If you’re prepping for the digital SAT, you’ve probably noticed something: the test changed, and so did the best study materials. The adaptive, two-module format, the Reading & Writing mash-up, and the on-screen calculator all reward a slightly different skill set than the old paper test. That means your study plan should lean on books (and companion resources) that were written or fully updated for the digital SAT—with realistic questions, data-driven strategy, and plenty of targeted practice.
Below, you’ll find a practical guide to the best SAT prep books right now—how they differ, who each one is best for, and how to combine them for maximum score gain. You’ll also see where well-known providers like Kaplan, The Princeton Review, PrepScholar, and Magoosh fit into a book-centric plan (since each brand packages its books with online drills, videos, and adaptive tools that matter a lot for the digital test).
How to choose a digital-SAT book that actually moves your score
Before we dive into recommendations, sanity-check any book against these criteria:
- Built for the digital SAT. You want new question styles (concise RW passages, in-context vocab, math with more data fluency) and adaptive-test pacing strategies—not recycled paper-SAT content.
- Realistic practice. The best books feel like Bluebook practice—shorter passages, answer patterns that mirror the exam, calculator-forward math, and data tables that aren’t gotchas.
- Targeted drills. You should be able to drill skills, not just sections (e.g., punctuation within sentences, transitions, linear equations in context, percent change).
- Actionable strategy. Look for tactics you can execute under time—answer elimination scripts, passage mapping that takes <30 seconds, calculator-keystroke shortcuts for common problem types.
- Companion online tools. For the digital SAT, an online Qbank or mini-tests that look like the real interface is a huge edge.
The Shortlist (what to buy first)
- Kaplan SAT Prep Plus (Digital SAT Edition)
- The Princeton Review Digital SAT Premium Prep
- Barron’s Digital SAT Premium Study Guide
- Magoosh SAT Prep (book + online companion) — best “video-first” study with printable notes/worksheets
- PrepScholar Complete SAT (book-replacement study packets + drills) — best “curriculum-in-a-book” feel
- Official Practice Tests in Bluebook (free) — not a book, but non-negotiable as a companion
If you’re starting from scratch, pick one core book (Kaplan or Princeton Review), add Barron’s if you want tougher practice, and overlay official Bluebook tests throughout your schedule. If you’re a video-learner or self-pacer who likes guided checklists, swap your core book for Magoosh or PrepScholar and still do the official tests.
Kaplan SAT Prep Plus (Digital SAT Edition)
Best for: Students who want a balanced mix of strategy + realistic practice, with strong integration between the book and a modern online Qbank.
Why it’s on top: Kaplan leans into what the digital SAT actually tests: quick-read comprehension, grammar in context, and math that blends algebra with data literacy. Their concise strategy write-ups (like rapid question triage, elimination templates, and “plug & sketch” for word problems) are designed to be executed under time. The RW drills capture the one-question-per-short-passage feel, and the math sets include both calculator-friendly workflows and no-nonsense algebra steps.
What you’ll get:
- A full content refresh for Digital SAT (RW + Math), including short-passage editing and graph/table interpretation
- Multiple practice tests with answer explanations that emphasize process (not just “what” but “how fast”)
- A companion Qbank with 500+ questions for targeted drilling (huge for adaptive stamina)
- Clear pacing guidance tailored to a two-module, adaptive exam
Standout strengths:
- Strategy density. You’ll collect a playbook you can deploy question-by-question.
- RW realism. Short passages, modern question stems, and answer-choice traps that feel Bluebook-ish.
- Score-raising feedback. Explanations that tell you why a wrong answer is attractive help you stop repeating misses.
Potential trade-offs:
- If you’re already 1400+ and hunting 1500+, you may crave more “stretch” math than Kaplan alone provides. In that case, layer in Barron’s hard sets or a specialized math workbook.
How to use it in 4 weeks (example):
Weeks 1–2: Read strategy intros, then drill RW punctuation + transitions, and core algebra + linear functions in the Qbank.
Week 3: Full practice test, deep error log, target your three weakest subskills with 20-question sets.
Week 4: One more test, plus speed-drills (10-minute bursts) on your two slowest skills.
The Princeton Review Digital SAT Premium Prep
Best for: Students who want more guided hand-holding—step-by-step strategy lessons, checklists, and a big stack of practice.
Why it’s great: TPR’s “teach, then drill” format is friendly and linear. If you like to learn a tactic, see a worked example, and then do 10–20 reps on the same pattern, this structure shines. Their premium book typically includes several full-length tests, a lot of topic-sorted drills, and access to extras (like video lessons) that keep you in a consistent style across book and online.
