When Crystal, a high school senior from Great Falls, Montana, decided to prepare seriously for the SAT, her first step was figuring out which Digital SAT providers actually deliver results in 2026. With College Board score releases now arriving in as little as two weeks, she knew there was little room for trial and error between test dates.
That pressure is exactly what tutors see every day.
This guide is written primarily for SAT tutors, tutoring firms, and academic coaches who need to recommend or use reliable Digital SAT platforms for their students. It’s also useful for students and parents who want clarity, not marketing noise.
In this article, we compare the most relevant Digital SAT providers and explain how each fits different tutoring and learning needs. Before that, we briefly address a common question tutors still get: SAT or ACT? We also touch on why digital SAT prep has become the default in 2026.
To keep this comparison relevant for tutoring use cases, we narrowed the list to seven platforms using the following criteria:
At last, we end with a clear checklist tutors can use to choose the right SAT prep provider for their students.
The SAT is a standardized test whose scores the colleges use to make admission decisions. The College Board is the body that conducts the SAT.
The Digital SAT, which is now the correct name, evaluates a student’s knowledge of math and English. It has been conducted in digital format since March 2024, and the paper and pencil version has been gradually phased out.
Like the SAT, the ACT (originally known as American College Testing) is a college admission test widely accepted by most colleges in the USA. Although both tests evaluate a student’s math and language skills, there are some differences between them.
The SAT awards scores between 400 and 1,600, while the ACT scores range between 1 and 36. The Digital SAT doesn’t have an essay writing section, while the ACT has an option for such a section. The Digital SAT doesn’t test you on science; against that, the ACT has a section that evaluates your critical thinking skills using science. As a result, the ACT is longer; you need about 3 hours for the ACT against the 2 hours and 14 minutes of the SAT.
Finally, the SAT is administered entirely over a digital device (e.g. a laptop or an iPad), while the ACT is a paper-and-pencil test.
Colleges and other institutions use the SAT or ACT scores to make decisions on admissions as well as merit- and need-based financial aid. Remember, most colleges do not prefer one over the other.
As mentioned in the previous section, there are some differences between the SAT and the ACT, but the good news is that these differences aren’t huge.
The best part? Recently, the College Board made some changes to the SAT, so it’s possible to prepare for both tests simultaneously. This also means that the SAT is neither harder nor easier than the ACT.
One of the easiest ways to decide whether to take the SAT or the ACT is to write full-length practice tests for both.
Out of the many online practice tests and providers of online SAT courses, we have shortlisted 9. They offer some of the best SAT practice tests out there. The mock SATs from College Board and EdisonOS are special because they most accurately mimic the real SAT.
The College Board is the official creator and administrator of the Digital SAT, and Bluebook is the only platform that delivers authentic, test-maker–designed practice exams. The digital SAT structure, questions, and interface closely reflect what students will see on actual test day.
Bluebook practice tests are widely considered the baseline standard for Digital SAT prep. While they don’t offer advanced diagnostics or guarantees, their value lies in accuracy. These are the closest possible representation of the real exam, making them essential for familiarity with format, pacing, and on-screen tools.
For tutors and serious students, Bluebook tests are best used as benchmark exams, not as a complete prep solution. When paired with external analytics tools, they become far more actionable for identifying gaps and guiding instruction.
After completing a Bluebook practice test, tutors can upload the official scorecard and score details into an advanced analytics platform such as EdisonOS. This transforms the basic College Board report into:
This approach allows tutors to retain the accuracy of official tests while gaining the depth needed for targeted instruction.
“By automating and streamlining the estimating process, the tool saves users significant time compared to manual calculations. Despite its user-friendly design, there may still be a learning curve for new users who are not familiar with construction estimating software in general.”
~ Mahi S., IT Head
There are two strong reasons students and educators prefer EdisonOS’ digital SAT platform over other companies.
One, their test interface mimics the actual SAT down to the last pixel. As a result, once you write EdisonOS's practice test, you'll be confident in taking the actual SAT.
And two, all the questions in their practice tests not only reflect those found in the actual Bluebook but also follow the exact difficulty-level gradient. As a result, the test-taking strategies that you devise while writing EdisonOS's mock SATs will be fully effective when you write the actual SAT.
