Choosing between Magoosh and Target Test Prep usually comes down to one thing: how you like to learn.
Magoosh is built for fast, clean, self paced learning with short video lessons and a straightforward study flow. Target Test Prep, often called TTP, is built for deep mastery through structured lessons, heavy practice, analytics, and a very detailed path.
Both are respected. Both can work. But they feel very different day to day, and that difference matters more than most people think.
If you want something you can stick with consistently, you will get better results even if the course is not the most intense. If you want a system that drills fundamentals until they are automatic, you will likely prefer TTP.
Let’s compare them properly, including pricing, features, guarantees, and who each platform is best for.
Quick summary
Choose Magoosh if you want a simpler prep plan, strong explanations, solid content coverage, and a lower overall price for long access.
Choose Target Test Prep if you want a structured mastery course with heavy practice depth, detailed analytics, and a study process that feels like training, not reviewing.
Pricing and plans (latest pricing shown)
Prices change often due to promotions. The pricing below is based on what each company shows on its plan pages.
GMAT pricing: Magoosh vs Target Test Prep
Magoosh GMAT Premium is listed at $349 for 12 months, and the page also shows sale pricing at times. It includes 200 plus video lessons, over 800 practice questions, at least 2 diagnostic tests, Ask an expert, a score predictor, and an up to 70 point score guarantee.
Target Test Prep GMAT Self Study shows three common access options on its plans page: $249 monthly, $799 for 4 months, and $899 for 6 months. The page also lists a large content library including thousands of practice questions, lessons, and video solutions, plus a personalized assistant and live expert support.
GRE pricing: Magoosh vs Target Test Prep
Magoosh GRE shows two core Premium options: $149 for 1 month and $179 for 6 months. The GRE plan page also lists official licensed question sets, 290 plus video lessons, over 1600 practice questions, up to 6 practice tests, study schedules, Ask an expert, a score predictor, and a plus 5 total score guarantee.
Target Test Prep GRE shows $179 per month, $449 for 4 months, and $499 for 6 months for Self Study. It also lists a study plan, daily calendar, detailed quant and verbal lessons, and a personalized assistant.
Pricing table (GMAT and GRE)
| Exam | Platform | Plan options shown | Access length | Price shown |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GMAT | Magoosh | Premium | 12 months | $349 |
| GMAT | Target Test Prep | Self Study | Monthly, 4 months, 6 months | $249 monthly, $799 for 4 months, $899 for 6 months |
| GRE | Magoosh | Premium | 1 month, 6 months | $149 for 1 month, $179 for 6 months |
| GRE | Target Test Prep | Self Study | Monthly, 4 months, 6 months | $179 monthly, $449 for 4 months, $499 for 6 months |
What you get: feature comparison that actually matters
Most people compare courses by question count and video count. That is fine, but the real decision is learning style.
Magoosh learning style
Magoosh is designed to be easy to enter and easy to continue. The GMAT plan lists 200 plus video lessons and over 800 practice questions, plus diagnostics and a score predictor.
For GRE, it lists 290 plus video lessons, over 1600 practice questions, and up to 6 practice tests, plus study schedules.
What that means in real life:
- You can study in short sessions.
- You can get quick wins.
- You will rarely feel lost inside the platform.
Target Test Prep learning style
TTP is built like a training program. Its GMAT plans page highlights a large practice bank, many lessons, video solutions, custom test builder, daily calendar, and analytics, plus live expert support.
For GRE, the plans page emphasizes a study plan, daily calendar, and structured quant, verbal, and writing coverage.
What that means in real life:
- You get a step by step mastery path.
- It is more intense and time heavy.
- If you follow it, your fundamentals get very strong.
Feature table: Magoosh vs Target Test Prep (GMAT and GRE)
| Feature | Magoosh | Target Test Prep |
|---|---|---|
| Core approach | Video first plus practice | Mastery first plus heavy practice |
| Study plan guidance | Study schedules, progress tools | Study plan and daily calendar |
| Practice depth | Strong but lighter than drill heavy systems | Very practice heavy with custom builders |
| Diagnostics | At least 2 diagnostics on GMAT | Practice tests and analytics listed |
| Support | Ask an expert | Live expert support listed on GMAT plans page |
| Guarantees | GMAT up to 70 points, GRE plus 5 total | Guarantees are promoted on TTP sites, details vary by product |
| Best for | Beginners to mid level, busy schedules | People who want deep mastery and structure |
Which one is easier to stick with?
If you are busy, or you tend to start strong then fade, Magoosh is often easier to sustain. Short lessons plus guided practice feels lighter, so you show up more days.
If you like structure and you enjoy checking off a serious study plan, TTP can be easier to stick with because it tells you exactly what to do and gives you enough material that you never run out.
So it comes down to your personality:
- If you want simple and steady, Magoosh.
- If you want intense and systematic, TTP.
Content quality: how close it feels to the real exam
Both platforms teach real skills. But their practice can feel different.
Magoosh tends to feel smoother and more approachable. For many students, that is good early on. It builds confidence and habits.
TTP tends to feel like training reps. It pushes pattern mastery and pacing. Many high scorers like it because it forces you to earn accuracy.
