A high TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score raises your chances of getting accepted to premier universities worldwide. TOEFL scores are accepted at over 13,000 academic institutions in more than 160 countries, and approximately 90% of TOEFL test takers were admitted into their first- or second-choice universities. In certain states, there are minimum TOEFL score requirements for foreign-graduate pharmacists, physical therapists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. Obtaining a high TOEFL score can be challenging for non-native English speakers, so we shortlisted the top TOEFL prep courses that can help you succeed:
- Magoosh — Top Pick
- Udemy — Best Instructor
- ETSx — Most Affordable
- Jaime Miller Advising — Best Personalized Instruction
- Kaplan — Best Online Course
- TOEFL TestReady — Best Practice Exams
- My Speaking Score — Best for Improving Speaking Scores
- TSTPrep — Best Free Resources
How We Chose the Best TOEFL Test Prep
Choosing the right prep program can significantly impact test performance, so investing in a program that delivers results is essential. To help you make an informed choice, we thoroughly researched each company, analyzed customer reviews, and tested the platforms ourselves.
Flexible scheduling and adaptable formats
Flexible scheduling and adaptable formats were key criteria in our search for the best TOEFL prep programs. You likely have other responsibilities outside of school, so finding a prep option that caters to your scheduling needs is essential. Our top picks reflect this flexibility, offering a range of formats to suit different lifestyles. For instance, Magoosh provides a self-paced online course, perfect for independent learners, while Jaime Miller Advising offers intensive, individualized tutoring for those seeking a more tailored, hands-on approach.
Personalized instruction
Personalized instruction is crucial for effective TOEFL prep, as learning isn’t one-size-fits-all. Each student has different strengths and areas for improvement, so tailored feedback can make a significant difference. Our list includes programs that offer personalized support in various ways: Udemy provides written feedback from your instructor, ETSx connects students with insights directly from TOEFL test creators, and My Speaking Score offers detailed AI-driven speech analysis.
Pricing and plans
Pricing is important in choosing a TOEFL prep program, no matter your budget. Our list includes options for every price range: for budget-conscious learners, ETSx and TSTPrep offer free resources, affordable courses, and discounted one-on-one tutoring. These programs make effective TOEFL prep accessible without a hefty price tag. Kaplan provides an exceptional online course with extensive resources for those ready to invest more, making it a solid option if you’re seeking a comprehensive, higher-end study experience.
Expert instructors and tutors
Access to expert instructors and tutors was a top priority in our search for the best TOEFL prep programs. Learning from qualified, experienced educators ensures you receive accurate guidance and effective test-taking strategies. We vetted each program to guarantee high-quality instruction: Udemy’s TOEFL instructor has received thousands of 5-star reviews, Jaime Miller Advising is directly connected to an experienced TOEFL specialist, and Magoosh provides direct access to TOEFL experts.
The Best TOEFL Prep Courses
Magoosh — Top Pick
Magoosh stands out as our top pick for TOEFL test prep, checking all the boxes for quality, flexibility, and effectiveness. With the most extensive video lesson library and question bank available, Magoosh provides comprehensive resources to cover every aspect of the test. As a student, you’ll also benefit from access to TOEFL experts, ensuring support whenever needed. Additionally, the program goes beyond standard prep with a score improvement guarantee and an abundance of mock exams, helping students track their progress and boost their confidence ahead of test day.
Magoosh offers a score guarantee of at least four points or your money back.
As a student, you’ll benefit from a wealth of resources — including practice tests, custom study schedules, and an accurate score predictor.
Magoosh offers one-month and six-month programs.
What We Like
Magoosh provides a robust set of resources, including over 420 practice questions, each with its video explanation to reinforce understanding. With more than 140 lesson videos, it covers every essential concept needed to excel on the TOEFL, providing well-rounded, in-depth preparation.
This platform is accessible on both desktop and mobile browsers. It is designed for flexibility, allowing you to study anytime, anywhere. The user interface is notably intuitive, making navigating lessons, quizzes, and practice tests easy.
Magoosh connects all students with seasoned TOEFL experts who offer insights into test-taking strategies and complex question types. You can access valuable guidance tailored to your unique learning needs — setting yourself up for success.
What We Didn’t Like
While Magoosh offers an array of resources, one drawback is its score guarantee, which applies only to students retaking the TOEFL and excludes first-time test-takers. This policy may be disappointing for those new to the exam, as it doesn’t provide the added reassurance of a score guarantee that many other programs offer all users.
