If you are preparing for the GED test, you want to know that you are spending your time on a program that will actually prepare you for the real test. This guide compares eight popular online GED programs that students often consider.
The GED is a high school equivalency credential. To earn it, you must pass four subject tests: Math, Science, Social Studies, and Reasoning Through Language Arts. The credential is widely accepted by employers and colleges across the US as an alternative to a traditional high school diploma.
The GED test is developed and administered by GED Testing Service, a joint venture between Pearson and the American Council on Education. GED prep programs can help you get ready, but they do not issue the official credential. You must take the real test through GED.com or at an authorized testing center.
Skipping preparation can increase your risk of failing because the GED tests specific academic and reasoning skills.
You also need to understand the question formats and know how to manage your time. According to data reported by GED Testing Service for 2023, 302,527 people took at least one GED subject test that year, but only 136,640 earned the credential. Among test-takers who completed all four subjects, 75% passed all four. Math had the lowest subject pass rate, also at 75%.
We did our best to review the programs below fairly, but everyone learns differently. A teaching style that works well for one student may not work as well for another. Before choosing a course, make sure you understand what the GED test covers and think about the kind of structure and support you need.
GED Online Classes Comparison
| Program | Format | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Onsego | Short, single-topic videos, GED Ready vouchers, and an AI tutor | $79–$199 one-time payment; 6–12 months | Students who want a complete GED-only course with confidence and support tools |
| Kaplan | Diagnostic pretest, longer video lessons, and email faculty support | $129 for 3 months | Students who want a recognized brand and do not mind longer study sessions |
| Mometrix | 250+ videos, a large flashcard library, and detailed instruction | $29.99 per month | Independent learners who want a large amount of content |
| Essential Ed (GED Academy) | Personalized study path with guided lessons | $19.99 per month or $99.99 lifetime | Students who prefer a guided, teacher-like structure |
| Excel High School | Self-paced GED review course; no credential included | $169 one-time payment | Students who may also want to explore Excel’s separate diploma program |
Onsego GED Prep
Onsego uses short, bite-sized video lessons, mini-quizzes, and practice tests. Each lesson focuses on one concept at a time, so students can check their understanding as they move through the course.
All Onsego plans include four GED Ready vouchers and a course that teaches students how to use the TI-30XS calculator for GED Math. The Pro plan also includes Fast Mode, Score Booster, and the Onsego Pass Guarantee.
Students often say that Onsego helps them rebuild their confidence. That matters because many students begin GED preparation believing they are not good at school. Short lessons and frequent quizzes let them see their progress without feeling overwhelmed.
Onsego offers three plans with one-time payments:
- Advantage: $79 for 6 months
- Advantage Plus: $119 for 12 months and includes the Essay Checker
- Advantage Pro: $199 for 12 months and includes Fast Mode and Score Booster
All three plans include preparation for the four GED subjects, four GED Ready vouchers, an AI tutor, flashcards, and the TI-30XS calculator course. Single-subject courses are also available for $49 each.
Onsego is a popular choice among working adults who need a flexible study platform and want to prepare without attending scheduled classes.
Kaplan GED Prep
Kaplan has been known for its GED prep books for years, and its online program includes videos based on that material. The program provides practice tests, a diagnostic pretest, and Smart Reports that identify weaker areas.
Students can email Kaplan’s faculty when they have questions about the course content. The program costs $129 for three months and does not include GED Ready vouchers. Lessons generally run from 60 to 90 minutes and cover several topics in one session. This can work well if you prefer longer study blocks, but it may be less convenient if you usually study in short windows.
Kaplan also offers GED Live, which includes prerecorded classes that students can access on a computer, phone, or tablet. Classes are available for Reasoning Through Language Arts, Science, Math, and Social Studies. Each subject costs $59 and includes 45 days of access to the recordings.
Mometrix GED Prep
Mometrix takes a different approach from most programs on this list. Instead of providing a tightly paced study path, it offers a large content library. More than 250 videos and 100 lessons cover GED topics in detail, supported by flashcards and full-length practice tests.
The tradeoff is that students need to manage their own pace and motivation. The course does not provide much guidance to keep a student moving forward, so it works best for self-directed learners who are comfortable deciding what to study and when.
