I have been a GED tutor for 12 years, and I have worked with hundreds of students.
The list below is based on my experience; it doesn’t come from some quick internet search.
Who is this list for?
I made this overview to help adult learners who did not finish high school and are looking to get their GED with a well-structured online GED course that gives them a real shot at passing the GED test.
The GED diploma will open up better job opportunities and get you into college, just like a conventional high school diploma.
These are paid courses, but if you are looking for free programs, browse casually, or watch a few videos, there are options for that too, which I cover at the bottom of this article.
But if you are looking for the best comprehensive online GED prep programs that will help you prepare for the actual GED exam, this article is for you.
How I evaluated the programs
The only thing that really matters when it comes to choosing a GED prep program is whether it helps you pass the exam.
Every program on this list covers all four GED subjects, aligns with the actual exam, and gives you a real shot at passing. That is the standard I used.
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Onsego GED Prep
Onsego is my top pick. The lessons are short, clear, and cover all four GED subjects. That format works well for adult learners who are busy or have been out of school for a while.
For context: the official GED Testing Service program, GED Plus, costs $399. Onsego costs $79 and is also approved by GED Testing Service. That is a significant difference for the same level of approval.
What you get:
- Short video lessons covering all GED topics
- Six and twelve month plans that include bonus courses and official GED Ready practice test vouchers ($32 bonus)
- The option to buy individual subject courses or one of the full courses
- TI-30XS calculator course
- Instructor access for questions and support
- Available on any device and you decide your learning pace
- A free 10-question practice test per subject before you buy
One thing worth knowing: the most powerful features, Fast Mode and instructor Quick Win reviews, are only available in the $199 Pro plan. Fast Mode is Onsego’s 30-day accelerated prep track, and Quick Win reviews are personalized feedback sessions where an instructor tells you exactly what to focus on to pass faster.
If you are serious about passing the GED quickly, that plan is worth the extra cost. The $79 plan is still solid, but those two features make a real difference.
Price: $79 for 6 months (all 4 subjects plus 4 official GED Ready practice tests). $199 for the Pro plan, which includes Fast Mode and instructor Quick Win reviews.
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GED Plus
GED Plus is sold by GED Testing Service but the study content comes from third-party prep vendors, not from the GED organization itself. There are no live classes. What makes it different is the pricing structure: the cost of the actual GED test is included, and GED Testing Service markets it as “test until you pass,” but that claim needs some context.
You only receive additional testing vouchers if you follow your advisor’s guidance and complete the required study time between tests. Once you score “Green” on GED Ready in a subject, you are not eligible for additional practice tests in that subject. So unlimited testing is conditional, not guaranteed.
What you get:
- Study materials assembled from third-party GED prep vendors
- A personal advisor who communicates by text, email, and phone
- GED test vouchers included in the price, with retakes covered under advisor guidance
- Available in English and Spanish
Price: $399. The access period is not clearly defined on the site, so confirm that before you sign up.
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GED Academy / Essential Education
GED Academy and Essential Education are the same program. It has been around for a long time and is widely used in adult education centers and GED night classes across the country. Many students access it through their school or program rather than paying for it directly, which is the best way to use it.
If you are paying out of pocket, the monthly subscription model creates a real problem. The program locks content behind a linear progression, which means you cannot move forward until you complete what comes before it. That sounds reasonable in theory, but in practice it means you can get stuck on material that is not even tested on the GED exam. The “pass in 6 weeks” claim on their site assumes a perfect, uninterrupted progression that most students do not experience.
The program is also built around a teaching structure that works well for instructors guiding a classroom. For students studying independently, that structure can feel slow and rigid. You are moving at the program’s pace, not your own.
What you get:
- Full curriculum across all four GED subjects
- 24 practice tests, including teacher-graded essays
- Online-only delivery
- A learning system that adapts based on what you know
Price: All 4 GED subjects for $19.99 per month, or about $240 for a full year. If your school or adult education center provides access, use that instead of paying separately.
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Kaplan Test Prep
Kaplan is one of the most recognized test prep brands in the country, and their GED program reflects that. It is thorough and well-structured, but it is built more for traditional learners who can stay focused through long lectures than for adult students who need short, flexible lessons.
The course has 4 to 5 videos per subject. Each video runs around 30 minutes and covers a lot of concepts in one sitting. There are no short lessons or chapter breaks. You watch, you listen, and you move on. If you lose focus partway through, there is no quiz or checkpoint to bring you back.