What Test Takers Are Saying
Test-takers give Magoosh high marks, reflected in its 4.4-star TrustPilot rating, for informative courses that drive score improvements across tests. While Reddit reviews are more mixed, most users find Magoosh quite helpful.
Pricing
| Program | Price | What You Get |
| Premium TOEFL Prep | $109-$129 |
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Udemy — Best Instructor
This TOEFL prep course, created and taught by an IELTS and TOEFL specialist, is designed to meet the needs of diverse students from various cultural backgrounds. With glowing reviews, the course offers a winning combination of self-paced video lessons and monthly live sessions, providing flexibility and real-time support. You’ll also receive written feedback on assignments, helping you refine your skills. Best of all, this course requires only a one-time payment — no monthly subscription — and has been proven to boost TOEFL scores effectively.
This Udemy course is an excellent option for those seeking a self-paced option taught by a top-notch instructor. It’s stacked with features, including test-taking strategies to score 100+, monthly live classes, and personalized feedback on writing assignments.
A preview illustrates the course material’s user-friendly nature, including a library of video lessons that are easy to navigate.
What We Like
The course was created by Keino Campbel, Esq., an instructor with extensive global experience who brings a unique, culturally sensitive approach to TOEFL preparation.
A standout feature of this course is the customized feedback provided on written assignments, a critical component for those aiming to improve their writing score. This additional level of guidance will help you pinpoint specific areas that need improvement and study more effectively.
The course offers a flexible, self-paced structure with high-quality resources for those balancing busy schedules. It includes on-demand video lessons, over 30 assignments to reinforce learning, and 90 downloadable resources that support independent study.
What We Didn’t Like
This course offers only 20 speaking test slots monthly, which might not meet your needs if you seek ample speaking practice. If you need more speaking support, you may want to utilize other platforms, such as My Speaking Score, to supplement your preparation.
What Test Takers Are Saying
Trustpilot ratings reflect mixed feedback across the platform. However, this specific course receives praise for the instructor’s enthusiasm and skill in simplifying complex concepts, making learning engaging and accessible.
Pricing
| Program | Price | What You Get |
| TOEFL iBT (26+) Complete Preparation Course | $84.99 |
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Interested in a degree instead?
Learn more about online degrees, their start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
ETSx — Most Affordable
For budget-conscious students, ETSx is a great option for TOEFL test prep. The program offers a free version, providing learners with a no-cost, authentic test prep experience created by the TOEFL test makers themselves. For those looking to upgrade, ETSx keeps costs manageable; for a one-time payment of $60, students gain full access to the platform’s features, including graded assignments and exams. This budget-friendly approach allows test takers to access high-quality TOEFL preparation at an affordable price.
ETSx offers an entirely free TOEFL test prep course that can be completed in six weeks, with an optional upgrade available for additional access.
ETSx stands out not only for being affordable but also for being written and instructed by TOEFL test creators.
Those who upgrade have unlimited access to course materials, graded assignments, and exams.
What We Like
ETSx offers a robust TOEFL prep experience with a budget-conscious approach. You can access the course for free before committing to the paid certificate package, making it accessible to explore test prep options without an immediate investment.
As the only TOEFL prep course developed by the creators of the TOEFL iBT test, ETSx provides its students with a uniquely authentic prep experience. The course includes practice materials and strategies from the test-makers, which can boost confidence in facing the actual exam by familiarizing students with official question types and formats.
One significant advantage of this course is its lifetime access. With a one-time payment for the certificate package, you’ll gain ongoing access to all course materials without needing a monthly subscription.
What We Didn’t Like
Unlike many other prep services, ETSx doesn’t offer a money-back guarantee. This may be a major drawback if you want more security in your investment.
While some students appreciate the accurate information on TOEFL structure, many find ETSx’s prep materials less comprehensive than expected. Those wanting more in-depth practice may prefer alternatives like Kaplan or Magoosh, which offer more extensive resources.
What Test Takers Are Saying
Reviews for ETSx’s TOEFL test prep are mixed. Most Reddit users say that while the service may be helpful for those just becoming familiar with the test format, it lacks depth. You may need to use ETSx alongside another test prep provider for more comprehensive prep.
