for.
Kaplan
Ranked #1 of 15 in this directory
Comprehensive test prep with decades of proven results
Princeton Review
Ranked #2 of 15 in this directory
Expert tutors and adaptive technology for higher scores
Our pick: Kaplan. Our editors rank Kaplan higher overall in Test Prep Services — but Princeton Review can be the better fit depending on your budget and use case below. How we review
Compare the details
| Kaplan | Princeton Review | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | See website | See website |
| Category | Sat Act | Sat Act |
| Editorial rank | #1 of 15 | #2 of 15 |
Strengths
Kaplan
- ✓Covers nearly every major standardized test in one platform
- ✓Score improvement guarantee or money back
- ✓Live online and in-person class options available
- ✓Extensive practice question bank with detailed explanations
- ✓Structured study plans keep students on track
Princeton Review
- ✓Adaptive technology personalizes study plans to individual weaknesses
- ✓High-quality instructors with strong test score credentials
- ✓Comprehensive course options for all major exams
- ✓Detailed score reports and performance analytics
- ✓Both self-paced and live instruction formats available
Watch out for
Kaplan
- !Premium courses can be expensive compared to alternatives
- !Self-paced materials sometimes feel less engaging
- !Some students find the interface dated compared to newer platforms
- !Live class schedules may not fit all time zones
Princeton Review
- !Full courses are among the most expensive in the industry
- !Not affiliated with Princeton University despite the name
- !Some online materials can feel repetitive
- !Private tutoring rates are very high
Best use cases
Kaplan
- →High school students preparing for SAT or ACT with structured guidance
- →Graduate school applicants needing comprehensive GRE or GMAT prep
- →Students who want the security of a score improvement guarantee
Princeton Review
- →Students wanting personalized adaptive study plans for the SAT or ACT
- →MCAT candidates seeking structured long-term preparation
- →Learners who benefit from detailed performance analytics to target weak areas
About each tool
Kaplan
Kaplan is one of the most established names in test preparation, offering courses for virtually every major standardized exam. With live online classes, self-paced options, and an extensive question bank, Kaplan provides structured study plans and score improvement guarantees backed by over 80 years of experience.
Princeton Review
The Princeton Review combines adaptive learning technology with expert instructors to deliver personalized test prep experiences. Offering courses for SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT, and MCAT, the platform tailors practice to individual weaknesses and provides detailed performance analytics.
Still deciding? Browse all 15 options with honest pros, cons, and pricing.
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