# The best ACT prep courses, classes and study resources for the enhanced test > Eight ACT prep options — including the free official route — compared on enhanced-format alignment, practice quality, learning support, total cost, and accessibility. Prices and features checked directly from vendor pages on September 30, 2026. **Page URL:** https://prepsolution.com/best/act-prep-courses **Updated:** September 30, 2026 **Disclosure:** Published by PrepSolution, an exam-preparation provider. This comparison uses published provider information, not hands-on testing or measured learning outcomes. --- ## The ranked list As of September 30, 2026, the strongest starting point for most students is free: ACT publishes four official enhanced-format practice tests, section quizzes, and a daily question. The paid options below are worth comparing only if you need structured lessons, more explanations, or a guarantee. Every price, question count, and guarantee term below comes from the vendor's own public pages checked on September 30, 2026; this comparison is not based on hands-on testing. 1. **Magoosh** — Best overall paid course ($129 one-time (12 months)): A $129, 12-month self-paced course with 7,800+ questions, up to 32 official practice tests, video explanations, and a +4-point or full-refund guarantee — but the guarantee requires a prior official score. 2. **ACT Official** — Best free baseline ($0): The exam maker's own free prep: four full-length enhanced-format practice tests (forms 25MC1, 25MC5, 26MC2, 26MC3), each with its own scoring key, plus section quizzes and a question of the day. 3. **UWorld** — Best for explanations ($99–$249 (30–360 days)): A 2,500+ question QBank known for detailed rationales, with plans from $99 (30 days) to $249 (360 days); enhanced-format aligned, but no score guarantee was found on the vendor page. 4. **PrepScholar** — Best structured program ($397 one-time (12 months)): A $397 adaptive study program with 3,000+ questions, four official practice tests, and a +4-point guarantee — but the guarantee has strict completion conditions. 5. **Test Ninjas** — Best low-cost subscription ($29/mo ($87/quarter on sale)): A budget subscription with 3,400+ questions, 15 practice tests, and a +3-point money-back guarantee for students starting at 26 or below — listed as "Built for the new Enhanced ACT · 2026." 6. **Piqosity** — Best budget one-time purchase ($89 one-time (365 days)): An $89 one-time course with 300 questions, six practice tests, and 365 days of access — a cheap enhanced-ACT entry point, but the question bank is smaller than paid rivals. 7. **Achievable** — Best adaptive course ($99 (12 months)): A $99 adaptive course with 1,000+ questions, generated math items, three+ practice tests, and a tiered +4 to +6 point money-back guarantee — but enhanced-ACT alignment is only implied, not explicitly labeled. 8. **Princeton Review** — Best known brand ($299 one-time (12 months)): A $299 self-paced course with a Better Scores Guarantee, but question count and full-test count were not stated on the vendor page as of September 30, 2026. ## Summary table | Course | Best for | Price | Guarantee | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Magoosh | Students who want structured video lessons plus a large question bank at a mid-range price | $129 one-time (12 months) | +4 points or refund | | ACT Official | Every student before spending money | $0 | None | | UWorld | Students who learn best by reading why every answer choice is right or wrong | $99–$249 (30–360 days) | None found | | PrepScholar | Students who want a step-by-step adaptive study plan | $397 one-time (12 months) | +4 points (conditions apply) | | Test Ninjas | Budget-conscious students who want a large test library | $29/mo ($87/quarter on sale) | +3 points (conditions) | | Piqosity | Students who want a cheap one-time option with no subscription | $89 one-time (365 days) | None | | Achievable | Students who want an adaptive, app-like study experience | $99 (12 months) | +4 to +6 points | | Princeton Review | Students who trust the Princeton Review brand and want a guarantee | $299 one-time (12 months) | Better Scores | ## 1. Magoosh ACT Premium Price: $129 one-time (12 months) · Best for: Students who want structured video lessons plus a large question bank at a mid-range price Magoosh's Premium ACT plan advertises 7,800+ practice questions, video lessons, and up to 32 official practice tests for a one-time $129 with 12 months of access. The vendor page explicitly references the enhanced ACT, so the content is current-format. The question bank is large, explanations are video-based, and the platform tracks progress and weak areas. The headline guarantee promises a +4-point score improvement or a full refund, but the conditions matter: it requires a prior official ACT score taken within the last five years, and students who start above a 30 have a different threshold. This comparison is based on Magoosh's published pages, not hands-on testing. **Pros:** - Strong price-to-content ratio at $129 for 12 months - Large question bank with video explanations - Explicit enhanced-ACT alignment on the vendor page - +4-point money-back guarantee **Cons:** - Guarantee requires a prior official score and has score-band conditions - Video-heavy format may not suit students who