What you’ll get:
- Thorough RW grammar/logic lessons that link directly to short-passage question types
- Hefty practice sets organized by micro-skills (e.g., punctuation within sentences vs. between sentences)
- Several full practice tests with answer explanations and pacing tips
- Companion online practice and score analysis
Standout strengths:
- Learner-friendly explanations. The tone is approachable; it feels like a good classroom teacher.
- Volume. Lots of practice means you can build speed and muscle memory.
- Pacing frameworks. Clear timing targets per question type.
Potential trade-offs:
- Practice can skew slightly easier-than-Bluebook in spots, so add at least two official tests to calibrate your feel for real difficulty.
Pro move: Do TPR lessons to lay foundation, then use Kaplan Qbank (or official tests) to harden your instincts against sneakier traps.
Barron’s Digital SAT Premium Study Guide
Best for: Students who want heavier, tougher practice and more exhaustive content review—especially useful if you’re already above average and chasing a bigger jump.
Why it’s great: Barron’s has a long history of being a bit tougher than the real exam. That’s a feature if you use it correctly. The book’s review chapters go deep on rules and patterns; the practice sets often include multi-step math and logic-dense RW that force you to slow down and think.
What you’ll get:
- Comprehensive content review with rule tables, examples, and “gotcha” notes
- Big practice banks with challenge problems (especially in Math)
- Full-length tests and detailed explanations
Standout strengths:
- Stretch level. Training a little harder than game speed can make the real thing feel easier.
- Concept mastery. Great for shoring up rusty algebra and function sense, or tightening grammar.
Potential trade-offs:
- Can feel heavy if you’re a first-time test-taker under 1100; consider Kaplan or TPR first for strategy scaffolding.
- Explanations are thorough but occasionally textbook-y; build an error log so you don’t drown in detail.
Pro move: Use Barron’s for targeted “hard day” workouts—two or three times per week—while keeping your pacing and test-feel calibrated with Bluebook practice.
Magoosh SAT Prep (book + online companion)
Best for: Video-learners and self-paced students who want bite-size lessons, smart study schedules, and printable notes/worksheets to mimic a “book” feel.
Why it belongs in a “books” guide: Magoosh is digital-first, but its lesson notes, study schedules, and printable practice function like a living workbook. You get video explanations for nearly every question, which is gold if you’ve plateaued and need to see the reasoning at test speed. The program also includes an AI tutor and an accurate score predictor, helpful for planning your test date.
What you’ll get:
- 1,700+ questions with text and video explanations
- Structured study schedules (one-month, two-month, etc.) so you always know what to do next
- Three timed practice tests drawn from their question pool
- On-demand class add-on if you want instructor-led structure
Standout strengths:
- Feedback loop. Watching the exact solve path for your miss is the fastest way to fix it.
- Motivation architecture. Schedules, reminders, and bite-size lessons make it easy to stick with study.
- Money-back and score-increase guarantees that take the risk out of trying it.
Potential trade-offs:
- Since practice tests are assembled from the Qbank, still plan to take official Bluebook tests for a pure exam feel.
- If you learn best from long-form reading, get a core book (Kaplan/TPR) and use Magoosh as your explainer library.
Pro move: Pair Magoosh’s video explanations with an error log. For every miss, write: skill, trap you fell for, and the one-sentence rule you’ll apply next time.
PrepScholar Complete SAT (a “book-replacement” curriculum)
Best for: Students who want adaptive study that feels like a curated, chapter-by-chapter textbook—only smarter and more personalized.
Why it belongs here: PrepScholar doesn’t sell a single printed book; instead, its lesson modules, strategy packets, and targeted drills behave like a customizable textbook. You get a smart diagnostic, weekly plan, and skill-leveling that keeps you working at the edge of your ability. If you’re the type who freezes in front of a huge book, this structure can be a game-changer.
What you’ll get:
- A diagnostic that maps you to 45+ SAT skills with a plan to fix the weakest first
- Hundreds of realistic questions matched to those skills, with detailed explanations
- A built-in habit system: progress emails, reminders, and weekly to-do lists
- Easy import of official Bluebook test results for targeted repair work
Standout strengths:
- Personalization. You’re always drilling what moves your score the most.
- Clarity. Skill pages read like modern textbook chapters, minus fluff.
- Results-oriented. Score-improvement guarantees keep the program honest.
Potential trade-offs:
- If you love highlighter-in-a-paper-book studying, you’ll want a core book beside it.
- Practice style is very exam-like but still third-party; keep official tests in the mix.
Pro move: Let PrepScholar dictate your weekly drills, but do your full tests in Bluebook and feed the results back into your plan.
The Official Practice (Bluebook) — your non-negotiable companion
You can’t buy a better “book” than the real thing. Even if you prefer print, always run your full practice tests in the official Bluebook app. It mirrors test-day modules, timing, tools, and score reporting. Use third-party books and programs for learning and drilling, then use Bluebook to calibrate pacing and nerves.
