Best TOEFL Test Preparation Books

It will always be alright to feel a little tense and nervous about taking the TOEFL exam. However, remember that you can comfortably breathe if you have an excellent set of prep materials with you. There are numerous books, online courses, and materials you can choose from today.

Are you thinking now about which one you should choose among all the TOEFL Test prep books? Well, you can finally stay calm because we have already listed 12 of the best TOEFL prep guides! This article will assist you with each book’s essential features, price, availability, and many more.


What is the TOEFL Test?

The TOEFL (The Test of English as a Foreign Language) is a globally accepted standardized English proficiency test for non-native English speakers. It has four essential sections: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. This test is best for assessing one’s written and oral comprehension skills in English.

This examination applies to everyone who wants to enter English universities in Australia, the USA, the UK, Canada, New Zealand, and other English-speaking countries. More than 10,000 schools and universities accept TOEFL scores.

Aside from that, people can also use this test as a Visa application file. It can be a passport to study abroad. However, they can only use the TOEFL scores for two years.

Why Use a TOEFL Prep Book?

You can always choose from various ways when preparing for the TOEFL. You can learn from tutorial videos, online courses, or study websites. However, having an excellent prep book is still on the top of the list when selecting reading and practice materials. 

Owning a TOEFL prep book can help you understand the exam format and instructions of the test.

Furthermore, you can learn different tips, hacks, and ways of developing and improving your English skills. If you feel less confident about what you can do, practicing with a book will boost your proficiency and knowledge.

Aside from that, picking the best prep guide enables you to try practice tests similar to the actual exam. There can also be activities, passages, and tasks. Moreover, some books also include access to online resources and CDs for audio materials. 

If you manage to pick out the best prep books, you can achieve the TOEFL score you wish to have.


Best TOEFL Test Prep Books

Listed here are 12 of the best TOEFL test prep books. Examine the books, and feel free to pick the ones you prefer the most! 

1. Official Guide to the TOEFL iBT Test, Sixth Edition

Official Guide to the TOEFL iBT Test Book or Guide

The Official Guide to the TOEFL iBT Test is one of the best-selling TOEFL prep books because the actual writers of the exam authored this book. It is famous for its accurate and detailed content, including thorough explanations of the four sections:

If you are curious about this book, you can purchase its paperback format for USD 26.99 to USD 60.21. You can also find its kindle format, but it is still unavailable today. This guide is available at different online stores, including AmazonUBuyBook DepositoryeBay, and Barnes and Noble.

The Official Guide to the TOEFL iBT Test is best for practicing your reading and listening skills. It contains numerous reading passages you can read with questions to answer afterward.

Aside from that, you can also find over 600 practice questions taken from the TOEFL exam. These questions have difficulty levels similar to the actual tests. With that, you do not need to worry about the complexity of the TOEFL test in reality.

This book is also famous for its full-length practice tests. You can try answering them like a real-time TOEFL exam. This part can give you an idea of what the test looks like and how to prepare for it.

To sum it up, the Official Guide to the TOEFL iBT Test is your best pick if you want to practice answering real-like TOEFL questions. Do not hesitate to get this book now!


2. Barron’s Essential Words For The TOEFL iBT Test 

Barron's Essential Words for the TOEFL Book or Guide

Are you looking for the best prep book for learning vocabulary words? Well, Barron’s Essential Words For The TOEFL has come! This book includes everything you must never forget regarding new phrases and terms from the TOEFL exam.

If you want to try this guide, you are free to find its kindle format on Amazon for USD 6.99. On the other hand, it is also available in the paperback version for USD 9.39 to USD 18.58. Aside from Amazon, you can also find this book on WalmartBlackwell’sAsia Books, and eBay

This book is best for writing and speaking because it includes essential words helpful in writing different essays and articles. Furthermore, you can also apply these terms when creating speech and conversing with other people using the English language.

The Barron’s Essential Words for the TOEFL is popular because of its set of vocabulary taken from the actual speaking and writing sections of the TOEFL exam. Each word has a detailed meaning and sample sentence. Moreover, there are also practice tests for over 500 terms everyone needs to know.

Aside from that, this book also offers detailed tips and advice on enhancing and improving your grammar proficiency. 

If you feel like you lack knowledge in English vocabulary words, grab Barron’s Essential Words for TOEFL today and enjoy learning new words!


3. Cambridge Preparation for the TOEFL Test 

Cambridge Preparation for the TOEFL Test Book or Guide

A high-quality yet comprehensive prep book, you say? The Cambridge Preparation for the TOEFL is worthy of your time and budget. This book contains everything you need to achieve high scores in the TOEFL. From the core concepts to TOEFL skills, this guide has it all!

