The bar exam hasn’t gotten any easier, but preparing for it has. Thanks to online technology, the growth of the Uniform Bar Exam (now used in 41 jurisdictions) and a flood of new competition, students today have more — and better — options for bar prep than ever before.
We reviewed the most widely used programs, including full-service bar reviews and popular supplements. Barbri remains the market leader, but plenty of other companies now offer strong alternatives, often with lower price tags, flexible schedules and customized tools.
Some students want structure and coaching. Others prefer audio outlines or tutoring. Some need an affordable way to prep while working full time. No matter your learning style or budget, you’ll likely find a program that fits.
Here’s a detailed look at nine full-service courses and four supplemental providers. For each, we outline key strengths, costs and features — so you can make the best choice for your bar prep journey.
Full-service bar reviews
Barbri
Barbri has prepared more than 1.4 million lawyers since the 1960s and remains the largest bar review provider. It offers full-service prep in every state and features expert lecturers, a personal AI coach called ISAAC, and a sleek interface that tracks progress against other users in your jurisdiction.
Cost: $1,999 to $3,999
Payment plans: 3-, 6- and 12-month plans available
Guarantee: Free repeat course if you don’t pass
Availability: All states
Celebration Bar Review
Celebration is built for repeat and nontraditional takers, with a step-by-step program that includes outlines, video lectures, MBE questions and mindset coaching.
Strengths: Affordable, personalized, with live bootcamps and online boosters
Cost: Starts at $2,500
Payment plans: Klarna, Affirm and Afterpay available
Guarantee: Lifetime pass guarantee
Availability: UBE states, California, Florida and Georgia
Crushendo
Founded by a former TV reporter and top bar scorer, Crushendo focuses on memory aids like mnemonics, audio flashcards and whiteboard videos.
Strengths: Engaging, portable, lifetime access
Cost: $970 (full bar course), $590 (MBE course), supplements start at $49
Payment plans: PayPal and Affirm
Guarantee: 30-day refund and pass guarantee for students who complete the study plan
Availability: Any jurisdiction that administers the bar exam
Helix Bar Review
Helix, created by nonprofit AccessLex, uses short, science-backed content segments and multiple learning formats to keep students engaged. It includes NCBE-licensed and NCBE-like questions.
Strengths: Affordable, mission-driven, adaptive plans, free MPRE and sneak peek
Cost: $1,199 (full UBE, California or Florida), MBE supplement $279
Payment plans: Affirm, with low- or no-interest options
Guarantee: Free repeat for students who complete 75%
Availability: All UBE jurisdictions, California, Florida
Kaplan
A leader in test prep for more than 85 years, Kaplan offers on-demand bar review in 49 jurisdictions, with 5,000+ practice questions, AI essay grading and an AI tutor bot.
Strengths: Large question bank, adaptive tech, strong pass rates
Cost: $1,299 to $3,999
Payment plans: In-house and Affirm
Guarantee: Free repeat or $500 gift card for passers
Availability: All states except Louisiana and California
JD Advising
JD Advising offers personalized instruction, real NCBE questions, color-coded outlines and small-group tutoring. The company also provides one-on-one support and a rigorous guarantee program.
Cost: $1,499.99 (first-time takers), $2,999.99 (repeat takers)
Tutoring: $350/hour or $300/hour in 10-hour blocks
Payment plans: Affirm
Guarantee: Full refund and exam fee coverage through the Guarantee Program
Availability: UBE jurisdictions and California
Quimbee Bar Review+
Quimbee combines daily tasks, graded essays and diagnostics with a clean digital interface. It includes 300+ videos, essay workshops and a print book package.
Cost: $2,099 (discounts available)
Payment plans: Affirm
Guarantee: Money back if you complete 75% and don’t pass
Availability: 43 UBE states and territories, plus California and Florida
Reed Bar Review
Founded by Col. Hugh Reed, Reed offers online prep and personalized tutoring in all jurisdictions except Louisiana. Courses include memory techniques, feedback and constant diagnostic testing.
Cost: $995 to $12,495
Payment plans: 50% at enrollment, balance due before the exam
Guarantee: Free tutoring until you pass if 90% of work is completed
Availability: 24/7/365 access
Themis Bar Review
Themis is known for innovation and transparency. It was the first to go fully online and now features UGrader AI essay feedback and a UWorld MBE QBank.
Strengths: Prime-Present-Practice-Pass methodology, adaptive calendar, strong visuals
Cost: $1,795 to $2,895
Payment plans: Affirm
Guarantee: Free repeat for unsuccessful first-time takers
Availability: All states except Delaware (2026), Louisiana, Mississippi
Supplemental bar prep tools
Adaptibar
AdaptiBar is an online MBE simulator that includes licensed MBE questions and patented adaptive technology to pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses and predict your MBE score. Often used alongside full-service reviews.
Cost: Approx. $495
Strengths: Has a mobile app for both iOS and Android that allows you to study on your phone
SmartBarPrep
Helps examinees focus on high-priority bar topics using data from past exams.
Cost: $124 to $499
Guarantee: 30-day money-back (some exclusions)
Availability: 40+ states including UBE, California, New York
Rigos
Print-based materials for self-paced study. Offers a five-book series and 1L hornbooks.
Cost: $49.50 to $400
Strengths: Budget-friendly, good for independent learners
Supreme Bar Review
One-on-one virtual coaching with longtime bar prep expert Marc Rossen.
Cost: $350/hour or $300/hour in 10-hour blocks
Guarantee: Full refund after first session if not satisfied
Strengths: Highly personalized, decades of experience
How to choose the right bar prep course
Not sure where to start? These five questions can help narrow your options:
- What’s your budget?
Full-service courses range from under $1,000 to nearly $4,000. If cost is a concern, look for companies with payment plans, free retake guarantees or nonprofit pricing models. Supplements can also fill in gaps without the full price tag.
- How do you learn best?
Some students prefer structure and lecture-based instruction. Others want audio tools or mobile flexibility. Look for a course that fits your learning style — whether that means daily schedules, adaptive tech or one-on-one tutoring.
- Where are you taking the bar?
Most companies offer UBE prep, but not all cover California, Florida or other non-UBE states. Double-check jurisdictional availability — and make sure essay and performance test components are included.
- Do you need extra support?
First-time takers may feel comfortable with a standard plan. But if you’ve struggled before, look for a program that offers tutoring, essay feedback or repeat-taker courses with targeted guidance.
- What are people saying?
Student reviews, social media posts and bar exam forums can offer insight into course quality, tech issues and instructor accessibility. You’ll get the best feel by hearing from people who’ve used it recently.