Tutors use EdisonOS to assign full-length mock tests, analyze performance beyond raw scores, and identify patterns in pacing, accuracy, and question difficulty. The platform highlights exactly where students lose points and why, enabling focused remediation rather than broad review.
For larger prep firms, EdisonOS also streamlines operations through automated reporting, bulk question management, and Build Your Own Tests (BYOT), reducing manual effort without compromising test accuracy.
Customer Review (Official Website)
“EdisonOS mirrors Bluebook, boosting SAT scores by 200 points with excellent tracking, flexibility, and support. Highly recommended!”
~ Tina Wiles, My2tor
Khan Academy is a non-profit education platform and the official SAT prep partner of the College Board. It offers free Digital SAT preparation focused primarily on concept-building rather than full test simulation.
Its biggest strength lies in foundational learning support. Khan Academy works best as a supplemental resource for reinforcing math and reading concepts, especially after students complete official Bluebook practice tests.
For tutors, Khan Academy is most effective when used as a practice-and-review companion, not as a standalone Digital SAT testing platform. It supports skill improvement, but does not replace test-accurate mock exams or tutor-led analytics.
Tutors commonly use Khan Academy to assign targeted concept practice based on weaknesses identified through official or third-party Digital SAT practice tests. It works well for reinforcing fundamentals between mock exams or for independent skill-building outside tutoring sessions.
Because it does not offer full-length adaptive Digital SAT mocks or advanced timing analytics, it is typically paired with platforms like Bluebook or EdisonOS for testing and diagnostics.
“I love Sal Khan's explanation. I understand it quite well. I don't like that they have limited practice questions. They need a bigger question bank.”
The Princeton Review is a long-standing test prep provider offering SAT practice tests alongside structured courses. Its free Digital SAT practice test is designed to resemble the real exam interface and serves as an entry point into its broader prep ecosystem.
From a tutoring perspective, The Princeton Review sits between official practice and full-service prep platforms. Its mock tests simulate the Digital SAT experience reasonably well and include detailed explanations, making them useful for guided review and error analysis.
However, its strength lies more in course-led preparation than in test-accurate benchmarking. Tutors often treat Princeton Review tests as reinforcement tools, not definitive indicators of real SAT performance.
Tutors typically use The Princeton Review’s practice tests as supplementary assessments alongside official or higher-fidelity mocks. The detailed explanations make it useful for teaching strategy and reviewing mistakes, especially for mid-range students.
Because some practice questions may skew harder than the actual SAT, tutors often contextualize results carefully to avoid unnecessary stress or miscalibrated expectations.
“This tool really helped me prepare for the SAT. It honed down on specific topics / areas to focus on. There could have been more information on answers.”
~ Anonymous
Magoosh is an online-first test prep company that has grown quickly by focusing on clear explanations, flexible study plans, and affordable pricing. Its Digital SAT offering is designed primarily for independent, self-paced learners rather than tutor-led instruction.
The platform’s strength lies in content delivery. Magoosh emphasizes concept teaching through short videos and concise explanations, making it useful for students who need structured revision outside live tutoring sessions.
From a tutoring standpoint, Magoosh works best as a supplementary learning tool. It supports concept reinforcement but is less effective for teaching SAT-specific strategy, pacing, or adaptive test behavior.
Tutors often recommend Magoosh for independent practice between sessions, especially for students who need repeated exposure to foundational concepts. It works well for homework-style reinforcement but usually needs to be paired with test-accurate mock exams for realistic SAT preparation.
Because SAT-specific strategy and adaptive pacing are not deeply emphasized, tutors typically guide students on how to translate learned concepts into test-day decisions.
“The explanations offered while doing questions. The instructor interface might be improved so that we can see what students are doing real-time.”
Kaplan is one of the most established names in standardized test prep, offering a wide range of SAT courses alongside practice tests. SAT prep is part of a larger portfolio, not its sole focus.
Kaplan’s Digital SAT offerings are built around structured instruction, combining practice tests, video lessons, and optional live teaching. Its platform is designed for students who prefer a guided, classroom-style experience.
For tutors, Kaplan functions more as a full-service prep provider than a flexible testing platform. It offers reliable materials, but less customization compared to platforms built specifically for tutor-led workflows.
