Hourly Prep vs. Smartschool: Which SAT and ACT Prep App Fits Your Study Routine?
Compare Hourly Prep and Smartschool by test coverage, study format, AI tutoring, student practice, access, and published pricing in 2026.
By Hourly Prep Editorial TeamReviewed
Compare
Free PSAT prep, not a free trial.
Most prep apps give you a few days, then ask for a card. Hourly Prep keeps PSAT prep and the SAT and ACT diagnostic free, with no trial clock. SAT and ACT prep is Premium, and it costs a fraction of theirs.
$0
Free PSAT prep and diagnostic on iPhone and Android. No trial clock and no credit card.
The SAT and ACT diagnostic, with an explanation for every question
All 13 full-length PSAT practice tests
All PSAT practice, a PSAT study plan and a Selection Index calculator
Feature
Best pickHourly Prep
Smartschool
Acely
Magoosh
UWorld
PrepScholar
Free plan
✓Yes. Free PSAT prep and the SAT and ACT diagnostic, for as long as you need them. No credit card.
✕No. Trial, then a paid plan
~Partly. A 20-minute assessment and 2 tests, then $49+ a month
✕No. 7-day trial only
✕No. 7-day trial only
✕No. 5-day trial only
A full year of Premium
✓Yes. $90 for SAT, ACT and PSAT
✕No. $299 a year for SAT
✕No. $588, billed yearly. $149 month to month
✕No. $49 a month for SAT. ACT sold separately
✕No. $249 for SAT questions only. $449 for the course
✕No. $397 for SAT. $495 with AI help
SAT, ACT and PSAT in one plan
✓Yes. All three
✕No. SAT only. ACT is a separate app
✓Yes. All three
✕No. Separate SAT and ACT plans
✕No. Separate SAT and ACT plans
✕No. Separate SAT and ACT plans
Practice questions
✓Yes. 20,000+
5,000+ SAT
15,000+
2,500+ SAT
2,000+ SAT
4,000+ SAT
Full-length practice tests
✓Yes. 70+: 30+ SAT, 30+ ACT, 13 PSAT
50 SAT
60
Up to 3 SAT
Up to 10 SAT
8 SAT
AI tutor
✓Yes. For any question
✓Yes. Included
✓Yes. Included
✓Yes. Included
✕No. Not offered
~Partly. $495 plan and up
iPhone and Android app
✓Yes. Plus the web with Premium
~Partly. iPhone app listed
✕No. No app listed
✓Yes. Yes
✓Yes. Yes
✕No. No app listed
Hourly Prep is the only one with a check in every row.
If you are comparing two prep apps, try a session in each. Check how much free practice you get, when payment is required, and whether the explanations help you solve the next question.
How Hourly Prep works
Hourly Prep is built around short, interactive SAT and ACT practice. Start with the free diagnostic, which covers every section, and see an explanation for every answer. Daily SAT and ACT sets come with Premium. You choose a daily routine that fits around school and everything else.
Seasonal Premium is $90 for 12 months on the web, or $100 in-app. It adds personalized study, an in-app AI tutor, and daily SAT and ACT practice. Check Premium availability and details before deciding.
What to compare before you pay
Does the plan cover the exam you are taking?
How much can you try for free, and when does payment start?
Do explanations help you understand the method?
Is the help written, AI-assisted, or from a human tutor?
Does access last through your test date, and does it renew?
Use Smartschool’s website to check its current offer and checkout terms. Compare what is available to use, including any limits on tutoring or practice.
Try it free.
Start for free on the web or in the app, and take the diagnostic. Work through the explanations before choosing a paid plan.
Take the free diagnostic in the app, and prep for the PSAT free. Premium adds daily SAT and ACT practice, the AI tutor, an adaptive study plan, and study on the web.
