GMAT Sprint vs Magoosh: Which Is Better for the GMAT?
GMAT Sprint and Magoosh are two popular GMAT prep platforms, but they take very different approaches. This head-to-head comparison helps you decide which one fits your study style and budget.
- GMAT Sprint
- Free
- Magoosh
- $249 (6-month premium)
Figures are from official class profiles / public pricing as of the last check and may change. Always verify on the program or provider's website before applying or booking.
At-a-glance comparison
Here's a quick snapshot of how GMAT Sprint and Magoosh stack up on key features.
- Price: GMAT Sprint is free to use, with a Premium option at $249 for 6 months. Magoosh requires a paid subscription (typically around $249 for 6 months).
- Core approach: GMAT Sprint focuses on computer-adaptive practice exams and questions. Magoosh emphasizes video lessons plus practice questions.
- Video lessons: GMAT Sprint offers theory guides and reading passages, not video-first content. Magoosh provides 200+ video lessons.
- Practice questions: GMAT Sprint uses an adaptive question engine across six difficulty tiers. Magoosh offers 800+ practice questions.
Feature-by-feature
Practice and Adaptivity
GMAT Sprint's standout is its adaptive question engine that adjusts to your performance across six difficulty tiers. This mimics the real GMAT's computer-adaptive format, which can be a huge advantage for test-day readiness. Magoosh provides a large bank of practice questions, but they are not adaptive in the same way—you can practice by topic or difficulty, but the experience is less like the actual test.
Video Lessons
Magoosh clearly leads in video instruction with over 200 video lessons covering all GMAT sections. If you learn best by watching an instructor explain concepts, Magoosh is the stronger choice. GMAT Sprint, on the other hand, offers theory guides and reading passages—great for self-study but not video-first. This makes GMAT Sprint less engaging for visual learners.
Diagnostic and Score Tracking
GMAT Sprint offers a free diagnostic test that can help you identify your starting point. It also includes a score calculator to estimate your GMAT score. Magoosh also provides a diagnostic and progress tracking, but specific tools may vary. Both platforms help you monitor improvement, but GMAT Sprint's free diagnostic is a low-risk way to test the waters.
Pricing
GMAT Sprint is free to use, which is a massive advantage if you're on a tight budget. The Premium upgrade at $249 for 6 months adds features like advanced analytics and additional practice tests. Magoosh requires a paid subscription from the start, typically around $249 for 6 months. While Magoosh sometimes offers discounts, the upfront cost is similar to GMAT Sprint's Premium, but you get no free tier.
Best for (by use case)
- Budget-conscious students: GMAT Sprint is the clear winner because it's free to start. You can access a free diagnostic test and practice questions without paying.
- Visual learners: Magoosh is better if you need video explanations. With 200+ lessons, you get structured video instruction that GMAT Sprint lacks.
- Adaptive practice seekers: GMAT Sprint's adaptive engine is ideal if you want to simulate the real test's difficulty adjustments. Magoosh's practice is less adaptive.
- Comprehensive prep with both videos and practice: Magoosh offers a balanced package, but if you want a free trial, GMAT Sprint's free tier is a good starting point.
Our verdict
Choose GMAT Sprint if you want a cost-effective, adaptive practice experience and are comfortable learning from text-based guides. Choose Magoosh if you prefer video lessons and a more traditional structured course. Both are legitimate options, but your learning style and budget should drive the decision.