Kaplan is commonly used by students who want a structured prep path with minimal external planning. Tutors may recommend Kaplan for learners who benefit from guided instruction but typically supplement it with additional practice or diagnostics when deeper personalization is required.
Because of its pricing and fixed structure, Kaplan is often chosen by families seeking a comprehensive, brand-backed solution rather than modular or tutor-managed prep.
“Enjoyed the live classes and thought the instructors were invaluable and knowledgeable. However, I did not like the self-paced content.”
~ Lorin
Barron’s is a long-established publisher best known for its SAT prep books and study guides. Its digital resources are designed primarily to support content review rather than simulate the full Digital SAT testing experience.
While Barron’s offers a range of online practice questions and test prep materials, not all of its SAT resources follow the adaptive format of the Digital SAT. As a result, its tools are better suited for concept reinforcement than for realistic test-day practice.
For tutors, Barron’s works best as a supplementary resource to strengthen fundamentals, especially when paired with platforms that offer adaptive, full-length Digital SAT mock tests.
Tutors often recommend Barron’s materials for concept review or additional practice on specific topics identified through diagnostic tests. It is typically used alongside more accurate Digital SAT platforms for pacing, adaptation, and full test simulation.
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Test Ninjas is a Digital SAT practice platform positioned around question volume. It claims to offer a large database of SAT-relevant questions, making it an option for students who want extensive repetition at a relatively low cost.
The platform focuses more on practice quantity than test simulation. While it can support repeated drilling, it is not designed to closely mirror the adaptive structure, pacing, or difficulty progression of the official Digital SAT.
For tutors, Test Ninjas is best used as a supplementary question bank, not as a primary testing or diagnostic tool.
Tutors may use Test Ninjas to assign additional practice after diagnosing weaknesses through more accurate Digital SAT mock tests. It can help build repetition and familiarity with question types but typically requires tutor guidance to ensure alignment with real test difficulty and pacing.
"Test Ninjas has made a real difference for my students. The platform is outstanding, and the adaptive tests really help them get used to what they'll see on test day."
~ Michael Marlowe, Founder, Math and English Consulting (MEC)
RTest is a Digital SAT prep platform focused on short-duration access and individual test packages. It is positioned for students who want temporary access to SAT practice materials rather than a long-term prep program.
The platform offers multiple preparation options, including a 7-day plan, making it suitable for quick revision or last-minute practice. However, its tools are designed more for exposure and practice than for in-depth diagnostics or realistic test simulation.
For tutors, RTest is best treated as a short-term supplemental resource, not a primary Digital SAT preparation platform.
Tutors may recommend RTest for last-minute review or additional practice when students want quick access without committing to a longer program. It can help reinforce familiarity with SAT-style questions but usually needs to be paired with more accurate mock tests and deeper analytics for meaningful improvement.
“It’s a really fast and efficient way to calculate your score. The diagnostic test is just about 10 questions per section, so it felt much shorter than I expected, and yet it still seems accurate.”
~ Edward, 11th grade
With so many alternatives out there, it's obvious you've often asked yourself a question like 'How do I choose the best Digital SAT test provider?' The four points mentioned below will help you make intelligent choices.
Your test prep provider should be comprehensive in terms of being adaptive, using accurate questions, and choosing the right difficulty level of the questions.
Zero down on only those tests with questions that accurately mimic the actual ones. Anything else is a waste of time.
A test is of little value if it can't help you improve. Go for a provider that generates the most actionable insights and feedback.
Expensive isn't necessarily better. Be sure to choose a service that gives you the best RoI against the fees you pay. And don't settle for the cheapest either. It's your future at stake, after all.
At the end of the day, you'll have to make your own decision, so you better start early. Ask friends and teachers. Check out the reviews. Don't be afraid of asking direct, specific questions to any test prep company you speak to. Their answers will provide you better understanding of what to look for.
After all, every student has a different learning style. And based on that, every educator will take a different approach to improve student engagement, teach better, and help students get higher scores. The best place to begin is to take a test and see what you'll require.
Go ahead, take a free practice SAT now. That will be a great place to start. Why not do it now?
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