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Manhattan Prep vs Princeton Review GMAT
Determine which GMAT course is best for you between Princeton Review and Manhattan Prep
Manhattan Prep’s live GMAT course costs nearly $800 more than Princeton Review’s. Both companies have stellar reputations within the world of test prep. With so much depending on your GMAT score, does Manhattan Prep’s live course justify the price difference? In this comparison, we check out pricing, features, and who each program is best for to help you figure out which one fits your budget and learning style.
Given that this is a lengthy, detailed comparison, we’ve included jump-to links above for your convenience.
Video: Which GMAT Prep Course Is Better?
In the video above, Lara from the Test Prep Insight team breaks down the key differences between Princeton Review and Manhattan Prep for GMAT. She compares real student experiences and looks at price, practice tests, video lessons, and live classes to help you decide which GMAT course delivers best in 2026. Keep reading for our full written review and verdict.
Why Manhattan Prep GMAT Is Better Than Princeton Review
In order to keep this article actually helpful for you, rather than providing a general overview of the different GMAT study materials that each company provides, I’m instead going to focus on the key areas where I see each company winning and having an advantage over the other since I think that will ultimately provide more clarity.
With that in mind, let’s begin with Manhattan Prep. And just to clarify, Kaplan folded their own GMAT prep program into Manhattan Prep to create one combined course, hence the tagline “Manhattan Prep powered by Kaplan.”
Excellent Video Lessons
First and foremost, Manhattan Prep’s video lessons stand out. They are widely regarded as the best in the GMAT prep field. This is particularly notable because Princeton Review’s video lessons are also highly acclaimed.
Manhattan Prep verbal video lesson
However, I prefer Manhattan Prep’s for several reasons. Their videos boast superior production quality and feature an on-screen instructor, which I believe significantly enhances engagement and retention of the material.
Princeton Review’s video lessons are somewhat outdated, resembling a basic PowerPoint presentation with a voiceover. I found Manhattan Prep’s bite-sized lessons much easier to crunch through without losing focus.
Therefore, if you are a visual learner, I believe you will find Manhattan Prep’s video lessons particularly enjoyable and effective.
Small-Group Live Classes
Manhattan Prep excels in their live classes as well. While Princeton Review’s live classes are also commendable, I give Manhattan Prep the slight edge due to their intentional limitation of class sizes.
This approach enhances personalized attention and active participation, creating a highly effective format.
The Foundations of Math module
Also, Manhattan Prep’s live course offers 27 hours of live instruction, compared to just 18 hours in Princeton Review’s live course (called Core Concepts).
You can get an extra seven hours of live instruction by signing up for the Foundations of Math pre-course. If math is your weak point, this added resource alone is probably enough reason to go with Manhattan Prep.
Whenever you need immediate support outside of live sessions, you can use the new AI tool to get quick questions answered. The dynamic calendar also keeps you on track with constant updates so you always know exactly where you’re at. Bottom line, Manhattan Prep makes sure you’re never on your own or left feeling stuck.
Engaging GMAT Instructors
Another win for Manhattan Prep is their instructors. Not only are they all 99th percentile scorers, but they have also received additional teaching training from Manhattan Prep.
More importantly, they excel in using jokes and humor to make their video lessons and live class sessions fun and engaging. Sometimes, I didn’t even feel like I was studying; they are just that good at keeping the lessons light and playful.
Stronger Money Back Guarantee
Both companies also offer standard money-back guarantees on their self-paced/on demand courses. You’re essentially guaranteed at least a one-point score increase upon completing the full program, or you get your money back.
Princeton Review headlines their elite course with a 645+ guarantee (or a +70 point increase, depending on your baseline score). That is a solid safety net. However, Manhattan Prep actually beats that program with their own 655+ course, which guarantees you an even higher score than Princeton Review.
Obviously, there are some basic conditions that apply to both companies’ top packages, like finishing all of the assigned coursework and a certain number of full-length practice tests. Just check out the terms carefully before signing up.
While a 10-point difference might sound minor, in the GMAT world, that’s a massive leap. I have to give the win here to Manhattan for backing the more ambitious guarantee.
