The Best GRE Prep Resources Reviewed (2025 Update)

Choosing the right study materials can significantly impact your GRE preparation and final score. With a vast array of options available – from official guides and online courses to apps and free websites – navigating the choices can be overwhelming. As a GRE expert, I’ve reviewed the landscape to help you identify the best and most effective GRE prep resources for your 2025 GRE journey.

The Golden Rule: Prioritize Official ETS Materials

Educational Testing Service (ETS), the maker of the GRE, provides official preparation materials. These are indispensable because they use real, retired GRE questions, giving you the most authentic practice experience.

Must-Have Official Resources:

1. POWERPREP® Online Practice Tests: (2 Free + 3 Paid POWERPREP PLUS®) Simulate the real computer-based test. Essential for baseline scores and realistic practice.
2. The Official Guide to the GRE® General Test: Foundational text with structure, strategies, and hundreds of real practice questions.
3. Official GRE® Quantitative & Verbal Reasoning Practice Questions Volumes: Each provides 150 additional real questions for targeted practice.
4. ETS Website Resources: Free Math Review, sample questions, AWA topic pools.

Reputable Third-Party Resources (Supplementing Official Materials)

While official materials are key, third-party resources offer supplementary strategies, explanations, and practice. Use them wisely.

1. Comprehensive Prep Books: (Manhattan Prep, Kaplan, Princeton Review, Magoosh) Offer lessons, strategies, drills. Good for concept review. Caution: Practice questions are not official.

2. Online GRE Prep Courses: (Magoosh, Kaplan, Princeton Review, Target Test Prep, etc.) Offer structured video/live lessons, analytics, extensive unofficial practice banks. Can be expensive. Research and use free trials.

3. Vocabulary Building Tools: (Apps like Magoosh/Quizlet/Anki, word lists, reading widely) Essential for Verbal success. Focus on context.

4. Practice Question Banks & Drills: (Included with courses/books, GRE Prep Club) Useful for volume practice after official materials. Verify quality.

5. Free GRE Prep Resources: (ETS website, prep company blogs/YouTube, Khan Academy for math review) Can supplement paid resources effectively.

How to Choose Resources

1. Start with Official: Get the Official Guide, use free POWERPREP.
2. Assess Needs: Identify weaknesses (diagnostic test), preferred learning style.
3. Consider Budget: Options range from free to expensive courses/tutoring.
4. Read Reviews: Check recent, detailed reviews (e.g., GRE Prep Club).
5. Utilize Free Trials: Test online platforms before committing.

Official practice tests are invaluable, but limited.Supplement your ETS practice and gauge your progress under realistic conditions with our high-quality, section-specific GRE practice tests! 

Key Takeaways

• ETS First: Official materials (Guides, POWERPREP) are non-negotiable for authentic practice.
• Supplement Strategically: Use third-party books, courses, or apps for concept review, strategy, and extra drills, but be aware their questions aren’t official.
• Practice Tests are Crucial: Use official POWERPREP tests for score prediction; use others for practice and stamina building.
• Vocabulary Matters: Dedicate consistent effort using apps, lists, and contextual reading.
• Choose Wisely: Select resources based on your specific needs, learning style, and budget after starting with official materials.

Conclusion

The foundation of effective GRE prep lies in official ETS materials. Build upon this base by strategically selecting high-quality third-party resources that address your specific needs. Avoid relying solely on unofficial questions for score assessment. Choose your tools wisely, integrate them into your study plan, and practice consistently.

See also: Start Your GRE Prep (2025): Read the Complete Guide.