prefer text rationales - Up to 32 official tests is generous, but quality depends on how they are integrated **Bottom line:** Magoosh ACT Premium at $129 as of September 2026 is the best-balanced paid option: a large bank, structured videos, current-format alignment, and a guarantee — read the guarantee conditions before buying. ## 2. ACT Official Free Test Prep Price: $0 · Best for: Every student before spending money ACT's free test-prep page lists four full-length practice tests — Practice Tests 1–4, forms 25MC1, 25MC5, 26MC2, and 26MC3 — each available in digital and paper form and each paired with its own scoring key and conversion tables. It also includes section quizzes and a question of the day. Because ACT writes the exam, version alignment is perfect by definition. The drawback is support structure: there is no adaptive study plan, no video lessons, and no tutor chat. Students who need teaching or error-logging help will want to pair this free baseline with a paid course or self-study plan. We did not test the platform hands-on; this assessment is based on ACT's published pages checked September 30, 2026. **Pros:** - Completely free, with four official full-length enhanced-format tests - Each form has its own scoring key — the only practice that mirrors real scoring - Section quizzes and daily question for short practice sessions - No registration or subscription required **Cons:** - No structured course, lessons, or study plan - No explanations or teaching for missed questions - No guarantee, tutor access, or progress analytics **Bottom line:** ACT's official free prep is the honest starting point for every student in 2026: four real enhanced-format tests at $0. Use it to benchmark before buying anything. ## 3. UWorld ACT QBank Price: $99–$249 (30–360 days) · Best for: Students who learn best by reading why every answer choice is right or wrong UWorld's ACT QBank is built around 2,500+ practice questions with the detailed, choice-by-choice rationales the company is known for. The vendor page confirms enhanced-ACT alignment, and the 180- or 360-day plans fit a typical multi-month study timeline. A single score-predicting full-length test is included; the 180- and 360-day plans allow a reset. The trade-off is structure: this is a QBank first, not a full course. No score guarantee was stated on the vendor page as of September 30, 2026, and the 30-day plan at $99 is too short for most first-time studiers. We did not test the bank hands-on; comparisons are based on the published feature list and price list. **Pros:** - Strong reputation for clear, thorough explanations - Explicit enhanced-ACT alignment - Large question bank with analytics and performance tracking - Score-predicting test with reset on longer plans **Cons:** - No score guarantee stated by vendor - QBank-focused; lighter on video lessons or structured study plans - 180-day plan at $199 is mid-range; 30-day plan is tight for most students **Bottom line:** UWorld ACT QBank at $99–$249 as of September 2026 is the best explanation-focused tool for students who already have a study plan and want high-quality practice. ## 4. PrepScholar ACT Complete Online Price: $397 one-time (12 months) · Best for: Students who want a step-by-step adaptive study plan PrepScholar Complete Online is a $397 adaptive program with 3,000+ questions, four official practice tests, and a 12-month access window. The vendor page explicitly addresses the enhanced ACT, and the program structures lessons and practice around a diagnostic baseline. The +4-point guarantee is attractive but condition-heavy: students must complete the assigned coursework and practice tests, and the guarantee scales to reaching a 34 if the starting score is 30 or above. At $397 it is the most expensive self-paced option in this ranking. We did not test the platform hands-on. **Pros:** - Adaptive study plan based on diagnostic performance - 3,000+ questions and four official practice tests - Explicit enhanced-ACT support - +4-point guarantee with clear (if strict) conditions **Cons:** - Expensive at $397 for self-paced content - Guarantee conditions require significant completed coursework - Higher starting scores have a higher guarantee threshold **Bottom line:** PrepScholar ACT Complete Online at $397 as of September 2026 is the most structured self-paced program, worth the cost only if you will follow the adaptive plan closely. ## 5. Test Ninjas Enhanced ACT Price: $29/mo ($87/quarter on sale) · Best for: Budget-conscious students who want a large test library Test Ninjas advertises a 2026 enhanced-ACT course with 3,400+ questions and 15 practice tests at a sale price of $29 per month (regularly $39). The vendor page explicitly says "Built for the new Enhanced ACT · 2026," which is a clearer format claim than many competitors. The +3-point money-back guarantee is limited to students starting at 26 or below and requires full course completion. The subscription model means costs can add up over a multi-month timeline, and the brand has a thinner independent review footprint than Magoosh or UWorld. We did not test the platform hands-on. **Pros:** - Low entry price with a large question and test library - Explicit "Built for the new Enhanced ACT" labeling - +3-point money-back guarantee - 15 full practice tests for repetition **Cons:** - Guarantee