How We Selected and Reviewed These Courses

We compared seven of the most popular TOEFL preparation options based on five key factors: price, course quality, practice test availability, instructor access, and suitability for different target scores. We looked at official pricing, course structures, and student reviews to give you a clear picture of what each platform offers.

Each platform was reviewed against the same criteria. Whether you need a full structured course or just extra practice before test day, this guide will help you decide where to invest.

About the TOEFL: What You Need to Know

The TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test) measures your ability to use and understand English at the university level. It covers four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Each section is scored out of 30, for a total of 120 points.

The test is fully computer-based and takes about three hours. You type your responses, speak into a microphone, and read and listen through headphones. The test uses North American English and academic contexts, including classroom lectures, campus conversations, and academic texts. Understanding this format is key to choosing the right prep course.

Comparison Table: Best Online TOEFL Prep Courses

1. Magoosh TOEFL Prep : Best Value Video Course

Magoosh is one of the most popular TOEFL prep platforms, and for good reason. It offers over 400 video lessons covering all four sections of the TOEFL, taught by experienced instructors who explain strategies clearly. The platform also includes 400+ practice questions with detailed video explanations for each answer.

Magoosh's subscription costs $15 to $29 per month, making it one of the most affordable comprehensive prep options. You get access to full-length practice tests, vocabulary flashcards, and a custom study schedule based on your target score and test date. The platform tracks your progress and shows you which question types you need to work on.

The video lessons are the standout feature. Each lesson is 5 to 15 minutes long and focused on a specific skill or strategy. You can watch them in order for a structured approach or jump to specific topics you need help with. The instructors explain concepts clearly without wasting time on fluff.

Best for: Learners who want a structured video course with extensive practice at an affordable price. Skip if: You need live tutor feedback or prefer a classroom environment.

2. BestMyTest : AI-Driven Targeted Practice

BestMyTest takes a data-driven approach to TOEFL preparation. The platform uses artificial intelligence to analyse your performance across thousands of practice questions and identify your exact weak areas. It then creates a customised study plan that targets those weak points.

With over 2,000 TOEFL practice questions and full-length mock tests, BestMyTest offers more practice material than most competitors. Subscription costs $15 to $30 per month, putting it in the same price range as Magoosh. The AI writing evaluation provides instant feedback on your essays, which is a big time saver.

The platform also offers one-on-one tutoring sessions at an additional cost. This hybrid approach lets you do most of your practice independently while having access to expert help when needed. The detailed performance reports show exactly where you are improving and where you need more work.

Best for: Data-driven learners who want targeted practice based on their specific weak areas. Skip if: You prefer video lessons over practice questions or want a more traditional course structure.

Magoosh and BestMyTest take very different approaches, so a side-by-side look helps. Read our Magoosh vs BestMyTest comparison for pricing, lessons, and practice volume head to head.

3. ETS Official TOEFL iBT Resources : Most Authoritative Practice

ETS creates and administers the TOEFL, so their official resources are the most accurate representation of the real test. The ETS website offers free sample questions, test tips, and a free practice test. For more comprehensive practice, you can purchase the official TOEFL iBT Prep Pack for $20 to $50.

The prep pack includes four full-length practice tests that mirror the actual exam format, scoring, and timing. You get scores for each section and overall, plus explanations for correct answers. Because the questions are written by the same people who write the real test, the difficulty level and content are exactly what you will see on test day.

ETS resources are best used as a supplement to a structured prep course. The official practice tests are excellent for benchmarking your progress and getting comfortable with the test format, but they do not include instructional content or strategy lessons. Use them alongside a course like Magoosh or BestMyTest for a complete prep plan.

Best for: Learners who want the most authentic practice tests from the official test makers. Skip if: You need structured lessons, video instruction, or personalised feedback.

4. Kaplan TOEFL Prep : Comprehensive Live Instruction

Kaplan has been a trusted name in test preparation for decades. Their TOEFL prep courses combine live online instruction with self-paced study materials. You can choose from different packages depending on how much support you need, ranging from self-paced access to intensive live courses.

Prices range from $200 for the self-paced option to $500 for the most comprehensive package with live classes, 1-on-1 tutoring sessions, and full-length practice tests. Kaplan's live instructors are experienced teachers who know the TOEFL inside out and can answer your questions in real time.

The main advantage of Kaplan is the structured classroom experience. If you learn best with a set schedule and live instruction, Kaplan's format works well. The self-paced materials are also high quality, with video lessons, practice questions, and strategy guides covering all four sections.

Best for: Learners who want live instruction and a structured classroom experience. Skip if: You are on a tight budget or prefer self-paced study.

