If you’re gearing up for a big exam like the GMAT, GRE, SAT, IELTS, or TOEFL, you’ve probably come across Magoosh.

It’s one of those names that pops up when you’re hunting for affordable, online test prep courses. But is it really as good as people say? Or is it just another overhyped platform?

As someone who’s dug deep into reviews, user feedback, and the platform itself, I’m here to break it all down for you in this in-depth Magoosh review.

Let’s get into it!

What Is Magoosh?

Magoosh, founded in 2008 by MBA alums from UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, is an online test prep platform designed to make studying for standardized tests accessible and affordable.

The name “Magoosh” comes from a Persian word meaning “learned person,” which is fitting since their mission is to help students become just that. They offer prep courses for a range of exams, including:

• GRE
• GMAT
• SAT
• ACT
• IELTS
• TOEFL
• LSAT
• MCAT
• Praxis

 

Unlike traditional test prep giants like Kaplan or Princeton Review, Magoosh is 100% online, self-paced, and budget-friendly. With over 1.5 million users from 185 countries and 8 million hours of video lessons watched, it’s clear they’re doing something right. But let’s dive into the nitty-gritty to see if it’s the right fit for you.

 

---

What Makes Magoosh Stand Out?

1. Affordability: High Value for Low Cost

One of the first things you’ll notice about Magoosh is its price tag—or lack thereof. Compared to competitors charging $1,000 or more, Magoosh’s courses are a steal. For example, their GMAT Premium plan costs around $350, and GRE plans start at $149 for a month or $179 for six months. You can often snag a 10% discount code, making it even cheaper.

This budget-friendly approach doesn’t mean they skimp on quality. Magoosh offers over 200 video lessons, 800+ practice questions, and detailed explanations for each question. For the price, that’s a ton of content. As one user put it, “High-quality material for small funds. What could be better?”

2. Flexible, Self-Paced Learning

Magoosh is perfect if you’re juggling a busy schedule. The platform doesn’t force you into a rigid curriculum. Instead, you can pick and choose topics based on your needs. Want to focus on GMAT Quant? Go for it. Need to brush up on GRE Verbal? You’re in control. This flexibility is a big win for self-motivated learners.

They also provide customizable study schedules (1-month or 3-month plans) that integrate directly with their materials. These schedules are broken down day by day, so you know exactly what to tackle. One student raved, “I usually keep a tab open for Magoosh’s study plan. It’s superb!”

3. Engaging Video Lessons

Magoosh’s video lessons are the heart of their courses. They’re short (think 5-10 minutes), concise, and designed to keep you engaged. Each lesson includes guided practice and test-taking strategies from qualified instructors. The content is spot-on, covering everything you need for your exam without overwhelming you with fluff.

The lessons come with transcripts and a note-taking feature, which is great for visual learners or anyone who likes to jot down key points. You can even speed up the videos (up to 2x) to breeze through reviews. However, the delivery isn’t perfect—some users find the PowerPoint-style format with voiceovers a bit dated compared to competitors’ interactive videos.

4. Robust Practice Questions

Magoosh shines with its practice questions—over 1,300 for GMAT alone! These questions mimic the real exam’s format and difficulty, with 500+ labeled as “hard” or “very hard.” You can customize practice sets by question type, difficulty, or timing, which helps you zero in on weak spots. Every question comes with a video and text explanation, walking you through the solution step by step.

One user shared, “The best feature is the detailed video explanations for EVERY question. They teach you how to think like a test-taker.” Another noted that Magoosh’s Quant questions were tougher than the actual GMAT, which gave them an edge on test day.

5. User-Friendly Interface

Magoosh’s platform is clean, intuitive, and easy to navigate. Categories like lessons, practice, and review are clearly laid out, and the dashboard tracks your progress with metrics like question accuracy and pace compared to other users. The mobile apps (available for iOS and Android) let you study on the go, with features like flashcards and extra video lessons.

The interface isn’t just functional—it’s professional and snappy. One reviewer said, “The layout is sleek and straightforward. I was happy with the user experience given the cost.”