limited to starting scores of 26 or below - Subscription costs add up if study extends beyond a quarter - Less established brand with fewer third-party reviews **Bottom line:** Test Ninjas Enhanced ACT at ~$29/month as of September 2026 is the best low-cost subscription for students who want a large test library and explicit enhanced-format alignment. ## 6. Piqosity ACT Honors Price: $89 one-time (365 days) · Best for: Students who want a cheap one-time option with no subscription Piqosity's Honors plan is a one-time $89 purchase with 365 days of access, 300 practice questions, and six full practice tests. The vendor confirms enhanced-ACT alignment, and Piqosity also offers a free On-Track tier (150 questions, two tests) and a $149 Advanced tier (1,200+ questions, 12 tests). The question count is modest compared to Magoosh or UWorld, so Honors works best as a budget supplement or a first structured look rather than a primary deep-prep resource. There is no pass guarantee. Assessment is based on Piqosity's published pages, not hands-on testing. **Pros:** - Very cheap one-time price with a full year of access - No subscription or auto-renewal - Explicit enhanced-ACT alignment - Free On-Track tier available for a zero-risk trial **Cons:** - Only 300 questions in the Honors tier - No guarantee - Less comprehensive than Magoosh, UWorld, or PrepScholar **Bottom line:** Piqosity ACT Honors at $89 as of September 2026 is the best cheap one-time enhanced-ACT option, though most students will outgrow its 300-question bank. ## 7. Achievable ACT Price: $99 (12 months) · Best for: Students who want an adaptive, app-like study experience Achievable ACT is a $99 adaptive course with 1,000+ questions, generated math items, and at least three practice tests over 12 months. The platform uses spaced-repetition and adaptive scheduling, and it offers a tiered +4 to +6 point money-back guarantee based on starting score. The main uncertainty is format alignment: the vendor page mentions a 2-hour, 5-minute test and optional science, but it does not explicitly use an "enhanced ACT" label as of September 30, 2026. We marked this CLAIMED-vague rather than CONFIRMED. We did not test the platform hands-on. **Pros:** - Adaptive, mobile-friendly study engine - Generated math questions for unlimited targeted drill - Strong guarantee tiered by starting score - Good value at $99 for 12 months **Cons:** - Enhanced-ACT alignment is implied but not explicitly labeled - Question bank is smaller than Magoosh or UWorld - Less name recognition in the ACT market **Bottom line:** Achievable ACT at $99 as of September 2026 is a good adaptive course, but verify the enhanced-format claims on the current vendor page before buying. ## 8. Princeton Review ACT Self-Paced Price: $299 one-time (12 months) · Best for: Students who trust the Princeton Review brand and want a guarantee Princeton Review's ACT Self-Paced course costs $299 for 12 months and includes the company's Better Scores Guarantee (higher score or refund, with coursework and practice-test conditions). The vendor page confirms enhanced-ACT alignment. The drawback is transparency: as of September 30, 2026, the vendor page did not state the question count or the number of full-length practice tests included. For a $299 self-paced course, that missing detail makes value hard to judge against Magoosh, UWorld, and PrepScholar. We did not test the course hands-on. **Pros:** - Established test-prep brand with live and self-paced options - Better Scores Guarantee with refund option - Enhanced-ACT alignment confirmed **Cons:** - Question count and full-test count not stated by vendor - $299 is expensive for self-paced content with unstated practice volume - Guarantee conditions include completing coursework and practice tests **Bottom line:** Princeton Review ACT Self-Paced at $299 as of September 2026 is a credible brand-name option, but the lack of published question/test counts makes it hard to justify over better-disclosed rivals. ## The rest of the field - **Kaplan ACT Self-Paced "Enhanced ACT Exam"** — Kaplan's self-paced course is priced at $179 for six months with 2,000+ official questions and three practice tests, but the vendor page states it is not eligible for the Higher Score Guarantee. That removes a key differentiator at this price. - **ACT Official Self-Paced Course (Kaplan-powered)** — Also $179 for six months with 2,000+ real ACT questions and three tests. It is essentially the same Kaplan-powered product as Kaplan Self-Paced; we kept the better-known Kaplan entry in the rejected list and did not double-count. - **Albert.io ACT QBank** — A 6,400+ question bank at $196 ($49 per subject) with 11 practice tests. The price is reasonable, but no guarantee is visible and the per-subject pricing is less convenient than all-in-one rivals. - **Acely ACT** — Advertises 6,000+ questions, 20 tests, and a +5-point guarantee, but the subscription model ($149/month, $297/quarter, $588/year) is expensive for self-paced prep and the brand has limited independent review presence. - **UWorld ACT Prep Course** — The $299–$449 course tier adds books and checks to the QBank, but the core 2,500+ question QBank already covers the same practice material at lower cost. - **PrepScholar ACT Complete + AI Assistant** — Adds an AI assistant to the