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Best Cost-Effective GRE Prep Plans (2025): Cheap & High Value
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Best Cost-Effective GRE Prep Plans (2025): Cheap & High Value

Grad school applications are expensive enough without adding a $1,000 prep course to the bill. The good news is that in 2025, some of the most effective GRE prep resources are also the most affordable.

We scoured Reddit, G2, and student forums to find the best cost-effective GRE prep plans that don’t sacrifice quality.

Quick Comparison: Best Value GRE Prep

Provider Best For Rating Price Key Features
Best Ultra-Budget 4.9 $7.99/mo
  • Live Classes
  • Study Plans
  • PrepSwift Add-on
Best All-in-One 4.7 $129
  • Video Explanations
  • +5 Score Guarantee
  • Mobile App
Best for Quant 4.5 $199
  • Infinite Quant
  • Adaptive Learning
  • 1-Year Access
Best for High Scorers 4.8 $179/mo
  • Deep Quant Curriculum
  • Analytics
  • Score Guarantee

1. GregMat+ (The Reddit Favorite)

Price: $7.99/month (+$2 for PrepSwift)

If you visit the r/GRE subreddit, you will see one name mentioned more than any other: GregMat. Created by Greg, a tutor with a cult following, this platform offers incredible value.

  • What you get: Access to live classes, recorded lectures, study plans (1-month and 2-month), and a growing question bank.
  • PrepSwift: For an extra $2/month, you get short, bite-sized videos perfect for quick review.
  • The Verdict: It requires more self-discipline than a structured course like Kaplan, but the quality of instruction is top-tier.

2. Magoosh (The “Budget King”)

Price: ~$129 (6 Months)

Magoosh has long been the gold standard for affordable test prep. Unlike GregMat, which is a subscription, Magoosh offers a flat rate for 6 months of access.

  • Why it’s worth it:
    • Video Explanations: Every single question has a video explanation, which is huge for visual learners.
    • Score Guarantee: They promise a +5 point increase or your money back.
    • Mobile App: You can study vocabulary and do practice questions on your commute.
  • Current Deal: Magoosh frequently runs sales bringing the price down to ~$100-$130.

Read our full Magoosh GRE Review →

3. Achievable (The Modern Choice)

Price: $199 (1 Year)

Achievable is a newer player that uses an adaptive algorithm to track your memory retention.

  • Infinite Quant: Their system generates unique math problems based on templates, so you never run out of practice.
  • Readability: Their textbook is written in plain English, making it much easier to digest than dry academic texts.
  • Value: $199 for a full year is excellent if you plan to study over a long period.

4. Target Test Prep (Best for Quant)

Price: $179/month (or $449 for 4 months)

While pricier than GregMat, TTP is often cited as the “nuclear option” for Quant. If you need a 165+ in Quant for an engineering or finance program, TTP is the most cost-effective way to guarantee that score.

  • The “Flexible” Plan: You can pay $179 for just one month if you want to cram, which makes it a budget-friendly option for short-term study.

Free Resources You Should Use

Don’t forget the free materials!

  1. ETS PowerPrep: The official practice tests from the test makers. The first two are free.
  2. Khan Academy: Excellent for brushing up on basic math concepts (Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry) for free.
  3. Quizlet: Great for community-made vocabulary decks.

Final Verdict: Which Cheap Plan is Best?

  • If you have < $20: Go with GregMat+. It’s unbeatable value.
  • If you want a structured course with a guarantee: Magoosh is the safest bet.
  • If you need infinite math practice: Achievable is your best friend.