Pricing
| Program | Price | What You Get |
| TOEFL iBT Test Preparation: The Insider’s Guide | Free |
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| TOEFL iBT Test Preparation: The Insider’s Guide (Certificate) | $60 |
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Jaime Miller Advising — Best Personalized Instruction
Jaime Miller Advising offers a uniquely personalized approach to TOEFL prep, ideal for serial test takers who’ve struggled to pass. The program begins with an initial consultation, leading to a customized study plan to address individual needs. Learners benefit from one-on-one tutoring and weekly feedback, ensuring continuous support and targeted guidance. For those ready to invest in expert, structured help, Jaime Miller Advising provides a comprehensive solution that has proven effective for students seeking to achieve their TOEFL goals.
Jaime Miller Advising offers a highly personalized TOEFL test prep program designed for professionals who want to complete the test in less than six months.
The program is truly one-of-a-kind, offering private weekly tutoring sessions, personalized weekly feedback, and physical learning materials.
What We Like
Jaime Miller Advising stands out with a meticulously organized program designed to guide you through every stage of TOEFL prep. The course includes physical learning materials that provide hands-on practice, a diagnostic test to assess strengths and weaknesses, and weekly private tutoring sessions to address specific needs. Weekly feedback reports also ensure that you stay on track and provide insights on areas needing improvement.
Another benefit is the program’s video library, which offers unlimited access to a comprehensive collection of lessons. It is an excellent feature for those wanting to review and reinforce concepts at their own pace — making it easier to revisit tricky areas or master skills that need extra attention.
Jaime Miller Advising provides a free consultation at the outset, allowing you to discuss your goals and understand what the program offers without commitment. With this personalized introduction, you can make a more informed decision.
What We Didn’t Like
This program requires a significant financial investment. Pricing details are only available after an initial consultation and diagnostic test, but the cost may range from $1,700 to $2,000 per month, making it one of the pricier options on the market.
Jaime Miller Advising is designed for professionals who can commit substantial time to their studies. With limited flexibility for self-paced learning, it’s less suitable for those looking to study casually or during limited downtime. This program is best for test takers ready for a structured, intensive preparation approach.
What Test Takers Are Saying
Jaime Miller Advising’s TOEFL prep receives high praise on Facebook, especially from medical professionals who struggled with previous prep services. Test takers commend it as a reliable choice for those needing focused, tailored support to pass the exam.
Pricing
| Program | Price | What You Get |
| The Partnership | $1,700 to $2,000 per month |
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Kaplan — Best Online Course
Kaplan, a leader in the test prep field, offers one of the best online courses for TOEFL test-takers. This course is entirely self-paced and ideal for independent learners. The program includes a comprehensive set of video lessons, four full-length practice exams, and a course book to reinforce learning. The best part? Kaplan’s mobile-enabled videos and 24/7 on-demand content allow students to study on the go, making it an exceptionally flexible option for those with busy schedules.
Kaplan offers an entirely self-paced TOEFL course that can be completed in just three months.
Besides a library of comprehensive video lessons, students also gain access to four full-length practice exams and the official Kaplan TOEFL Prep Plus course book.
What We Like
Kaplan’s TOEFL course includes a library of high-quality, mobile-friendly video lessons, making it convenient for students to study on the go. This accessibility allows for truly self-paced learning, enabling you to practice whenever you have free time.
Kaplan’s Smart Reports provide in-depth performance tracking, giving insight into your strengths and weaknesses throughout the course. With this personalized feedback, you can hone in on areas that need improvement.
For added peace of mind, Kaplan offers a money-back guarantee if you don’t achieve a higher score after completing the course. The company is generally well-known for standing behind this guarantee, making refunds seamless if needed.
What We Didn’t Like
Unlike some competitors, Kaplan’s program lacks personalized instruction or individualized feedback on written assignments, which can be a significant con for students needing additional guidance. If you seek more customized support, options like Magoosh or Udemy are excellent contenders.
What Test Takers Are Saying
Kaplan, a testing industry giant, has a Trustpilot page that mainly reflects other exams, but many Reddit reviews on the service focus on TOEFL. Feedback is mixed, with many noting Kaplan’s practice tests are harder than the real exam — they are challenging, yet effective for boosting confidence and improving performance on test day.
Pricing
| Program | Price | What You Get |
| Self-Paced Course for TOEFL iBT | $349 |
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TOEFL TestReady — Best Practice Exams
TOEFL TestReady offers the best practice exams, a valuable resource for students who learn best through hands-on experience. Practice exams are crucial for TOEFL prep, as they help learners familiarize themselves with test structure, timing, and the types of questions they’ll encounter. Along with its high-quality exams, TestReady provides other excellent features, including speaking tests scored by SpeechRater, which gives automated feedback on pronunciation and fluency. You can also bundle practice tests with an eBook or paperback course book, boosting your preparation with additional study materials.
