The 7 Best CPA Review Courses of 2026
The Best CPA Review Courses of 2026: Complete Comparison Guide
An honest breakdown of Becker, UWorld, Surgent, Gleim, Ninja, Universal, i75, SuperfastCPA, and Maxwell CPA Review
The 2026 Uniform CPA Examination tests three Core sections (FAR, AUD, REG) plus one Discipline of your choice (BAR, ISC, or TCP). It is an application-based exam that rewards critical thinking under pressure, and choosing the right review course can be the difference between passing and retaking.
To find the right fit, you need to evaluate two pillars:
- The Teaching: How are the rules explained? Do the videos, textbooks, and outlines actually make concepts click?
- The Practice: How do you apply what you learned? Are the MCQs and simulations realistic and well-explained?
I built Maxwell CPA Review after scoring 90+ on all four sections (including a 98 on BEC and 95 on FAR). My philosophy is minimalist mastery: teach the logic behind every rule so you can solve any question the AICPA throws at you, without spending hundreds of hours drilling redundant practice sets. Below is my 2026 guide to every major player in the market.
How to Actually Choose a CPA Review Course
The biggest mistake CPA candidates make is choosing a course based on name recognition alone. Just because a company is the largest or the most expensive does not mean it is the best fit for you. Many of my students come to me after failing with a "big name" course because they were overwhelmed by sheer volume or bored by a teaching style that never made the material click.
Before committing hundreds or thousands of dollars, always try a course first. Look for a free trial or sample content to see whether the instructor's teaching style resonates with how you actually learn. A course with 12,000 questions is worthless if you cannot understand the explanations behind them.
Guide Navigation
- Becker CPA Review — The Institutional Standard
- UWorld CPA Review — The Polished Ecosystem
- Surgent CPA Review — The Adaptive Engine
- Gleim CPA Review — The Volume King
- Ninja CPA Review — The Flexible Supplement
- Universal CPA Review — The Visual Approach
- i75 CPA Review — The Concept Teacher
- SuperfastCPA — The Study System Overlay
- Maxwell CPA Review — The High-Scorer's Framework
- Side-by-Side Comparison Table
Becker CPA Review Institutional Standard
Becker is the most recognized name in CPA review, trusted by Big Four firms and accounting programs nationwide. Its multi-tier package structure ranges from Advantage ($2,499) to Concierge ($5,299+), with content claims of 8,000+ MCQs, 500+ task-based simulations, and 190+ hours of video lectures across all six sections.
The course is comprehensive, structured, and polished. It includes simulated exams, mini exams, digital flashcards, a SkillBuilder adaptive tool, and study planning resources. Higher tiers add coaching sessions, 1-on-1 tutoring, and a licensing navigator. Becker's reputation is built on decades of market presence and institutional distribution.
Strengths
- Largest ecosystem of study tools, exams, and supplemental resources
- Strong textbooks and well-organized lesson structure
- Often employer-sponsored, reducing out-of-pocket cost
- Concierge tier includes all three Disciplines with dedicated coaching
Considerations
- Premium pricing can be prohibitive for self-payers
- Sheer volume of 8,000+ MCQs can overwhelm busy candidates
- Higher-tier support features are locked behind significant price jumps
- Some students report difficulty retaining material due to content density
"Kyle explains concepts way better than Becker... I used Becker before and got a 62 on FAR, after using Kyle's program, I jumped my score to a 75!"— Maxwell CPA Student
Maxwell vs. Becker: Many candidates use Maxwell as a supplement to break through "Becker overwhelm." Where Becker gives you everything, Maxwell gives you the frameworks to understand why the rules work, so you spend less time memorizing and more time mastering. Read the full Maxwell vs. Becker comparison →
UWorld CPA Review Polished Ecosystem
UWorld is a massive education conglomerate covering medical boards, the CFA, the bar exam, and more. Their CPA course features well-known instructors like Peter Olinto and delivers polished, high-energy video lectures with detailed visual explanations. Packages include Premier (starting around $1,999 on sale) and Elite tiers, with the top-level Elite Unlimited+ covering all three Disciplines.