If you wish to have this book, grab it now on Amazon for USD 26.83 to USD 59.36. However, if you want to have the CDs and audio, you will spend USD 133.13 to USD 141.99. This guide is also available at WalmartFlipkart and eBay.

The Cambridge Preparation for the TOEFL best applies to everyone who wants to excel in everything. This book is perfect for all sections: reading, speaking, writing, and listening. However, using this guide for listening may be expensive because you need to purchase the CDs separately. 

This book has the best strategies and tips for critical skills and writing essays. It also includes skill-building exercises and seven high-quality, full-length practice tests. Furthermore, you can also find an English grammar section to improve your grammar proficiency.

Using this book can gear you up for the TOEFL. It is comprehensive and detailed, making it one of the best prep books you must have. It develops both English language and TOEFL skills.

In the long run, if you do not mind spending money on a prep book and are looking for a high-quality guide for all skills, the Cambridge Preparation for the TOEFL Test is your perfect match.


4. Cracking the TOEFL iBT Test 

Cracking the TOEFL iBT

Cracking the TOEFL iBT Test aims high when discussing the most detailed prep books for TOEFL. It is very understandable, concise, and thorough. We guarantee that every test-taker can understand the contents of this book.

If you feel curious about having this book, you can purchase the paperback format for USD 9.92 to USD 51.99 on Amazon. You may also find it at Jarir BookstoreLiberty Books, and Asia Books

Cracking the TOEFL iBT Test is best for writing essays, for it has a specialized part for learning grammar skills. Moreover, it also includes engaging and detailed explanations of all the lessons in the four sections. You can easily understand them because the authors have written them concisely.

Aside from that, this book also offers numerous step-by-step strategies and tips to improve your skills and pass the exam. These strategies comprise different ways and hacks on cracking each section. Lastly, this guide also has one full-length practice test and audios provided in the CD.

If you want to have a book that you can read without difficulties in understanding phrases and terms, Cracking the TOEFL iBT Test is the best for you. Try it now!


5. Cliff’s TOEFL Preparation Guide 

Cliffs TOEFL Preparation Guide Review Amazon 1

Here comes another prep book famous for understandable and concise content: Cliff’s TOEFL Preparation Guide. Like the previous one, this book has thorough explanations of the lessons, making it suitable for beginners to average learners.

If you want to check this book out, you may find it for USD 17.06 to 83.25. It has two versions: the Bk&Cassett Edition and the paperback format. You can purchase these books on AmazonDarazBook Depository, and Mamun Book House.

The Cliff’s TOEFL Preparation Guide best applies to writing and listening. It has an intensive grammar review, exercises, tasks, and tests regarding each section. Moreover, it also includes six full-length practice exams similar to the actual TOEFL test.

This book also takes the lead in explaining different types of questions. It offers numerous examples of each kind and strategies for answering them. This part enables the test-takers to have an idea of accomplishing even the most complex TOEFL questions.

Lastly, you may also find two cassette tapes provided in the book. These tapes contain audios that you can use while reading the book.

In conclusion, Cliff’s TOEFL Preparation Guide is your best choice if you want to master different types of TOEFL questions. Do not hesitate to try it today!


6. The Complete Guide to the TOEFL Test Book 

The Complete Guide to the TOEFL Test Amazon 1

Do you want to achieve the best scores? Well, you must have the Complete Guide to the TOEFL iBT Test Book! This guide contains numerous lessons and skills you need to nail the exam.

If you wish to start your preparation, purchase this book’s paperback format for USD 19.95 to USD 90.39. If you want the multimedia CD, you may find it for USD 83.49 to USD 98.99. These materials are available at AmazoneBayeCampus, and Barnes and Noble.

The Complete Guide to the TOEFL Test Book is best for writing and speaking sections. It has speaking tasks with sample videos from actual test-takers doing the activity. Moreover, it includes extensive practice tests with different exercise types, an essay writing section, and two full-length practice exams.

In addition to that, this book also comprises various test-taking strategies in answering TOEFL tests’ most common errors. You can also find CD-ROMs with tutorial videos and audio files.

If you wish to excel in speaking sections, the Complete Guide to the TOEFL Test Book is waiting for you. Come and get it now!


7. Manhattan Prep TOEFL 5 lb. Book of Practice Problems

Manhattan Prep for TOEFL Prep Book or Guide

If practice questions are what you are looking for, you must have the Manhattan Prep TOEFL 5 lb. Book of Practice Problems! You can have fun while answering more than 1,500 practice questions provided in this book. Moreover, there are also courses from online chapters.