TOEFL TestReady offers comprehensive test prep, relying mainly on practice exams to help test takers become familiar with test format and structure.
Besides the program’s excellent practice exams, students also gain access to a detailed performance tracker to improve their score potential.
What We Like
TOEFL TestReady is known for its high-quality practice tests, which mimic the actual TOEFL testing environment. These tests will help you become familiar with the test format and timing while providing test scores and a realistic assessment of your performance.
This program also offers eBook and paperback study guides that can be paired with the course. These bundles provide additional practice and review materials, making it easy to study offline.
TestReady uses SpeechRater technology to score speaking tests, offering detailed, automated feedback on pronunciation, fluency, and other essential speaking skills. You’ll be able to understand your speaking strengths and identify areas for improvement.
What We Didn’t Like
TestReady allows students to complete each practice test only once, which limits opportunities to revisit specific questions or track improvement over multiple attempts.
While TestReady offers comprehensive materials, it’s pricier than other TOEFL prep options. Though it may be worth the cost for those seeking thorough, high-quality preparation, budget-conscious learners might find it difficult to justify this investment.
What Test Takers Are Saying
Students on Reddit find TOEFL TestReady’s practice tests accurate and valuable for their test prep. While many praise its straightforward approach, some express disappointment over the limited free resources, wishing for more accessible materials.
Pricing
| Program | Price | What You Get |
| Official TOEFL iBT Prep Course | $129.99 |
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| Official TOEFL iBT Prep Course Plus | $149.99 |
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My Speaking Score — Best for Improving Speaking Scores
My Speaking Score is a highly specialized TOEFL prep service focused exclusively on improving speaking scores. Powered by AI, it offers targeted feedback on pronunciation, fluency, and coherence, making it ideal for anyone who needs additional support in this area. This service is an excellent fit for those who need help with the speaking section or who want to boost their speaking score significantly. It’s one of the most recommended options among test takers, praised for its precision and effectiveness in addressing speaking challenges.
True to its namesake, My Speaking Score’s TOEFL test prep is focused solely on improving speaking scores. The average student sees a 31% score boost in less than one week.
The program’s user-friendly interface offers two modes for TOEFL speaking tests — one to help you practice and learn and the other to simulate the actual test-day experience.
Rather than pay for a subscription, My Speaking Score users purchase credits, which they can use for SpeechRater reports and practice tests.
What We Like
My Speaking Score is specifically designed for TOEFL test takers looking to improve their speaking skills. This unique feature differentiates it from more general prep programs. With comprehensive resources and strategies focused solely on speaking, you can hone in on this one area, building the confidence and skills necessary for a high score.
The platform is designed for easy navigation and progress tracking. After creating a free account, you can immediately access the dashboard and monitor your performance.
My Speaking Score allows students to practice in two distinct modes — one for casual practice and another to simulate actual exam conditions. This dual-mode setup helps ease students into speaking tasks before transitioning to a timed, exam-like environment, making it easy to adapt and build readiness for test day.
What We Didn’t Like
This program is solely focused on the speaking section, which means those looking for comprehensive TOEFL prep across all four sections (reading, listening, writing, and speaking) will need to pair it with another provider to fully prepare for the test.
While the platform offers feedback on speaking performance, it is AI-generated and lacks the personalized touch of a human tutor. Students seeking in-depth, detailed feedback may find this aspect limiting, as it doesn’t allow for individualized guidance or coaching.
What Test Takers Are Saying
With a 4.7-star Trustpilot rating, My Speaking Score earns praise from TOEFL test takers for its weekly free lessons, score-boosting insights, and detailed diagnostics on past test challenges, helping students pinpoint and overcome their weaknesses effectively.
Pricing
| Program | Price | What You Get |
| Starter (4 credits) | $23 |
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| Basic (12 credits) | $53 |
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| Ultimate (60 credits) | $131 |
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| Elite (100 credits) | $199 |
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TSTPrep — Best Free Resources
TSTPrep is a great resource for TOEFL success. It offers extensive free materials, including practice tests with detailed question breakdowns. Each section of the test is covered thoroughly, helping learners develop effective strategies and a clear understanding of what to expect on exam day. TSTPrep also offers affordable one-on-one tutoring for those needing additional support.
TSTPrep offers plenty of free resources for TOEFL test takers, including a free practice test with account creation.
The program offers a comprehensive section-by-section test breakdown to help students learn about different question types.
Test takers new to the platform can receive a discounted 30-minute trial lesson.