Section by section comparison: how each platform teaches
Now let’s go deeper than pricing and features and talk about what actually happens when you sit down to study. This is where the real difference between Magoosh and Target Test Prep shows up.
Quantitative reasoning
Quant is where Target Test Prep has built its reputation.
TTP treats quant like a skill training program. Each topic is broken into detailed lessons, followed by layered practice sets. You are expected to reach high accuracy before moving forward. The idea is simple: master fundamentals so thoroughly that advanced questions feel familiar.
This approach is excellent if:
- You struggle with math foundations
- You want step by step progression
- You like structured drilling
Magoosh takes a more streamlined route. Quant lessons are shorter and designed to get you practicing quickly. Explanations are strong and focus on logic, shortcuts, and pattern recognition.
This works well if:
- You already have decent math basics
- You prefer learning by doing
- You want faster study sessions
In short, TTP builds depth through repetition. Magoosh builds competence through clarity and practice.
Verbal reasoning
Verbal prep shows a similar pattern.
Target Test Prep teaches verbal with structured modules, emphasizing grammar rules, logic patterns, and reading strategy. It is systematic and heavy on reinforcement.
Magoosh verbal focuses on understanding reasoning, vocabulary, and explanation driven learning. The platform encourages review cycles rather than strict mastery checkpoints.
Students who like structure and rule based progression often prefer TTP. Students who learn better through examples and explanations tend to enjoy Magoosh more.
Practice experience and feedback
TTP emphasizes analytics and targeted reinforcement. You get clear visibility into weak areas and are pushed to revisit them until accuracy improves.
Magoosh emphasizes flow. The dashboard suggests what to do next without overwhelming you. It is less rigid but still guided.
Both systems work. The difference is intensity versus simplicity.
Difficulty level and realism
This is an important nuance.
Target Test Prep practice often feels demanding. Many students say the drills push them harder than typical exam questions, which can build confidence when transitioning to official material.
Magoosh practice tends to feel more approachable. It builds skills without intimidating newer learners.
Advanced scorers sometimes supplement Magoosh with tougher external practice. Beginners often appreciate that Magoosh does not feel punishing.
Learning curve and time commitment
TTP is a commitment. The structured path can require significant weekly hours if followed properly. It is closer to a training program than casual review.
Magoosh is more flexible. You can study in shorter blocks without feeling behind.
If your schedule is unpredictable, Magoosh is easier to maintain. If you want a disciplined roadmap, TTP delivers that structure.
Pros and cons that actually affect outcomes
Magoosh pros
- Easy to start and maintain daily study
- Strong explanations that reinforce strategy
- Flexible pacing for busy learners
- Good balance of lessons and practice
- Lower long term cost for extended access
Magoosh cons
- Less drill intensity for advanced mastery
- Practice may feel lighter for top scorers
- Limited structured checkpoints
Target Test Prep pros
- Deep mastery focused structure
- Heavy quant and verbal drilling
- Strong analytics and study planning
- Excellent for building fundamentals
Target Test Prep cons
- Higher cost for long access
- Time intensive study path
- Can feel overwhelming for casual learners
Best fit by student type
Beginner level students
If you are starting from scratch, both platforms work. The decision comes down to personality.
Choose Magoosh if you want approachable learning and quick wins.
Choose TTP if you want a structured foundation and do not mind slower progression.
Mid range scorers
This group benefits heavily from TTP’s mastery system, especially in quant. However, Magoosh remains strong for reinforcing weak areas without burnout.
Advanced scorers
Students chasing top percentile scores often lean toward TTP for its drill intensity. Many still use Magoosh as a review companion.
Alternatives and when to consider them
While this comparison focuses on Magoosh and TTP, some students explore other options depending on goals.
| Platform | Best for | Why choose it |
|---|---|---|
| Kaplan | Structured classroom style prep | Good for guided learners |
| Princeton Review | Strategy driven coaching feel | Strong instructor led structure |
| Official exam material | Realism and test familiarity | Essential for final prep |
These are often used alongside primary courses rather than replacements.
Decision checklist: which should you choose?
Choose Magoosh if:
- You want flexible self paced study
- You prefer short lessons
- You are balancing prep with work or school
- You want strong value for long access
Choose Target Test Prep if:
- You want a mastery system
- You are willing to commit serious study hours
- You want deep quant reinforcement
- You prefer structured progression
Study strategy tip regardless of platform
Whichever course you choose, results come from:
- Consistent daily study
- Careful review of mistakes
- Timed practice sessions
- Honest tracking of weak areas
Prep is skill building, not content memorization.
Final verdict: Magoosh vs Target Test Prep
This is not a case of one platform being universally better. They serve different learning styles.
Magoosh shines in accessibility, clarity, and sustainability. It is ideal for learners who want structured prep without feeling buried under complexity.
Target Test Prep excels in depth and mastery. It is designed for students who want a rigorous, systematic path and are ready to commit the time.
If you want something you can realistically stick with every day, Magoosh is a strong choice.
If you want intensive training that pushes fundamentals until they are automatic, Target Test Prep is hard to beat.
The best platform is the one you will actually use consistently. That is what ultimately raises your score.