Best GMAT Prep Courses 2025: Target Test Prep, Manhattan & More
The GMAT has undergone its biggest change in history with the Focus Edition. The essay is gone. Sentence Correction is gone. Data Insights is now a major part of your score.
If you are using old study materials, you are studying for the wrong test.
We’ve tested the updated courses from the major providers to see who has adapted best to the new format. Here are our top picks for 2025.
Quick Summary: Our Top Picks
- Best for Quant (Math): Target Test Prep (TTP) - The undisputed king of GMAT Quant. If you need a Q50+, start here.
- Best for Verbal: e-GMAT - Their “Master Comprehension” and “Pre-Thinking” methods are a game-changer for non-native speakers.
- Best for Practice Tests: Experts’ Global - Includes 15 full-length mocks for an unbeatable price.
- Best for AI Personalization: GMATWhiz - A smart course that builds a custom study plan and includes mentorship.
- Best for High Scorers: Manhattan Prep - Their “Interact” lessons are engaging and their strategy guides are legendary.
- Best Value: Magoosh - Affordable, flexible, and effective for self-studiers.
1. Target Test Prep (TTP) - Best for Quant
Verdict: The most comprehensive Quant curriculum on the planet.
Target Test Prep started as a Quant-only course, and it shows. Their curriculum is incredibly detailed, breaking down every single concept into bite-sized lessons followed by massive amounts of practice.
Why We Love It:
- Depth: They don’t just teach you the formula; they teach you the logic behind it.
- Analytics: The dashboard tracks your “error log” automatically, showing you exactly why you missed a question.
- Focus Edition Ready: They were among the first to fully update their course for the Focus Edition, including a robust Data Insights section.
Drawbacks:
- It is very text-heavy. If you prefer watching videos for everything, it might feel like a lot of reading.
Read our full Target Test Prep Review
2. e-GMAT - Best for Verbal & Non-Native Speakers
Verdict: The most logical approach to Verbal available.
e-GMAT treats Verbal like a science. Their “Pre-Thinking” strategy for Critical Reasoning forces you to predict the answer before looking at the choices, which drastically improves accuracy.
Why We Love It:
- Master Comprehension: A unique module that teaches you how to read complex sentences effectively.
- Sigma-X Mocks: Their practice tests are question-adaptive and highly realistic.
- Scholaranium: A powerful question bank with deep analytics.
3. Experts’ Global - Best for Practice Tests
Verdict: The best “bang for your buck” if you need volume practice.
For under $200, Experts’ Global gives you a full course plus 15 full-length practice tests. Most competitors only give you 2 to 6.
Why We Love It:
- Volume: 15 mocks allow you to simulate test day every weekend for months.
- Interface: The test screen is an exact replica of the official GMAT exam.
- Video Solutions: Every mock question has a video explanation.
Read our full Experts’ Global Review
4. GMATWhiz - Best for AI Personalization
Verdict: A smart, efficient course that respects your time.
GMATWhiz uses AI to assess your skills and build a dynamic study plan. It tells you exactly what to study next, so you don’t waste time on topics you’ve already mastered.
Why We Love It:
- Mentorship: Even their basic plans often include access to a dedicated mentor.
- Efficiency: Claims to save students 100+ hours of study time through adaptive learning.
- Balanced: Equally strong in Quant and Verbal.
5. Manhattan Prep - Best for High Scorers
Verdict: Premium instruction for students aiming for top-tier business schools.
Manhattan Prep has always been the “smart” choice. Their instructors are all 99th percentile scorers and experienced teachers. Their “Interact” on-demand course is unique-it’s not just a video; it’s an interactive lesson that adapts based on whether you get questions right or wrong.
Why We Love It:
- Interact™: The best on-demand video lessons in the industry.
- Strategy: They teach you how to think like the test-maker, not just how to solve math problems.
- Books: Their “All the GMAT” guide is the gold standard for self-study.
Read our full Manhattan Prep Review
6. Magoosh - Best Value
Verdict: The best budget-friendly option that doesn’t sacrifice quality.
For ~$249 (often less with sales), Magoosh gives you everything you need: video lessons, practice questions, and full-length practice tests. It’s perfect for self-motivated students who don’t want to spend $1,000+ on a course.
Why We Love It:
- Price: Unbeatable value.
- Video Explanations: Every single practice question has a video explanation, which is huge for learning.
- Mobile App: Great for studying on the go.
Read our full Magoosh GMAT Review
Final Verdict
For most students in 2025, Target Test Prep remains our top recommendation for Quant, while e-GMAT takes the crown for Verbal. However, if you are on a budget, Experts’ Global offers incredible value with its massive library of mocks.
Start your trial with Target Test Prep
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best GMAT prep course in 2025?
Target Test Prep is the best GMAT prep course for Quant improvement, while Manhattan Prep is best for comprehensive preparation and high scorers. For Verbal, e-GMAT excels, especially for non-native speakers. The best course depends on your weaknesses and learning style.
How much does GMAT prep cost?
GMAT prep courses range from $179/month (Target Test Prep) to $1,599+ (Manhattan Prep Live Online). Magoosh offers the best value at ~$249 for one year of access. Many courses offer free trials and payment plans. Official GMAC practice exams cost $35-50 each.
Is Target Test Prep worth it for GMAT?
Yes, Target Test Prep is worth it if you need to improve your Quant score. TTP has the most comprehensive Quant curriculum available and has helped thousands of students achieve Q49-51 scores. Their analytics and error tracking are industry-leading.
How long should I study for the GMAT?
Most students study 2-4 months for the GMAT, dedicating 100-150 hours total. A 50-point improvement typically requires 50-100 hours. Students aiming for 700+ often study 150-200 hours over 3-4 months. Your starting point and target score determine the timeline.
What is a good GMAT score for MBA programs?
For top 10 MBA programs (M7), aim for 730+ (95th+ percentile). For top 25 programs, 700+ (85th+ percentile) is competitive. For top 50 programs, 660+ is typically sufficient. The average GMAT score is around 555, but admitted students at top schools score much higher.
Is the GMAT Focus Edition harder than the old GMAT?
The GMAT Focus Edition is different but not necessarily harder. It's shorter (2 hours 15 minutes vs. 3+ hours), removes the essay and Sentence Correction, and adds Data Insights. Many students find the new format more manageable due to reduced fatigue and the ability to change answers.
Can I self-study for the GMAT?
Yes, many successful test-takers self-study for the GMAT using resources like Magoosh, Target Test Prep, or the Manhattan Prep books. Self-study works best for disciplined learners with strong baseline math and verbal skills. Budget 3-4 months and 100-150+ hours of focused preparation.
Is Manhattan Prep or Target Test Prep better for GMAT?
Target Test Prep is better for pure Quant improvement with its exhaustive curriculum. Manhattan Prep is better for comprehensive preparation, Verbal improvement, and students who prefer interactive lessons. Many students use TTP for Quant and supplement with Manhattan for strategy.