6. Score Improvement Guarantees

Magoosh backs its courses with score improvement guarantees. For example, GRE students are promised a +5-point increase (if scoring 320 or below), and GMAT students get a +70-point guarantee. If you don’t hit the target, you get a full refund. This shows confidence in their product, and real student results back it up—30% of Magoosh GMAT users score above 700, compared to 10% of all GMAT takers.

---

Course Options and Pricing

Magoosh is known for being one of the most affordable test prep options out there. Here’s a breakdown of the major courses and their pricing (as of 2025):

🔹 GRE Prep

• Premium (6 months): $149
  Includes lessons, practice questions, 3 practice tests, score predictor, and support.

🔹 GMAT Prep

• Premium (12 months): $249
  Includes lessons, 1,300+ questions, AWA essay grading, and practice tests.

🔹 SAT/ACT Prep

• Premium (12 months): $129
  Ideal for high school students, includes 1500+ questions and video lessons.

🔹 TOEFL & IELTS Prep

• Premium (6 months): $109
  Covers listening, reading, speaking, and writing sections with targeted practice.

🔹 LSAT, MCAT, and Praxis

• Pricing ranges from $99 to $199, depending on the exam and features included.

All plans include a 7-day free trial and a score improvement guarantee—or your money back.

---

What Students Are Saying

Magoosh has tens of thousands of positive reviews online. Here are some common themes:

⭐ “It’s simple and effective.”

Many students love how easy Magoosh is to use. The video lessons explain concepts clearly, even for those who struggle with math or verbal sections.

⭐ “Great for self-paced learners.”

Because you can study at your own pace, it’s perfect for busy professionals, college students, or anyone who prefers flexibility.

⭐ “Huge value for money.”

Students say Magoosh offers the same (or better) quality as expensive $1000+ courses—for a fraction of the price.

Here are a few real testimonials:

“I went from a 290 to a 315 on my GRE after 2 months with Magoosh!”
– Alicia S., Verified User

“The TOEFL listening section always confused me. Magoosh’s strategies made it finally click.”
– Ravi K., TOEFL Student

“As a working professional, I couldn’t attend live classes. Magoosh let me prep on my schedule—and I got a 710 on the GMAT!”
– Carlos R., MBA Applicant

---

Where Magoosh Falls Short

No platform is perfect, and Magoosh has its flaws. Here’s what users and reviewers have pointed out:

1. Verbal Section Needs Work

While Magoosh’s Quant section gets rave reviews, the Verbal section for GMAT and GRE is often criticized. Users say it lacks depth and engagement compared to Quant, and the questions don’t always match the real exam’s style. One student noted, “The verbal videos and questions were very different from the actual test.”

For non-native English speakers, the Verbal section can feel especially outdated. Magoosh offers idiom flashcards, but they’re not enough for advanced learners seeking in-depth verbal prep.

2. Limited Practice Tests

Magoosh provides at least two diagnostic tests for most courses, but users want more. Competitors like Kaplan offer four or more practice tests, which are crucial for building test-day stamina. One reviewer said, “My only criticism is the mock tests. The difficulty progression and scoring could be better.”

3. No Live Classes or Private Tutoring

If you thrive in a classroom setting or want one-on-one support, Magoosh might disappoint. It’s a self-paced platform with no live classes (they discontinued them) or private tutoring. You can use the “Ask-an-Expert” feature to email tutors, but it’s not the same as real-time interaction.

4. Video Quality Could Be Better

While the content is solid, the video delivery feels basic. The slideshow format with voiceovers isn’t as engaging as competitors’ high-production videos with on-screen instructors. One user mentioned, “The teaching style wasn’t ideal for visual learners who prefer seeing the instructor.”

5. Some Courses Lack Depth

For certain exams, like IELTS, Magoosh doesn’t offer graded reviews for speaking or writing sections, which are critical for test success. Users also reported that some topics could use more comprehensive coverage.

