Magoosh vs Kaplan for the TOEFL
Magoosh vs Kaplan for the TOEFL is a choice between an online course built for the 2026 test and a low-cost book that predates it. Magoosh costs $109 for one month or $129 for six, with ETS-licensed questions, up to 10 official practice tests and official ETS grading of your writing and speaking. Kaplan’s TOEFL iBT Premium Plus 2026 lists at $29.99, but the print book was published before ETS redesigned the test in January 2026, so you rely on its updated online material for the new task types.
Magoosh details from its own pricing and FAQ pages; Kaplan details from the publisher’s listing. Checked October 12, 2026. Not hands-on tested.
| Magoosh | Kaplan Premium Plus 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $109 (1 month) or $129 (6 months) | $29.99 list |
| Format | Online course: 100+ video lessons | Print book plus online resources |
| Practice | 2,000+ questions; up to 10 official full-length tests | Strategy and practice for all four skills |
| Writing and speaking feedback | Official ETS grading | Not stated |
| Built for the 2026 test | Yes, per Magoosh | Book predates it; online material updated, per the publisher |
| Extras | $40 US registration voucher with the 6-month plan | None stated |
Magoosh vs Kaplan TOEFL: what really differs
ETS redesigned the TOEFL iBT on January 21, 2026, with new task types and a new 1-6 score scale (see our format and scoring page). That makes recency the biggest difference. Magoosh says its course is fully updated for the new format. Kaplan’s book was published on November 4, 2025, before the change, though the publisher says its online material has been updated.
The second difference is feedback. Speaking and writing are the hardest skills to judge on your own. Magoosh includes official ETS grading for both. Kaplan’s listing doesn’t mention graded feedback.
What it costs in practice
Kaplan is clearly cheaper at $29.99. Magoosh’s six-month plan is $129, but it includes a $40 voucher toward the $270 US TOEFL registration fee, so if you test in the US its effective cost is about $89. Magoosh has also run large sales, so check for a current discount before paying the regular price. Both costs are on top of the test fee; see our TOEFL cost page.
Using both, or adding free official practice
Whichever you choose, add ETS’s free official practice in the new format; our free TOEFL resources page lists it. On a tight budget, Kaplan’s book plus ETS’s free practice is a low-cost route. If you need graded feedback on speaking and writing, Magoosh adds that.
Mistakes to avoid
- Studying from pre-2026 material alone. Older books and videos describe tasks that no longer exist; check everything against the current format.
- Paying full price without checking for a sale. Magoosh discounts are common.
- Skipping speaking and writing feedback. These are hard to self-assess, which is where graded feedback earns its cost.
Choose Magoosh if
- You want a course built for the 2026 test, official practice tests and graded writing and speaking.
Choose Kaplan if
- You want low-cost structured strategy and will pair it with ETS’s free practice in the new format.
Common questions
Are Magoosh and Kaplan updated for the 2026 TOEFL?
Magoosh says its course is fully updated for the January 2026 format. Kaplan’s print book predates it, but the publisher says the online material is updated.
How much is Magoosh TOEFL?
$109 for one month or $129 for six months, regular price. The six-month plan includes a $40 US registration voucher.
How much is the Kaplan TOEFL book?
$29.99 list for TOEFL iBT Premium Plus 2026.
Which gives feedback on speaking and writing?
Magoosh includes official ETS grading of writing and speaking. Kaplan’s listing doesn’t mention graded feedback.