What We Like
TSTPrep offers free practice tests, which are incredibly useful for helping students understand the format and feel confident on test day. Along with these full-length tests, you’ll also gain access to 100 free practice questions, providing ample opportunity to practice without additional cost.
The program provides an in-depth breakdown of TOEFL questions by section, making it easy to target specific improvement areas. This section-by-section analysis is intended to help you understand the structure and expectations of each part of the exam, providing you with strategies and insights to tackle challenging question types.
TSTPrep offers affordable one-on-one tutoring sessions for those seeking personalized guidance. These sessions connect test-takers with experienced instructors, providing individualized feedback, targeted practice, and detailed study plans to strengthen weaker areas and maximize test performance.
What We Didn’t Like
TSTPrep doesn’t offer many mobile or on-the-go studying options. Without a dedicated mobile app or downloadable content for offline access, some students may find it challenging to fit their test prep into a hectic schedule.
What Test Takers Are Saying
TSTPrep has an impressive 4.9-star Trustpilot rating. TOEFL test-takers applaud its thorough materials, which effectively boost scores. Users highlight its high-quality content and targeted approach, making it a standout choice for serious TOEFL preparation.
Pricing
| Program | Price | What You Get |
| The Emergency Course | Starts at $37 |
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| The Score Builder Program | $197 |
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| Live Group Classes | $247 per subject |
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| Private Lessons | Starts at $397 |
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Choose the Right TOEFL Prep Course for You
Just as each TOEFL test taker differs in terms of English skills and academic/career goals, the minimum TOEFL score required by different institutions also varies. These aspects are critical points to consider when choosing an effective TOEFL prep course, aside from other important factors such as your budget and study habits. Go through the steps below to find the best TOEFL prep course for you.
Calculate prep time
Since TOEFL iBT exams are offered multiple times yearly and a TOEFL score’s validity is only good for two years, many TOEFL prep courses vary in duration. You can choose from one-week to 12-month programs, including those that offer lifetime access to online learning materials. If you have time constraints, such as university admission or certification deadlines, look for shorter, high-quality prep courses with proven results.
Consider your learning style
Your preferred language learning style greatly affects how well a TOEFL prep course can help improve your academic English skills. For example, auditory learners prefer listening to lessons in audio formats, while visual learners may enjoy vocabulary flashcards and video lessons. Choosing a prep course that fits your learning style can increase your chances of success.
Compare costs
The costs of different TOEFL prep courses range from $0 for free online classes to over $2,000 for private tutoring services. You may be willing to spend more on online prep courses that include writing and speaking tests with instructor feedback to help you do better on the actual TOEFL iBT.
Look for must-have features
Choose a program that has most of these characteristics:
- Practice questions with correct/model answers
- Scoring of speaking and writing sections in TOEFL iBT practice tests
- Availability of video recordings for live online classes
- Feedback and assistance from expert instructors
- Higher score guarantee for repeat test-takers
- Free trials and platform demos
TOEFL Prep Frequently Asked Questions
What are the important dates for taking the TOEFL?
TOEFL iBT exams are offered more than 60 times yearly at authorized test centers worldwide. ETS suggests registering for the test at least four months before your desired test date, as slots may fill quickly. Your chosen test date should be two to three months before your earliest deadline for submitting university, work, or certification requirements. You may search the ETS website for available test dates at your desired test centers. Test rescheduling and cancellations must be done at least four days before the test date. You may also opt for the TOEFL iBT Home Edition test, which is available four days a week. Official scores are available approximately six days after finishing the test. While there’s no limit for retests, the required waiting period between tests is three days.
Are there accommodations for disabilities?
ETS provides technical, adaptive, and specialized accommodations to TOEFL iBT test takers with disabilities or health-related needs. Accommodation requests and their related requirements should be submitted as early as possible, as documentation reviews and approvals by ETS Disability Services may take approximately six weeks or longer. Approvals must be obtained first before scheduling a test date.
How early should I prep?
The optimal amount of prep time depends on your skill level in academic English, especially in terms of speaking and writing. If you also need further improvement in reading and listening, preparing months ahead is a smart move. If you’ve taken the TOEFL before but still require a higher score in the exam’s speaking and writing sections, you should focus your review on these parts and prepare for at least six weeks.
How much does TOEFL prep cost?
The pricing for different TOEFL prep courses varies depending on the learning format, program/access duration, and included products and services. Expect to pay more for online programs that include instructor feedback on speaking and writing tests and for those with private tutoring services.