Kaplan vs Princeton Review for the SAT and ACT: which live course?
First checked October 11, 2026; rechecked October 23, 2026 · Sources: Kaplan guarantee terms from its own pages; prices for both as reported; College Board and ACT’s free practice. Ratings are our editorial assessment from published details.
Kaplan vs Princeton Review compares the two big classroom-style providers. Kaplan is cheaper at each level (On Demand about $199, Live Online about $699 to $799) with a Higher Score Guarantee; Princeton Review’s premium 1400+ course guarantees a specific score target but costs much more, with twice the live hours.
You want live classes for less, with a Higher Score Guarantee on the SAT.
Kaplan reviewYou need a guarantee tied to a 1400+ target and want more live teaching.
Princeton Review reviewKaplan vs Princeton Review side by side
| Kaplan | Princeton Review | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 4.1 / 5 | 4.2 / 5 |
| Self-paced | About $199 | About $299 |
| Standard live course | About $699 to $799 (18 hours) | 1400+ course, about $1,549 to $2,199 (36+ hours) |
| Guarantee | Higher score (SAT) | 1400+ or 150 points |
| SAT + ACT | Unlimited Prep, about $1,999 | Self-Paced SAT and ACT, about $499 |
| Tutoring | 3 hours on Live Online Plus (about $1,099) | 1500+ Tutoring, about $364 to $383 an hour |
Prices for both as reported; Kaplan guarantee terms from Kaplan. October 2026.
The main differences
Kaplan is the value route to live teaching: 18 hours for about $699 to $799, with a guarantee of a higher score on SAT courses. The Princeton Review’s 1400+ course doubles the live hours (36+) and promises a specific outcome, 1400 or a 150-point increase, but costs roughly twice as much and needs a minimum starting score. For both tests at once, the Princeton Review’s Self-Paced SAT and ACT (about $499) is far cheaper than Kaplan’s Unlimited Prep (about $1,999).
The bottom line
For live classes on a budget, Kaplan. For a guaranteed 1400+ and more teaching, if you’re already near 1200, the Princeton Review.
Common questions about Kaplan vs Princeton Review
Which is cheaper?
Kaplan at each level: On Demand about $199 against about $299, and Live Online about $699 to $799 against about $1,549 to $2,199 for the 1400+ course.
Which has the stronger guarantee?
The Princeton Review’s 1400+ course guarantees a specific target (1400 or 150 points); Kaplan guarantees a higher score on SAT courses.
Which has more live teaching?
The Princeton Review, with 36+ hours on 1400+ against Kaplan’s 18 on Live Online.
Is this comparison sponsored?
No. We earn no commission from either.