If you wish to begin your prep today, you can purchase this guide’s paperback format for USD 39.99 to USD 88.22. You can find it on Amazon, AbeBooksBarnes and NobleUBuy, and Bokus.

The Manhattan Prep TOEFL 5 lb Book of Practice Problems best applies to everyone who wants to improve their reading and writing skills. This book includes well-written and understandable reading passages, listening lectures, writing topics, and speaking tasks. Furthermore, you can also find tips and strategies for improving your grammar skills.

This book also boasts its online chapters and resources. You can access its online materials through the instructions provided in the book. These files are essential for listening and speaking sections.

In the long run, the Manhattan Prep TOEFL 5 lb Book of Practice Problems must be on the top of your list if you are looking for a prep book with an incredible amount of practice questions. Get your copy of the book today!


8. TOEFL iBT Quick Prep

TOEFL iBT Quick Prep Book or Guide

Are you having a budget crisis today? Here’s TOEFL iBT Quick Prep to help you save the day! This book is an excellent ETS-created material that you can access online.

TOEFL iBT Quick Prep is a free online library resource for TOEFL review. You can check them for free on ETS’ official site. Moreover, you can also find other practice tests, courses, guides, books, and the likes that may help you ace the exam.

This book’s content best applies to people who want to learn listening topics and speaking lessons. It has three listening practice sets, three for speaking, two for reading, and one for writing. Furthermore, there are various practice questions, audio tracks, answer explanations, and appendices A and B.

Accessing these materials is easy because you do not need third-party applications or signing processes. You can easily find these PDF and audio files on the website. 

In conclusion, getting the TOEFL iBT Quick Prep is the best choice if you are looking for free online resources. Get it today!


9. Princeton Review TOEFL iBT Prep 2021

Princeton Review TOEFL iBT Prep Book or Guide

Here’s another masterpiece from the Princeton Review. The Princeton Review TOEFL iBT Prep 2021 has best practice drills and introductory lessons. Using this book can contribute a lot to acing the exam!

If you are curious about this book, you can buy its paperback 2021 Edition for USD 20.95 to USD 65.93. If you want the 2022 Edition, you can pre-order today for USD 35.99. The Princeton Review will release this latest version on February 1, 2022. 

This prep book is available on Amazon, Brookline Booksmith, Walmart, and AbeBooks

The Princeton Review TOEFL iBT Prep 2021 best enhances writing skills because of its grammar basics, vocabulary improvement, and essay writing tips. It also comprises techniques for identifying and organizing ideas. Moreover, you can also find step-by-step strategies for mastering each section. 

After reading the lessons, you can try its practice drills and a full-length exam. You are free to check your answers afterward using detailed answer explanations.

If you feel like you are not good at writing essays, you better have Princeton Review TOEFL iBT Prep 2021! 


10. TOEFL iBT Prep Plus by Kaplan

Kaplan TOEFL iBT Prep Plus 2020-2021 Book or Guide

Kaplan’s TOEFL iBT Prep Plus is an excellent choice if you want to study with focused practice lessons on each core skill. It has a complete guide to everything you need to learn for the TOEFL exam.

If you wish to own this book, you can easily find it for USD 20 to USD 38.51. It is available on Amazon, Blackwell’s, Walmart, eBay, and ABC Books

Kaplan’s prep guide comprises more than 450 sample questions with explanations, four practice exams, and more than 95 minutes of listening, writing, and speaking audio tracks. A complete transcript is available if you fail to access the audio files.

Aside from that, you can find detailed lessons on the four concepts: listening, writing, speaking, and reading. There are tips for achieving high scores and strategies for passing the exam. 

What are you waiting for? Get your copy of Kaplan’s TOEFL iBT Prep Plus today if you want to have a complete guide to every section!


11. TOEFL Pocket Vocabulary by Kaplan

Kaplan TOEFL Pocket Vocabulary Book or Guide

Barron’s Essential Words has found its competitor! Kaplan’s TOEFL Pocket Vocabulary is also an excellent book for vocabulary improvement. With 600 words and terms, you can surely nail everything on the exam!

Purchasing this book is easy because you can find it for USD 11.73 to USD 24.67. It is available on Amazon, McNally Robinson, AbeBooks, Book Depository, and eBay

Kaplan’s TOEFL Pocket Vocabulary has approximately 600 words and 420 idioms written on flashcard-like pages, making it the best for writing. Each word has definitions and sample sentences to understand the context. Moreover, you can also find different parts of speech with explanations.