There are no practice questions after individual lessons. Kaplan does include longer GED-style practice tests, but nothing at the lesson level to check your understanding as you go. It is a traditional classroom approach: lecture first, test later.
One thing worth knowing: at the bottom of each lesson page there is a link called “download lecture notes.” It does not stand out, but it opens a PDF document. The math notes alone run 114 pages. If you prefer reading over watching videos, or want something you can print and study offline, that is useful. Just know you have to look for it.
The lectures are thorough but long. Staying focused for 30 minutes of dense instruction is harder than it sounds, especially if you have been out of school for a while. Some students do well with this format. Others find it difficult to stay engaged.
Kaplan offers a pass score guarantee: if you do not pass, you get your money back. That is worth factoring into the price. See our Kaplan vs. Onsego review.
What you get:
- 4 to 5 video lessons per subject, each around 30 minutes
- Downloadable PDF lecture notes linked at the bottom of each lesson page
- GED-style practice tests
- No lesson-level quizzes or practice questions
- Pass guarantee or money back
Price: Self-paced course covering all 4 subjects is $129 for 3 months. Live classes are $79 per subject for 3 months.
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Study.com
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Study.com walks you through all four GED subjects in an organized sequence. You choose which topics to study, and the videos are short and well-presented.
What you get:
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- Structured lesson progression across all GED subjects
- Short video format
- Flexibility to focus on your specific knowledge gaps
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Price: $59.99 per month.
Free GED Prep Options
Free GED prep resources are a great way to get started. If you are not ready to commit to a paid program, or you just want to get a feel for the material first, these are worth your time. They help you figure out where your gaps are, build some confidence, and get into a study routine. Most students eventually move to a structured paid program when they get serious about passing, but there is real value in starting free.
Khan Academy: Khan Academy covers most of the math and science content you will need for those sections of the GED test. It is well-organized, completely free, and a good place to start building basic skills.
Hello USA: Hello USA is built specifically for new immigrants working toward their GED high school equivalency exam. If English is your second language, this is a good starting point. The content is designed with that audience in mind.
BestGEDClasses.org: This site lists free GED classes available across the United States, but it also has real prep content built in. You get 40 free lessons from Onsego covering all four GED subjects, plus free practice tests. It is a solid starting point if you want structured lessons before committing to a paid program.
YouTube channels worth following:
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- GedSum: Straightforward lessons across all GED subjects. Good for filling in specific knowledge gaps.
- Light and Salt Learning: Clear explanations, especially strong on math. Popular with GED students who struggle with the math section.
- Prep Champions: Covers GED topics with a focus on test-taking strategy alongside content review.
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What to look for in a GED program
When evaluating any GED prep program (including ones not on this list), use the following criteria:
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- GED Testing Service approval. The program should align with the actual exam content. If it is not approved, you may be studying outdated or wrong materials.
- Price per subject. Some programs charge per subject, others bundle all four. Calculate the real cost before you commit.
- Lesson format. Video, live classes, and text-based lessons all work differently. Pick the format that matches your preferred learning style.
- Are GED Ready practice tests included? Official GED Ready practice tests cost $8 each and there’s such a practice test for each GED subtest ($32 overall). Programs that include them add real value.
- Support access. Can you ask questions and get answers from a person? That matters more than most people realize, especially when you hit a topic you do not understand.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best online GED program?
Onsego is my top pick based on lesson quality, price, and instructor access. It is approved by GED Testing Service and costs $79 for 6 months, which includes all four subjects and four official GED Ready practice tests, a $32 value. For students who want to pass faster, the $199 Pro plan adds Fast Mode and instructor Quick Win reviews.
How much does GED prep cost?
Paid programs range from $19.99 per month to $399 for the full program. Kaplan’s self-paced course is $129 for 3 months. Several free YouTube channels and websites can also help you get started at no cost.
Are online GED programs legitimate?
Yes, as long as they are approved by GED Testing Service. Every paid program on this list above carries that approval.
Can I study for the GED online and take the test at home?
Yes. You can prepare entirely online and take the GED exam online as well through GED Testing Service. To qualify for online GED testing, however, you must first achieve passing scores (in the ‘green’ zone) on the official GED Ready practice test, and this applies to all four GED subtests.
How long does it take to prepare for the GED?
That depends on your starting point. Some students are ready in a few weeks, others take several months. A structured program helps you get there faster than studying on your own.
Share your experience
Have you used any of the programs listed above? Leave a comment below and tell us what worked and what did not. If you know of a program that belongs on this list, let me know and I will update it.