How to blend official with books:
- Take a diagnostic official test before you start a plan.
- After 2–3 weeks of book work and drills, take another official test.
- In the final two weeks, take one more official test and do mixed, 10–15-minute speed sets for your two slowest skills.
Which one should you choose?
Here’s a quick fit guide based on starting point and study style:
- Under 1100 and overwhelmed? Start with The Princeton Review Premium for friendly, step-by-step lessons. Add Bluebook tests for calibration.
- 1100–1300 and ready to climb? Kaplan Prep Plus as your core, plus weekly Bluebook testing. If you stall, add Magoosh videos for misses.
- 1300–1450 chasing 1500? Keep a light core (Kaplan or TPR), then layer Barron’s hard sets two or three days per week. Strict error logging, Bluebook every 10–14 days.
- Hate big books, love structure? Skip the brick and go PrepScholar or Magoosh as your primary, with printed notes/worksheets. Still take official tests regularly.
- Short runway (3–4 weeks)? Kaplan quick-hit strategies + Magoosh video explanations for mistakes, one Bluebook test each weekend.
How to use any SAT book like a pro (the system that works)
1) Build a living error log.
For every miss: write the skill (e.g., “commas between independent clauses,” “linear equations in context”), the trap you fell for, and a one-sentence rule to prevent it. Review the log before every study session.
2) Drill to a timer.
The digital SAT rewards decisive moves. Do 10–12 question sprints with a countdown for your target pace. Stop when time’s up. Check answers, annotate, repeat.
3) Re-do your misses.
Space them out by a few days. If you get it right the second time for the same reason, you’ve probably learned it. If not, watch a video explanation (Kaplan online, Magoosh, or your program of choice).
4) Practice like it’s game day.
Full Bluebook tests only, in one sitting. No music. Same time of day as your real exam when possible.
5) Prioritize high-leverage skills.
On RW: punctuation, transitions, sentence boundaries, concise/precise wording.
On Math: linear equations, systems, proportions/percent, exponent rules, function interpretation, and data tables.
6) Learn calculator shortcuts.
Program quick keystrokes for percent change, slope from two points, solving linear systems, and plugging answer choices efficiently.
Sample 6-week plan (using books the smart way)
Week 1:
Diagnostic in Bluebook. Pick your core book (Kaplan or TPR). Read RW punctuation + transitions chapters; do 2×20-question drills. In math, review linear equations and ratios; do 2×15-question drills. Start error log.
Week 2:
RW: concise wording and logical order; 2×20. Math: functions and graph reading; 2×15. Add one Magoosh or Kaplan online video explanation session for your top three recurring errors.
Week 3:
Full Bluebook test. Post-test: triage errors, pick three skills to attack with Barron’s harder sets (if you’re >1200) or your core book drills (if <1200).
Week 4:
Mixed sprints: RW 3×12 timed; Math 3×12 timed. One long session of targeted Barron’s or tough Kaplan sets. Update error log.
Week 5:
Bluebook test #2. Replace your weakest skill with daily 15-minute drills. If explanations aren’t landing, bring in Magoosh videos for that skill.
Week 6:
Speed + confidence week. Alternate 10-minute sprints with 20-minute review. Two days before the test, do a light mixed set and review your error log—no cramming.
FAQs (super quick)
Do I need more than one book?
Not always. One core book plus official tests is enough for most students. Add Barron’s for stretch or Magoosh/PrepScholar for explanation-heavy support.
Are “old SAT” books still useful?
Usually not. The digital test has different pacing, passage style, and emphasis. Use resources written for the new format.
What’s the most underrated strategy?
Relentless answer choice elimination. On RW, eliminate by grammar rule or logic mismatch. On Math, eliminate by plug-in sanity checks before doing algebra gymnastics.
How many full tests should I take?
Two to three official Bluebook tests spread across your plan is ideal for most students.
Final picks and when to buy them
- Buy Kaplan SAT Prep Plus if you want the best blend of concise strategy, realistic practice, and a strong online Qbank. Great all-around core.
- Buy The Princeton Review Digital SAT Premium Prep if you want a guided, classroom-style walk-through with lots of approachable practice.
- Buy Barron’s Digital SAT Premium if you’re already solid and want to train harder than game speed, especially in Math.
- Choose Magoosh if you learn best from videos and want printable notes + smart schedules (treat it like a book with a teacher inside).
- Choose PrepScholar if you want a personalized, adaptive curriculum that replaces a book with precise weekly to-dos.
- Use Bluebook no matter what. It’s the only way to simulate test day.
Pick one lane, stick with it, and keep your error log honest. The digital SAT rewards students who practice the right things, the right way, not just those who grind the most pages. With one solid book (or book-replacement program), official tests, and a focused routine, you’ll walk into test day with calm, clear, repeatable moves—and a score you’re proud to send.