Complete Online package for $495. As of September 2026, the AI add-on does not justify the $98 premium for most students over the standard Complete plan. - **Princeton Review ACT+SAT Self-Paced** — At $499 for 12 months, this is only worthwhile if you are genuinely preparing for both tests. ACT-only buyers should choose a cheaper ACT-specific option. ## Enhanced ACT facts (verified September 30, 2026) - **Core test:** 131 presented questions in 125 minutes: English 50/35 min, Math 45/50 min, Reading 36/40 min. - **Optional sections:** Science: 40 questions / 40 minutes. Writing: 1 prompt / 40 minutes. Neither affects the Composite. - **Composite:** Rounded average of English, Math, and Reading scaled scores (1–36). Science and Writing are reported separately. - **Math format:** 45 questions with 4 answer choices (down from 5 on the legacy ACT). - **Rollout:** National online: April 2025; national paper: September 2025; school-day: spring 2026; international content: February 2026. - **Exam fees:** EMR Composite $70; +Science $75; +Writing $95; +both $100. Add-ons: late $42, change $49 (per fees page), additional score reports $20. Source: ACT test overview, ACT test enhancements FAQs, Design Framework for the ACT Enhancements (R2519), ACT fees page, and ACT free test-prep page, checked September 30, 2026. ## How we evaluated these courses We compare published exam alignment, practice resources, learning support, access terms, and cost. This is not hands-on testing or a measurement of learning outcomes. - **Version alignment:** How clearly the product supports the current enhanced ACT (50 English, 45 Math with 4 choices, 36 Reading, optional Science/Writing). A product that explicitly labels enhanced-ACT content scores higher than one with only vague timing references. - **Sample quality:** Question-bank size, realism to the enhanced format, availability of full-length practice tests, and whether rationales explain why wrong answers fail. - **Learning support:** Structured lessons, adaptive study plans, video or text teaching, progress analytics, and error-logging features. - **Total cost:** Total spend over a realistic 2–4 month study window, including subscription math and add-ons. Lower cost scores higher. - **Accessibility/support:** Access length, customer support channels, ease of use, and guarantee clarity. ## How to choose ACT prep ### Should you pay for ACT prep at all? Start with ACT's free official tests. Four full-length enhanced-format tests with matching scoring keys are enough to diagnose your baseline. Pay only if you need structured lessons, detailed explanations, a guarantee, or more practice than the free route provides. ### Which paid option fits a tight budget? At $89 one-time, Piqosity Honors is the cheapest credible enhanced-ACT option. If you prefer a subscription, Test Ninjas at ~$29/month offers a larger library. Both beat jumping straight to $299+ programs. ### Which option has the strongest guarantee? Magoosh offers a +4-point or full-refund guarantee, PrepScholar offers +4 points with strict completion rules, and Test Ninjas offers +3 points for starters at 26 or below. Read the conditions: most guarantees require prior official scores, completed coursework, or minimum practice-test counts. ### What if you only need practice questions? UWorld ACT QBank is the best explanation-focused QBank. If you want official questions only, the free ACT route is unbeatable. ## FAQ about ACT prep courses ### What is the best ACT prep course in 2026? For most students, the best place to start is free: ACT's official test-prep page. If you need a paid course, Magoosh ACT Premium ($129) offers the best balance of questions, videos, enhanced-format alignment, and guarantee terms as of September 2026. ### How much does ACT prep cost? ACT prep ranges from $0 (official free tests) to roughly $397 for structured self-paced programs like PrepScholar. Mid-range options include Magoosh at $129, Achievable at $99, UWorld at $99–$249, and Piqosity at $89–$149. ### Where can I start with PrepSolution ACT resources? Start with PrepSolution’s free ACT practice questions at /free-practice/act, then use the explanations to identify topics for review. Compare the resources on this page by exam alignment, learning format, access terms, and cost. ### Are these ACT prep courses updated for the enhanced ACT? All ranked options either explicitly state enhanced-ACT alignment or are the official ACT maker's own materials. Achievable is the only ranked option whose alignment is implied rather than explicitly labeled — verify the current vendor page before buying. ### Do ACT prep guarantees really work? They work only if you meet the conditions. Most guarantees require a prior official score, completion of assigned coursework, a minimum number of practice tests, or a starting score below a threshold. Read the fine print before choosing a course for its guarantee. ### How many practice tests should you take before the ACT? Most students benefit from at least two to four full-length timed tests under realistic conditions. ACT provides four free official enhanced-format tests; paid courses add more, but quality of review matters more than quantity. --- Related: [ACT exam prep](https://prepsolution.com/exam/act) · [ACT study plan](https://prepsolution.com/study-plan/act)