5. edX TOEFL Preparation : University-Level Curriculum

edX offers TOEFL preparation courses from leading universities, including the University of California, Irvine and the University of Pennsylvania. These are structured, multi-week courses that cover all sections of the TOEFL with video lectures, readings, and assignments.

You can audit most edX courses for free, giving you access to all video content and readings. For graded assignments and a verified certificate, you pay $50 to $100 per course. The courses typically run 4 to 8 weeks with a recommended commitment of 3 to 6 hours per week.

The university-level approach means the content is academically rigorous. Courses cover test-taking strategies and academic skills like note-taking, paraphrasing, and essay organisation. However, edX courses do not include as many practice questions as dedicated platforms like Magoosh or BestMyTest.

Best for: Learners who want a university-designed curriculum and academic context. Skip if: You need extensive practice questions or fast-paced, intensive prep.

6. Udemy TOEFL Courses : Budget-Friendly One-Time Purchase

Udemy hosts a wide range of TOEFL preparation courses created by individual instructors. Prices range from $10 to $50 for a one-time purchase, and courses often go on sale for much less. You get lifetime access, so you can study at your own pace without subscription fees.

Quality varies significantly between instructors, so it is important to check reviews and ratings before purchasing. Look for courses taught by experienced TOEFL instructors with high ratings (4.5 stars or above). The best Udemy TOEFL courses include multiple hours of video content, downloadable resources, and practice exercises.

Udemy works well as a supplement to other prep materials. The low one-time price makes it easy to try a course without commitment. If you find a good instructor, the value is excellent. But because there is no standardised curriculum, you may need to piece together content from multiple courses for complete coverage.

Best for: Budget-conscious learners who want a one-time purchase with lifetime access. Skip if: You want a standardised, comprehensive curriculum with practice tests and support.

7. Preply TOEFL Tutors : Best for Personalised Feedback

Preply connects you with TOEFL specialist tutors for private 1-on-1 lessons. This is the best option if you need personalised feedback, especially for the speaking and writing sections where self-study falls short. You can filter tutors by their experience with TOEFL, price, and student reviews.

Prices range from $10 to $35 per hour depending on the tutor's experience and qualifications. You can try a lesson with a tutor before committing to regular sessions. Lessons are conducted over Preply's video platform, which includes a chat system and materials sharing.

A good TOEFL tutor will identify your weak areas, give you targeted exercises, and provide detailed corrections on your speaking and writing. For the speaking section, they can help you structure your responses and improve your pronunciation. For writing, they will show you how to organise essays, develop arguments, and use appropriate academic language. This personalised feedback is the fastest way to raise your score.

Best for: Learners who need personalised feedback on speaking and writing to reach their target score. Skip if: You prefer self-study or need a structured course with a fixed curriculum.

How to Choose the Right TOEFL Prep Course for You

With seven strong options, here is how to decide based on your situation.

• What is your target score? For 80-90, a structured course like Magoosh or BestMyTest is sufficient. For 100+, combine a structured course with 1-on-1 tutoring on Preply for speaking and writing feedback.
• What is your budget? Zero budget: ETS free resources and edX audit. $10-50 one-time: Udemy. $15-30/month: Magoosh or BestMyTest. $10-35/hour: Preply tutoring. $200-500: Kaplan live course.
• How much time do you have? 8+ weeks: structured course on Magoosh or edX works well. 2-4 weeks: intensive 1-on-1 tutoring on Preply is more effective for rapid improvement.
• Do you need speaking and writing feedback? Yes: Preply for 1-on-1 coaching, or BestMyTest for AI writing evaluation. No: Magoosh, edX, Udemy, or ETS official resources.
• Do you prefer live instruction? Yes: Kaplan offers live online classes. For a more flexible option, Preply lets you book individual live tutoring sessions as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict

There is no single best TOEFL prep course for everyone. Your choice depends on your target score, budget, and learning style.

If you want the best value video course with extensive practice, go with Magoosh. If you prefer data-driven, targeted practice with AI feedback, BestMyTest is an excellent choice. For official materials from the test makers, ETS resources are the most authentic option. If you need live instruction and a structured classroom experience, Kaplan delivers. And if personalised feedback on speaking and writing is what you need to reach your target score, invest in a Preply tutor.

For most learners, we recommend a combination: use a structured course like Magoosh for systematic coverage, supplement with ETS official practice tests for authentic practice, and book a few sessions with a Preply tutor for speaking and writing feedback. This balanced approach gives you the best chance of reaching your target score without overspending.