Why Princeton Review GMAT Is Better Than Manhattan Prep
Now that you have a clear understanding of the strengths of the Manhattan Prep GMAT courses, let’s turn the tables and discuss the advantages of using Princeton Review to help you prepare for the GMAT.
Affordable Pricing
The first important factor is pricing. Princeton Review’s self-paced course costs about $800, while Manhattan Prep’s equivalent on demand course costs about $900.
A look inside the Princeton Review GMAT course
Comparing the flagship live class courses of both companies, Princeton Review’s live course costs about $1,000, while Manhattan Prep’s live class costs around $1,800 (just note that Manhattan offers 27 hours of live instruction vs 18 hours for Princeton).
Opting for Princeton Review could save you anywhere from about $100 to $800.
In-Depth Lessons and Support
Princeton Review’s curriculum includes over 100 topics with quick review sessions before each lesson so you’re always retaining what you’ve already covered. They also provide live office hours, small group sessions, and email support from teachers, which serve as a valuable safety net if you’re struggling with a particular concept, testing strategy, or practice problem. Being able to email a GMAT tutor promptly or join an office hours session is certainly a significant benefit.
Plus, the newly updated dashboard is both easy to navigate and full of helpful information so you can always see your progress at a glance.
Content Access Period
The third advantage is Princeton Review’s content access period. When you purchase their live course (called Core Concepts), you receive 365 days of access.
Example video lesson from Princeton Review
In comparison, Manhattan Prep’s live course offers only 6 months of access.
If you intend to take the GMAT multiple times, whether because you’re a nervous test taker treating your first attempt as a trial run, or because you’re a working professional or busy parent studying over an extended period, Princeton Review’s live course would be the better choice.
Practice Problem Volume
Even if you don’t splurge on the elite ‘645+ Course,’ Princeton Review still wins on volume. Their standard self-paced on demand course provides access to a library of over 4,400 practice questions comprised of 3,000+ drill questions and additional ones from the full-length exams and official GMAT guide. Compare this to Manhattan Prep with around 2,300+ questions (1,100 Official + 1,200 Instructor).
Now, I will say that Manhattan Prep offers 2 more full-length practice tests than Princeton Review, and I like that Manhattan Prep’s practice questions are slightly harder than the actual exam, which makes the real test feel like a breeze. Still, if you are a student who relies on high volume repetition, drilling many problems until you see every possible variation, Princeton Review gives you nearly twice as many practice questions.
Honestly, choosing between these two options is challenging, as both Manhattan Prep and Princeton Review remain the most trusted providers in 2026, backed by verified student outcomes.
Princeton Review might be right for those on a tight budget or anyone who benefits from working through lots of practice problems.
However, Manhattan Prep takes the win for students serious about getting a high score. It is a well-designed approach to teaching that feels more robust than all of the other courses out there. Manhattan is also the better choice for visual learners. With higher production quality video lessons, smaller live class sizes, and engaging instructors, their curriculum is stronger. And the score guarantee for their elite course is the best on the market.
Overall, if you’re looking for the best resources on the market, Manhattan Prep is the smarter investment.
How do the GMAT prep courses from Princeton Review and Manhattan Prep compare?
Although the GMAT courses from Princeton Review and Manhattan Prep overlap in several areas, they do differ in a couple key categories. For example, our team prefers the video lessons and live GMAT classes from Manhattan Prep, while Princeton Review has the edge when it comes to pricing.
Which GMAT prep course is better - Princeton Review or Manhattan Prep?
Although the GMAT courses from both companies are similar in several respects, Manhattan Prep gets the edge thanks in large part to their engaging video lessons and small-group live classes.
Are the GMAT courses from Princeton Review cheaper than Manhattan Prep's?
Yes, the GMAT courses from Princeton Review are slightly more affordable than those from Manhattan Prep. For example, Princeton Review’s self-paced GMAT course is about $100 less than the comparable course from Manhattan Prep.
Which one is better for first-time GMAT takers?
Manhattan Prep is often the better choice for first-time GMAT takers aiming for a top score. Its expert-led lessons, challenging practice, and strategy-rich approach give you a strong foundation from day one. Princeton Review is a good option too, especially if you prefer a more guided, beginner-friendly structure. But if you’re serious about hitting 700+, Manhattan Prep delivers the depth and rigor to get you there.
Editor's Choice 
