When it comes to studying for the GMAT, there are plenty of prep providers to choose from. In this article, we compare the strengths and weaknesses of the prep courses from two of the best out there – Manhattan Prep and Princeton Review. That way, you can decide which GMAT course suits your specific budget and learning style.
Given that this is a lengthy, detailed comparison, we’ve included jump-to links above for your convenience.
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.
Editor's Choice
Editor's Choice
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 (with a recent major platform update), hence the tagline “Manhattan Prep powered by Kaplan.”
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.
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.
In contrast, Princeton Review’s video lessons are somewhat outdated, resembling a basic PowerPoint presentation with a voiceover.
Therefore, if you are a visual learner, I believe you will find Manhattan Prep’s video lessons particularly enjoyable and effective.
When it comes to catering to visual learners, I believe 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.
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), adding to its appeal.
Another win for Manhattan Prep is their instructors. I’m a big fan of them. 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, it doesn’t even feel like you’re studying; they are just that good at keeping the lessons light and playful. It’s definitely a big thumbs up from me for their approach.
Both companies also offer standard money-back guarantees on their self-paced/on demand courses (promising a score increase of any kind).
Princeton Review headlines their elite course with a 645+ guarantee (or a +70 point increase if you start lower). That is a solid safety net. However, Manhattan Prep matches that structure (in their 655+ course) and raises the stakes by guaranteeing a 655+ score.
While 10 points might sound minor, in the GMAT world, it’s a massive leap. I have to give the win here to Manhattan for backing the more ambitious guarantee.
➡️Want more detail? Read our full Manhattan Prep GMAT Review
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.
The first important factor is pricing. Princeton Review’s self-paced course costs $800, while Manhattan Prep’s equivalent on demand course is priced at about $900.
Comparing the flagship live class courses of both companies, Princeton Review’s is about $1,000, while Manhattan Prep’s is around $1,800 (just note that Manhattan offers 27 hours of live instruction vs 18 hours for Princeton).
Overall, opting for Princeton Review could save you anywhere from $100 to $800, which is a significant amount.
Another advantage is that Princeton Review offers appealing bonus resources for students. These include live office hours and email support from teachers.
In my view, both of these features 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.
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.
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.
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).
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 double the ammo.
➡️Want more detail? Read our full review of the Princeton Review GMAT course
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.
If you are on a strict budget, Princeton Review is a solid choice. Their self-paced and live course packages are affordable, they have more practice problems, and they offer live class hours.
However, Manhattan Prep takes the win for students serious about getting a high score. It is such a well-designed approach to teaching that it just feels more robust and comprehensive 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 just stronger. And the score guarantee for their elite course is the best on the market. Overall, Manhattan Prep is the smarter investment.
➡️Read Next: Manhattan Prep vs Target Test Prep GMAT
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.
Although the GMAT courses from both companies are similar in several respects, our team gives Manhattan Prep the edge thanks in large part to their engaging video lessons, and small-group live classes.
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.
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.
