← nerzia GRE Prep
nerzia vs Kaplan
GRE Prep Comparison
Kaplan is the biggest name in test prep. But is it worth the price? Here's an honest look at how the two stack up.
Last updated: May 2026
Quick overview
Kaplan is a legacy test prep company offering live classes, on-demand courses, textbooks, and practice tests. It's been around for decades and is one of the most recognizable names in GRE prep. nerzia is a modern AI-powered GRE app focused purely on practice — unlimited tests, real-time score tracking, and intelligent explanations.
They represent two very different philosophies: Kaplan is the full classroom experience; nerzia is the practice gym.
Feature comparison
FeaturenerziaKaplan
Practice Tests100+ AI-generated7 full-length
Live InstructionNoYes (live + on-demand)
TextbooksNoYes (included)
Score PredictionsReal-time 130–170After full tests only
Writing Practice40+ prompts, AI gradingPrompts only
Vocabulary1,000+ spaced rep.Flashcard app
Fresh QuestionsAI-generated, never repeatFixed bank
Free Tier3-day free trial1 free practice test
PlatformiOS appWeb + books
Starting PriceFree$400+
Pricing: the elephant in the room
Kaplan's GRE plans range from roughly $400 for self-paced to $1,600+ for live instruction. That includes textbooks, video lessons, and their question bank.
nerzia is free to start with a 3-day free trial. Even the annual premium plan costs less than Kaplan's cheapest option. If budget matters — and for most grad school applicants it does — this isn't a close call.
When to choose Kaplan
- You want live instruction with a real teacher
- You prefer a structured study plan with deadlines
- You need physical textbooks to study
- Your employer or school is paying for it
- You want the safety net of a big brand name
When to choose nerzia
- You learn by practicing, not by watching lectures
- You want hundreds of practice tests, not just 7
- Budget is a real constraint
- You want real-time score predictions after every test
- You want AI-graded writing practice with actual feedback
- You want fresh questions every time (not memorizable)
The verdict
Kaplan is the right choice if you need hand-holding: structured schedules, live teachers, and textbooks. It's expensive, but it's comprehensive.
nerzia is the right choice if you're self-motivated and want maximum practice per dollar. 100+ tests with AI explanations and score tracking, starting free. For students who already understand the basics and just need to grind practice, nerzia delivers more value.
FAQ
Is nerzia a good replacement for Kaplan GRE?+
For the practice component, yes. nerzia offers more practice tests than Kaplan (100+ vs 7) with AI-generated questions that never repeat. However, nerzia doesn't offer live instruction or textbooks. Many students use nerzia alongside a Kaplan book for the best of both worlds.
What is the cheapest way to prep for the GRE?+
The cheapest effective GRE prep combines free resources: ETS's POWERPREP tests (official, free), nerzia's free trial (Quant, Verbal, and Writing with AI explanations and score predictions), and the ETS official GRE guide (~$30). This gives you real practice with real-format questions for under $30 total.
Does Kaplan GRE have a free trial?+
Kaplan offers one free full-length GRE practice test. Beyond that, you need a paid plan. nerzia offers a 3-day free trial with full access — more free practice than Kaplan provides.
More GRE resources