Target Test Prep vs. Manhattan Prep GMAT (2025): Quant King vs. Classroom Giant
The New Guard vs. The Old Guard
For the last 5 years, the GMAT prep world has been a battle between Target Test Prep (TTP) and Manhattan Prep.
- TTP is the “disruptor.” It started as a Quant-only course and built a cult following on Reddit for its incredible depth and analytics.
- Manhattan Prep is the “incumbent.” They have the best books, the best instructors, and a more traditional classroom feel.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Target Test Prep | Manhattan Prep |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$229/mo or $649 fixed | ~$999 (Interact) or $1,599 (Live) |
| Format | Text-Based + Some Video | Interactive Video (Interact™) |
| Quant Depth | 10/10 (Unmatched) | 8/10 (Very Good) |
| Verbal Depth | 9/10 (Thorough) | 9/10 (Strategy Focused) |
| Data Insights | Excellent | Excellent |
| Analytics | Best in Industry | Good |
| Mobile App | Yes | Yes |
Deep Dive: Target Test Prep
TTP is for the student who wants to grind.
- The Method: It is a linear course. You read a chapter, take a quiz, review your errors, and repeat. It is relentless.
- The Result: If you finish the TTP course, you will get a high score. It is almost mathematically impossible not to, because they force you to master every single concept before moving on.
- Best For: Students who are weak in Quant and need a structured, step-by-step rebuild.
Target Test Prep’s error log is the best in the industry. It tracks every mistake you make, categorizes the underlying concept you missed, and creates personalized review sessions. This data-driven approach is why TTP students see such consistent improvement.
Deep Dive: Manhattan Prep
Manhattan Prep is for the student who wants to learn strategies.
- Interact™: Their video lessons are engaging and adaptive. It feels less like studying and more like watching a high-end documentary.
- Executive Reasoning: They focus heavily on “test-taking skills”—guessing, time management, and educated estimation.
- Best For: Students who are already decent at math but need to learn how to beat the test.
The Verdict
Choose Target Test Prep if:
- You want the highest possible Quant score.
- You are on a budget (it is significantly cheaper).
- You are disciplined enough to read text-based lessons.
Choose Manhattan Prep if:
- You are a visual learner who hates reading textbooks.
- You want the “classroom experience” (especially if you pay for Live Online).
- You need help with the “soft skills” of the GMAT (pacing, anxiety, strategy).
Read our full Target Test Prep Review → Read our full Manhattan Prep Review →
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Target Test Prep or Manhattan Prep better for GMAT?
Target Test Prep is better for pure Quant improvement and offers better value at ~$229/month vs Manhattan's $999+. Manhattan Prep is better for visual learners who prefer interactive video lessons and want comprehensive strategy instruction. Many students use TTP for Quant and Manhattan's books for Verbal.
How much does Target Test Prep GMAT cost?
Target Test Prep costs approximately $179-229/month with monthly billing, or $649 for a 4-month plan. They offer a 5-day free trial. This is significantly cheaper than Manhattan Prep's $999+ for Interact or $1,599+ for Live Online courses.
Is Target Test Prep worth it for GMAT Quant?
Yes, Target Test Prep is considered the gold standard for GMAT Quant improvement. Their exhaustive curriculum covers every possible concept, and their analytics help identify exactly where you're losing points. Students regularly report 10+ point Quant improvements.
Does Manhattan Prep have good GMAT Verbal instruction?
Yes, Manhattan Prep's Verbal instruction is excellent, particularly for Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning. Their strategy-focused approach teaches you how to think like the test-makers. Their books are also considered the best GMAT self-study resources available.
Can I use Target Test Prep and Manhattan Prep together?
Yes, many successful students combine TTP for Quant with Manhattan Prep books for Verbal and strategy. This hybrid approach gives you the depth of TTP's Quant curriculum with Manhattan's proven strategic frameworks, though it requires a larger budget.