 

6. Customer Service Issues

A few users reported unauthorized charges or issues with refunds, though these seem rare. Magoosh’s support is generally responsive via email, phone, or online forms, but it’s not perfect.

 

---

Who Is Magoosh Best For?

Magoosh is a perfect fit if:

• You’re on a budget but still want high-quality test prep
• You prefer to study on your own schedule
• You want clear explanations and structured plans
• You’re preparing for exams in English-speaking countries (like USA, UK, Canada, etc.)

However, if you need 1-on-1 coaching or learn better in live group classes, you might want to combine Magoosh with a tutor or additional prep resources.

---

Who Is Magoosh Best For?

Magoosh is a fantastic choice if you:

• Want an affordable, comprehensive prep course (under $400).
• Prefer self-paced learning and have the discipline to stick to a study plan.
• Need strong Quant prep or are starting from scratch.
• Value flexibility and a user-friendly platform.

It might not be the best fit if you:

• Need live classes or one-on-one tutoring.
• Want a highly polished, interactive video experience.
• Are an advanced learner seeking in-depth Verbal prep.
• Require more practice tests to simulate test day.

---

How to Get Started with Magoosh

Getting started is simple:

1. Go to www.magoosh.com
2. Select your exam (GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, etc.)
3. Start your 7-day free trial
4. Pick a plan that suits your timeline
5. Create a study schedule and start learning!

---

Final Verdict: Is Magoosh Worth It?

Yes, Magoosh is 100% worth it for most students preparing for standardized tests. It delivers incredible value for the price, offers user-friendly tools, and has a proven track record of success.

It may not have all the bells and whistles like live classes or 1-on-1 coaching, but for self-motivated learners who want affordable, flexible, and effective test prep, Magoosh hits the mark.

Magoosh may not be ideal for learners who need a live classroom environment or one-on-one tutoring. It also doesn’t provide as much writing feedback as some premium services, particularly for exams like the TOEFL or IELTS.

However, these limitations are understandable given the price point. If you need more personal attention, Magoosh can be supplemented with private tutoring or writing evaluations from other services.

Another reason Magoosh stands out is the thoughtful support it provides. Every practice question comes with an explanation video or detailed text walkthrough. This feature helps you learn from your mistakes and actually understand the logic behind right and wrong answers.

The score predictor tool is also incredibly useful, giving you a realistic estimate of where you stand—and showing you how much progress you’re making. Combined with detailed performance analytics, it’s easy to identify your weak areas and focus your study efforts where they matter most.

Magoosh is built for flexibility. There are no live classes and no fixed schedules, which might not suit everyone—but for many learners, it’s a blessing. You can study at your own pace, revisit tough topics as many times as you want, and tailor your learning path based on your unique schedule.

If you’re a working professional, a busy student, or someone juggling multiple responsibilities, Magoosh allows you to stay on track without having to attend live sessions or adjust your life around rigid class timings.

---

Quick Summary

Feature	Magoosh
Price	Starting at $109
Free Trial	7 Days
Mobile App	Yes
Practice Questions	1,000–1,500+
Score Guarantee	Yes
Video Lessons	Yes
Live Classes	No
1-on-1 Tutoring	No
Best For	Self-paced, budget-friendly prep

---

✅ Recommended?

Yes – especially if you’re looking for a no-stress, low-cost way to boost your score.

What sets Magoosh apart is its balance of affordability and effectiveness. You get access to comprehensive video lessons, thousands of practice questions, and smart tools like score predictors and study schedules—all for a fraction of the price of traditional test prep programs. Plus, with the 7-day free trial and a money-back score improvement guarantee, there’s little risk in giving it a try.

It’s especially great for:

• Students on a budget
• Busy professionals who need flexible learning
• Independent learners who prefer a self-paced approach
• International students who want a trusted online platform

However, if you’re someone who needs live classes or personalized 1-on-1 support, Magoosh might feel limited. In that case, you can always pair it with tutoring or other support options.

In short, Magoosh is an excellent choice for most test-takers in 2025 and continues to be one of the most accessible and effective online prep solutions available today.