The Best NCLEX® Prep Review Course Comparison: 2025-2026

Choosing the best NCLEX® prep course is key to exam success. This guide compares top 2025–2026 NCLEX review options and shows why UWorld is the trusted choice for RN and PN prep.
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Nursing students studying together in a library with computers and books, preparing for NCLEX exams.

Why You Need the Best NCLEX Prep

Passing the NCLEX® is essential to earning your license and starting your nursing career. The test adapts to your performance, meaning every question matters. Without the best NCLEX preparation, even well-prepared students may find the exam overwhelming.

Here's why investing in the best NCLEX prep makes a difference:

  • Realistic Practice: Thousands of NCLEX-style questions that mirror exam format.
  • Time Efficiency: Adaptive tools to focus study on weak areas.
  • Confidence Building: Familiarity with question types reduces test anxiety.
  • Performance Insights: Track areas of improvement with readiness reports.
  • Proven Strategies: Learn how to approach and dissect NCLEX questions effectively.

How to Choose the Best NCLEX Review Course

Not all prep programs are equal. When selecting the best NCLEX review course, consider:

  1. Question Bank & Content Quality
    • A large, frequently updated QBank (5,000+ questions) prepares you for the latest NCLEX standards.
  2. Learning Tools
    • High-quality video lessons
    • Adaptive learning technology
    • Smart flashcards with spaced repetition
    • Full-length mock exams
  3. Seamless User Experience
    • Mobile-friendly design
    • Easy navigation and customization
    • Performance tracking dashboards
  4. Support & Confidence Tools
    • Study planners
    • Performance insights
    • Educator content
    • Active student forums
  5. Pricing & Value
    • Affordable without sacrificing quality
    • Free trials or demo access
    • No hidden fees

Best NCLEX Prep Courses Compared

When choosing the best NCLEX prep course, it's important to compare providers side by side. The following chart highlights key features, pricing, and study tools to help you decide on the best NCLEX review course for your needs.

Feature Comparison UWorld Kaplan Princeton Review SimpleNursing
Question Bank Size 5,000+ (750+ NGN) 2,100+ 3,500+ 5,200+ (4,000+ NGN)
Video Lessons High-yield visual Extensive live/on-demand On-demand Animated concept videos
Mock / CAT Tests Adaptive tests & Self-Assessments CAT + live prep Full-length mock exams NGN-style test
Flashcards Digital spaced repetition Limited No Yes
Study Planner & Dashboards Advanced Basic Basic Basic
Free Trial 7 days Yes No Yes
Pricing (RN) From $139 $297 $179 ~$199
Financing Available Yes (via Affirm) Yes (via Affirm) Yes (via Affirm) Yes (via Shop Pay)
User Rating (5⭐) 4.9 4.6 4.5 4.4

Stop Comparing. Start Succeeding.

Other courses prepare you. With UWorld, you’ll gain the knowledge, confidence, and readiness to ace the NCLEX on your first try.

Pros and Cons of the Top NCLEX Prep Courses

With so many NCLEX Prep options available, knowing which one will truly help you improve can be hard. Factors that matter most include realistic questions, quality answer explanations, time-saving study tools, and how well each QBank helps you learn and retain

UWorld
Best Choice!
Pros

✅ Best NGN-aligned QBank & rationales.

✅ Flexible pricing, financing, and trial.

✅ Study planner, flashcards, analytics.

Cons:

❌ No live class or pass guarantee

Verdict: The most complete option for students who want the best NCLEX prep course at an affordable price.

Kaplan
Pros

✅ Live instruction, extensive content review-

✅ Pass guarantee

Cons:

❌ Higher price (~$425)

❌ Rationales weaker compared to UWorld

Verdict: Works best for students who need structured classes but comes at a premium.

Princeton Review
Pros

✅ High question volume and exam variety

Cons:

❌ Expensive

❌ Less NCLEX-specific

Verdict: Solid for general test prep, but not tailored enough for NCLEX success.