You do not need to worry if these words are helpful because the vocabularies written in the book are of higher levels. Furthermore, you can also test yourself using practice exams and exercises. Lastly, bringing this book anywhere is hassle-free because it is handy.

If you are looking for a prep guide for excellent vocabulary development, Kaplan’s TOEFL Pocket Vocabulary is your perfect partner! 


12. TOEFL Preparation Book 2020 – 2021

TPB Publish TOEFL Preparation Book 2020 and 2021 Book or Guide

Are you in a rush? Do you have insufficient time for TOEFL preparation? Well, TOEFL Preparation Book 2020 and 2021 has complete review material that can help you get ready in less than a month!

There’s no need to worry about the exam day for the next three weeks because you can find this book’s 2020 – 2021 Edition today for USD 16.23 to USD 38.28. If you want the 2022 – 2023 Edition, you can purchase it for USD 13.99. This book’s paperback version is available on Amazon, AbeBooks Barnes and Noble, UBuy, Book People, and Community Books

The TOEFL Preparation Book 2020 – 2021 starts with a quick overview of the test. It includes strategies for speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Moreover, it has study planners that may instantly help you organize your schedule.

Aside from that, this book contains comprehensive real-like practice questions made by Test Prep Book experts. You can freely check your answers afterward using the explanations on the latter part. Lastly, you can also get various test-taking tips from this guide!

Since this book best applies to listening due to its excellent audio tracks, you must get TOEFL Preparation Book 2020 – 2021 if you want to excel in this field!


Summary Table Of The Best TOEFL Test Prep Books

Here is a summary of the twelve best TOEFL test prep books.

Book NameUseful forPublisherKey Feature of the BookPricingUser Ratings
Official Guide to the TOEFL iBT Test, Sixth Edition
  • This book is best for practicing real-like TOEFL questions.
  • In this case, you can have an idea of what the actual exam looks like and how you can answer them effortlessly.
Educational Testing Service (ETS) and McGraw Hill Education
  • This book has over 600 questions taken from the actual TOEFL exam.
  • It also includes full-length practice tests written by the TOEFL writers.
  • These practice exams are accurate and with the same difficulty level as the actual test.
  • USD 26.99 to USD 60.21
  • Amazon Rating — 4.4 out of 5
  • GoodReads Rating — 4.11 out of 5
  • UBuy Rating — 4.4 out of 5

