Magoosh and Target Test Prep are two of the most popular affordable GRE prep options. At $179 and $499 respectively, both offer significant savings compared to premium courses. But they take different approaches — Magoosh covers the full GRE while Target Test Prep specializes in quantitative reasoning. This comparison helps you choose the right budget option.
| Feature | Magoosh GRE | Target Test Prep GRE Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $179 | $499 |
| Practice Questions | 1,400+ | 3,000+ |
| Video Lessons | 200+ | 600+ |
| Live Class Hours | 0 | 0 |
| Access Period | 6 months | 4 months |
| Score Guarantee | 5-point improvement or money back | Score improvement guarantee |
Not every GRE student needs a $1,000+ course. Magoosh and Target Test Prep prove that effective preparation doesn't have to break the bank. But these two courses serve different needs, and understanding the differences is crucial for making the right choice.
Magoosh GRE ($179) covers the entire GRE — verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. It's a complete solution for students who need preparation across all sections.
Target Test Prep GRE Maximum ($499) focuses primarily on quantitative reasoning. If your quant score is what's holding you back, TTP's focused approach can be extremely effective. However, you'll need supplementary resources for verbal prep.
Magoosh uses short, focused video lessons (typically 3-10 minutes) followed by practice questions with video explanations. The approach is efficient and well-suited for busy students who want to study in short sessions.
Target Test Prep uses a more in-depth, chapter-based approach to quantitative topics. Their lessons go deeper into mathematical concepts, building understanding from the ground up. This thoroughness is why TTP has earned a strong reputation for quant improvement.
This is where TTP shines. Their quant preparation is among the best available at any price point. The content is thorough, the practice questions are well-calibrated, and the progressive difficulty helps you build skills systematically.
Magoosh's quant prep is solid but less comprehensive. For students who need moderate quant improvement, Magoosh is sufficient. For students who need significant quant gains, TTP is the stronger choice.
Magoosh covers verbal reasoning comprehensively, with vocabulary building, reading comprehension strategies, and text completion practice. TTP doesn't offer verbal prep, so you'd need to supplement with other resources.
Magoosh at $179 gives you access to the full course for 6 months. Target Test Prep at $499 for the Maximum tier provides 6 months of access to their quant-focused platform. Magoosh is the more affordable option, especially considering it covers the full GRE.
Choose Magoosh GRE if: You need preparation across all GRE sections, you want the most affordable complete solution, or your quant score only needs moderate improvement.
Choose Target Test Prep GRE if: Quantitative reasoning is your primary weakness, you need significant quant score improvement, or you're willing to supplement verbal prep separately.
Magoosh is the better all-around choice; TTP is better for quant-focused students. If you need a complete GRE prep solution at an affordable price, Magoosh is hard to beat at $179. If your quant score is specifically what needs improvement, Target Test Prep's focused, in-depth approach is worth the additional investment. Many students use both — TTP for quant and Magoosh for verbal.