Mometrix costs $29.99 per month with no fixed end date. This means the total price depends on how many months you use it. Mometrix offers a seven-day money-back guarantee, as does Onsego.
Essential Ed (GED Academy)
Essential Ed is also known as GED Academy or PassGED.com. The program has been available since 2003 and is often used alongside instructor-led GED classes at adult schools and libraries.
Essential Ed creates a personalized study path and guides students through the material in a specific order. Some students appreciate that structure, while others prefer having more control over which lessons they can access and when they can move forward.
The program uses an animated tutor character to guide students. Some students find this engaging, while others may prefer a more adult-looking course environment. Overall, Essential Ed offers a structured program focused strongly on academic performance.
The price is $19.99 per month or $99.99 for lifetime access.
Excel High School GED Prep
Excel High School is an accredited online school that offers middle school, high school, and adult diploma programs. Its GED prep course is one product within that larger catalog rather than the company’s main focus.
The self-paced GED prep course costs $169 as a one-time payment and covers all four GED subjects. However, completing it does not result in a high school diploma or GED credential.
Excel’s GED prep page also introduces visitors to its accredited Adult High School Diploma Program. That is a separate and more expensive product, so make sure you understand which program you are choosing before you enroll.
Ed2go
Ed2go offers an instructor-led GED preparation course. Students receive lessons and can access recordings of the instruction. The course costs $149 and follows a 12-week schedule.
Completing the 12-week course does not automatically mean that every student will be ready to pass. Your preparation time will still depend on your starting skills, study schedule, and progress.
KET Fast Forward
KET Fast Forward offers preparation for all four GED subjects, including instructional videos and practice tests. Each subject begins with a 25-question test. Based on the result, the program recommends lessons the student may need.
The program can also be used offline, which may help students who do not have reliable internet access. It costs $129 for all four subjects. Supplementary workbooks are available for an additional $9.95.
DCS GED Prep
DCS GED Prep is a high school equivalency preparation program that has been available since 2000. Its website and course interface look dated compared with newer GED programs, but it offers preparation in both English and Spanish.
The Spanish-language option makes DCS worth considering for students who prefer to study in Spanish. The program costs $65 for four months. After that, students can continue for $10 per month.
Free GED Resources Worth Knowing About
Free GED resources can be helpful when you begin studying. They let you try online learning and find out whether you are comfortable studying independently. However, many free resources offer only part of what you need. You may have to build your own study plan and find additional lessons or practice tests elsewhere.
Paid preparation can save money if it helps you avoid unnecessary retakes. Official GED testing and retake prices vary by state, so check the current fees for your location on GED.com. Onsego starts at $79 for preparation for all four subjects, making it worth considering if you want a complete GED-aligned program.
BestGEDClasses.org
BestGEDClasses.org offers free GED lessons that can help students get started. If you like the lesson format but later want a more complete program, you can move to a paid option such as Onsego.
The website also provides an overview of GED preparation facilities and testing centers across the US. This is useful for students who want to combine online learning with in-person instruction.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy offers free lessons in math, reading, and science, but it is not designed specifically for the GED. It does not provide a complete GED-aligned curriculum or a structured set of GED-style practice tests. Students must decide for themselves which topics to study.
Khan Academy works best as a supplement. For example, you might use it for additional help with algebra or grammar while following a separate course that is organized around the GED test.
USAHello
USAHello provides free online GED lessons and guidance. It may be especially useful for students who are new to the US and are less familiar with the American education and testing system.
The program includes courses for all four subjects, but it offers less content and test-specific practice than a complete paid course. It can still be a useful place to start, especially for students on a limited budget.
Which Online GED Program Should You Choose?
The best GED program depends on how you prefer to learn. Some students want a large content library and are comfortable creating their own study schedule. Others need a clear path, shorter lessons, readiness tools, and support when they get stuck.
Before enrolling, compare the total price, length of access, lesson format, practice tests, and included support. Also check whether the program is built specifically for the GED and whether it helps you determine when you are ready for the official test.
We will update this article as prices and features change. If you have used any of these GED programs and would like to share your experience, send us an email. We would love to hear from you.
Last Updated on August 26, 2026