Barron’s Essential Words For The TOEFL iBT Test
  • This book helps improve your vocabulary.
  • It has numerous explained words to assist you in understanding different sentences and articles in the exam.
  • Moreover, having excellent language skills also contributes to your spoken and written English skills.
Barron’s Educational Series Inc.
  • This guide includes updated vocabulary words with sample sentences for each.
  • It also has practice exercises for over 500 terms everyone needs to master.
  • There are also tips and advice for improving grammar skills.
  • USD 9.39 to USD 18.58
  • Amazon Rating — 4.6 out of 5
  • GoodReads Rating — 4.04 out of 5
  • UBuy Rating — 4.6 out of 5
Cambridge Preparation for the TOEFL Test
  • This book is most beneficial for people who want to develop their English language and TOEFL skills.
  • You can also improve your mastery of writing, critical skills, and grammar proficiency.
Foundation Books
  • This guide comprises seven high-quality, full-length practice tests, skill-building exercises, and test-taking strategies.
  • You can also find online resources, an English grammar section, and writing topics for improving your TOEFL and English language skills.
  • The paperback format is available for USD 26.83 to USD 59.36, while the audio CD set is available for USD 133.13 to USD 141.99.
  • Amazon Rating — 4.1 out of 5
  • GoodReads Rating — 4.05 out of 5
  • UBuy Rating — 4.1 out of 5
  • ThriftBooks Rating — 4 out of 5
  • FlipKart Rating — 4.4 out of 5
Cracking the TOEFL iBT Test
  • This guide contributes a lot to grammar and writing skills.
  • You can access different strategies in writing, so you have a high possibility of mastering this skill.
Princeton Review
  • This book offers detailed and engaging explanations and content.
  • It also has step-by-step strategies, one full-length practice test, and audio files in the CD provided.
  • USD 9.92 to USD 51.99
  • Amazon Rating — 4.6 out of 5
  • GoodReads Rating — 4.07 out of 5
  • FlipKart Rating — 4.1 out of 5
Cliff’s TOEFL Preparation Guide
  • This book is best for mastering different question types and how to answer them. This part is one of the crucial sections of the test because the TOEFL usually includes varying questions.
  • Additionally, you can also improve your grammar proficiency through this book.
Cliffs Cassettes and Cliffs Notes
  • This book has one of the most detailed and concise content.
  • It also includes various tests, exercises, and practice exams to develop your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills.
  • There are also two cassette tapes with helpful audio files and materials.
  • USD 17.06 to USD 83.25
  • Amazon Rating — 4.7 out of 5
  • GoodReads Rating — 4.32 out of 5
The Complete Guide to the TOEFL Test Book
  • This book best applies to writing and speaking skills. You can access a well-written essay writing section and speaking samples to improve your mastery of the said concepts.
  • This guide is also helpful in minimizing the common mistakes in the TOEFL exam.
Heinle ELT
  • This guide has numerous test-taking strategies, extensive practice exams, and tutorial videos for speaking sections.
  • It also boasts its list of TOEFL’s most common errors and how to avoid them.
  • Lastly, this book also includes two full-length practice tests.
  • USD 19.95 to USD 90.39 for the paperback format, while USD 83.49 to USD 98.99 for the multimedia CD.
  • Amazon Rating — 4.4 out of 5
  • GoodReads Rating — 4.31 out of 5
  • ThriftBooks Rating — 4.5 out of 5
  • eBay Rating — 4.8 out of 5
Manhattan Prep TOEFL 5 lb. Book of Practice Problems
  • This book is best for its reading passages and practice questions.
  • You can improve your reading skills with well-written articles about different topics, such as natural science, social science, humanities, and varying subjects.
  • You can also enhance your speaking, writing, and listening skills.
Manhattan Prep Publishing
  • This guide comprises over 1,500 practice questions.
  • It also offers many reading passages, speaking tasks, listening lectures, and writing topics.
  • Furthermore, there are also audio files and vocabulary words.
  • USD 39.99 to USD 88.22
  • Amazon Rating — 4.2 out of 5
TOEFL iBT Quick Prep
  • This book can help a lot in practicing real-like questions.
  • Test-takers can also improve their listening skills through the audio tracks provided in the material.
  • More importantly, this book benefits people who do not have enough budget.
Educational Testing Services
  • This book has three listening practice sets, three for speaking, two for reading, and one for writing.
  • You can also access written transcripts if you cannot find the audio tracks.
  • Lastly, you can finish the book by checking your scores through the answer keys. 
  • Available for free access
Princeton Review TOEFL iBT Prep 2021
  • This prep guide has helpful grammar basics, vocabulary, and essay writing lessons.
  • It works best for everyone who wants to improve their writing skills.
  • Aside from that, you can also improve your reading, listening, and speaking skills.
Princeton Review
  • This book contains a full-length practice exam with detailed answer explanations on the latter part.
  • You can also find step-by-step lessons for each section.
  • Moreover, there are also tips and techniques for improving your vocabulary, grammar proficiency, and organizing ideas.
  • The 2021 Edition is available for USD 20.95 to USD 65.93.
  • On the other hand, the upcoming 2020 Edition will be available for USD 35.99 on February 1, 2022.
TOEFL iBT Prep Plus by Kaplan
  • This book best applies to listening, speaking, and writing.
  • The 95-minute audio tracks and excellent transcript contribute to the learning process.
  • Moreover, the practice exams also improve skills in the four concepts.
Kaplan Publishing
  • This guide contains 450 practice questions, 95 minutes of audio tracks, and four practice exams.
  • It also has scoring tips, strategies, and transcripts.
  • Furthermore, this book also boasts a detailed and focused lesson on each section. 
  • USD 20 to USD 38.51
TOEFL Pocket Vocabulary by Kaplan
  • This book helps improve and develop your vocabulary and grammar proficiency.
  • You can know different words related to U.S. campus life.
  • Moreover, you can test yourself using the practice exams on the book about the terms you learned.
Kaplan Publishing
  • This prep book has 600 essential words and 420 idioms.
  • There are comprehensive definitions and sample sentences for each term to understand its context.
  • Furthermore, there are parts of speech, practice tests, and exercises.
  • USD 11.73 to USD 24.67
TOEFL Preparation Book 2020 – 2021
  • This book mainly benefits people who lack time for TOEFL preparation.
  • Using the study planner and comprehensive content, you can get ready for the exam in no time.
  • Lastly, it also helps test-takers who do not have enough budget because this guide is cheaper than the others.
Test Prep Books
  • This prep guide has real-like questions made by Test Prep Book experts.
  • The content is excellent, comprehensive, and detailed.
  • Moreover, it has various test-taking tips and strategies for each section.
  • USD 13.99