SimpleNursing
Pros

✅ Fun visual learning- Budget-friendly

Cons:

❌ Smaller QBank

❌ Limited testing features

Verdict: Can be a supplement for visual learners, but not a full replacement for the best NCLEX review course.

Why UWorld is the Best NCLEX Prep for Most Students

UWorld is consistently recognized as the best NCLEX review course for both NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN candidates. In fact, many nursing students consider UWorld the best NCLEX prep 2025 option because of its quality and proven success.
Here's why:

  • Robust QBank: 5000+ NCLEX-RN questions including 750+ NGN items
  • High-Yield Videos & Flashcards: Students can strengthen understanding with clear, visual videos and flashcards.
  • Adaptive (CAT) Practice Tests & Self-Assessments: Realistic CAT practice tests and self-assessments mimic the NCLEX and provide personalized readiness reports.
  • Dynamic Study Planner & Dashboard: A built-in study planner and dashboard keep preparation structured and efficient.
  • Flexible Pricing Plans: Flexible pricing plans and financing options through Affirm make prep accessible for all schedules and budgets.
  • Trust & Quality: Many students ask, “Is UWorld harder?” More than 90% report its questions are as difficult as or harder than the actual NCLEX.
  • 7-Day Free Trial: Try before you commit with access to sample questions and tools
  • In-Depth Rationales: Every answer explained with images and charts.
  • Performance Tracking: See exactly where you need improvement.
  • Mobile-Friendly: The mobile app makes it easy to practice anytime, anywhere.
  • Proven Results: Trusted by over 1.4 million nursing students, UWorld is backed by thousands of positive student reviews for our role in first-time NCLEX success.

Boost Your NCLEX Confidence Today

Join over 1.4 million nursing students who chose UWorld. With NGN-ready prep and trusted rationales, you’ll be NCLEX-ready with confidence.

UWorld Nursing Student Reviews and Testimonials

Real nursing students share why they trust UWorld for their NCLEX prep. Many describe how the QBank and rationales made the exam feel familiar, while NGN-style questions gave them the confidence to succeed.

References

  1. Reddit. (2024). Kaplan vs UWorld. r/NCLEX. https://www.reddit.com/r/NCLEX/comments/1b8i7n4/kaplan_or_uworld/
  2. Reddit. (2024). UWorld worth it. r/NCLEX. https://www.reddit.com/r/NCLEX/comments/195cy16/u_world_worth_it/
  3. Reddit. (2024). UWorld saved my life. Finished NCLEX in 45 minutes. r/NCLEX. https://www.reddit.com/r/NCLEX/comments/1dd8ggr/uworld_saved_my_life_finished_nclex_in_45_minutes/
  4. Reddit. (2024). Passed NCLEX in 87 questions… very similar to UWorld. r/NCLEX. https://www.reddit.com/r/NCLEX/comments/1c5b8hs/i_passed_my_nclex_in_87_questions/
  5. Reddit. (2024). It is hard but very similar to the exam. r/NCLEX. https://www.reddit.com/r/NCLEX/comments/1c9g1l3/it_is_hard_but_very_similar_to_the_exam/
  6. Reddit. (2024). After passing in 85 questions, I firmly believe UWorld is all you need. r/NCLEX. https://www.reddit.com/r/NCLEX/comments/1cf2z89/after_passing_in_85_questions/
  7. Quora. (2024). How similar are UWorld questions to NCLEX?
    https://www.quora.com/How-similar-are-UWorld-questions-to-NCLEX
  8. Quora. (2024). Is UWorld enough to pass the NCLEX?
    https://www.quora.com/Is-UWorld-enough-to-pass-the-NCLEX
  9. Quora. (2024). Does doing well on UWorld mean I'll pass NCLEX?
    https://www.quora.com/Does-doing-well-on-UWorld-mean-Ill-pass-NCLEX
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