Manhattan Prep (Kaplan) vs Princeton Review for the GMAT: two guarantee courses
First checked October 11, 2026; rechecked October 23, 2026 · Sources: Manhattan Prep (Kaplan) from Kaplan’s GMAT page (older); Princeton Review course names and trial from its own page, prices as reported; exam facts from GMAC. Ratings are our editorial assessment from published details.
Manhattan Prep vs Princeton Review compares the two traditional class-based GMAT options, both with score-guarantee courses. Manhattan Prep (sold with Kaplan) has a 655+ course and in-person options; The Princeton Review’s 645+ course guarantees 645 or a 70-point increase, and it offers a 14-day free trial.
You want its strategy materials, an in-person class or tutoring.
Manhattan Prep reviewYou want to try before you buy, or its 645+ guarantee suits your target.
Princeton Review reviewManhattan Prep vs Princeton Review side by side
| Manhattan Prep (Kaplan) | Princeton Review | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 4.1 / 5 | 4.0 / 5 |
| Self-paced | On Demand from $299 | About $699 to $799 (as reported) |
| Standard live | From about $1,499 | Core Concepts, about $999, 18 hours (as reported) |
| Guarantee course | 655+, about $1,999 | 645+, about $1,899 to $1,999, 30 hours (as reported) |
| Tutoring | From $2,999 with Live Online | See Princeton Review |
| Free trial | See Kaplan | 14 days |
Manhattan Prep from Kaplan’s (older) page; Princeton Review prices as reported. October 2026.
The main differences
Both sell live GMAT courses with guarantees at about $1,999 for the top tier. Manhattan Prep starts cheaper for self-study (On Demand from $299) and offers in-person classes and tutoring packages; The Princeton Review’s live entry course (Core Concepts) is cheaper, and its 14-day free trial lets you test the platform first. Both guarantees carry conditions, such as a baseline exam or completing homework.
The bottom line
If you want a classroom or tutoring, Manhattan Prep. If you want to try first, or a cheaper live entry course, The Princeton Review. If neither price works, e-GMAT includes three live sessions a week from $249.
Common questions about Manhattan Prep vs Princeton Review
Which has the better guarantee?
Manhattan Prep’s 655+ course guarantees 655; The Princeton Review’s 645+ course guarantees 645 or a 70-point increase. Both have conditions.
Which is cheaper?
Manhattan Prep’s On Demand starts at $299; The Princeton Review’s live Core Concepts course is reported at about $999.
Which has a free trial?
The Princeton Review, with a 14-day free trial.
Is this comparison sponsored?
No. We earn no commission from either.