UWorld advertises 9,000+ MCQs, 500+ simulations, 1,400+ video lectures, a cram course, and full mock exams. Its SmartPath analytics and predictive scoring tools are designed to track your readiness leading up to exam day. A 7-day free trial (no credit card required) lets you sample the content before committing.
Strengths
- High-production-value video lectures with engaging instructors
- Detailed visual explanations and flowcharts in answer rationales
- Full mock exams and SmartPath predictive analytics
- 7-day free trial with no credit card
Considerations
- Premium pricing, even with frequent promotional sales
- Large content library can feel overwhelming for busy professionals
- Discipline materials may feel lighter than Core sections for some candidates
- The default experience is product-led rather than coach-led
"Although I was using UWorld as my main review course it was helpful to have Maxwell as a supplement to help me understand the material in down-to-earth language with a focus on what's most important. I first used Maxwell to understand the material well, then I used UWorld to practice several simulated exams... I passed FAR and REG on the first try! I'm a CPA NOW OMG THANKS KYLE!!!!!!!!!"— Maxwell CPA Student (used UWorld + Maxwell together)
Maxwell vs. UWorld: UWorld delivers an impressive practice engine and visual explanations. Maxwell delivers the conceptual frameworks that make those explanations stick. Many students use Maxwell to master the material first, then use UWorld's simulated exams to build speed and endurance. Read the full Maxwell vs. UWorld comparison →
Surgent CPA Review Adaptive Engine
Surgent differentiates itself through adaptive learning technology and its proprietary ReadySCORE, which predicts your likelihood of passing based on your study patterns. The course offers three tiers: Essentials ($799), Premier ($1,299), and Ultimate ($1,699), each including all six sections with the ability to switch Disciplines at any time at no extra cost.
Content includes 9,000+ MCQs, 500+ simulations, and 700+ bite-sized video lectures. The adaptive algorithm identifies your weak areas and focuses your study time there, which Surgent claims can reduce total study hours. Higher tiers include 1-on-1 coaching sessions and a pass guarantee.
Strengths
- Adaptive technology targets your weakest areas automatically
- All six sections included with free Discipline switching in every tier
- ReadySCORE gives you a data-driven readiness indicator
- Lower entry price ($799 Essentials) compared to Becker and UWorld
Considerations
- Heavy reliance on technology can feel impersonal for learners who want a teacher
- Coaching and tutoring sessions are reserved for higher-priced tiers
- Some students report usability friction with the platform interface
- The algorithm-driven path may not suit candidates who prefer structured, sequential study
Maxwell vs. Surgent: Surgent optimizes your workflow with algorithms; Maxwell optimizes your understanding with frameworks. If you want a human instructor diagnosing your weak patterns rather than a dashboard, Maxwell fills that gap. Read the full Maxwell vs. Surgent comparison →
Gleim CPA Review Volume King
Gleim has the largest question bank in the CPA review industry, with 12,000+ MCQs and 1,600+ task-based simulations at the Premium level. Three main tracks are available: Traditional ($2,499), Premium ($2,999), and Premium Pro ($3,499), plus a standalone Mega Test Bank ($999) for candidates who already have a primary course.
Discipline packaging varies by tier. Traditional includes three Core sections plus one Discipline of choice. Premium allows one free Discipline switch. Premium Pro opens access to all six sections with unlimited Discipline changes. The course includes professor-led video lectures, SmartAdapt technology, mock exams, a Personal Counselor, and a Prometric-style exam simulation interface.
Strengths
- Industry-leading question volume (12,000+ MCQs, 1,600+ TBS)
- SmartAdapt technology and detailed performance analytics
- Personal Counselor included for study planning support
- Prometric-like exam simulation for test-day readiness
Considerations
- Premium pricing across all tiers ($2,499 to $3,499)
- Massive question volume can create study paralysis for busy candidates
- All-Discipline access requires the top-tier Premium Pro package
- Professor-led lecture style may feel academic rather than practical
Maxwell vs. Gleim: You do not need 12,000 questions to pass the CPA exam. Maxwell focuses on teaching the frameworks behind the rules so that 800 targeted questions can do the work of thousands. If you have 8 to 10 weeks and a full-time job, a curated path beats a massive bank. Read the full Maxwell vs. Gleim comparison →
Ninja CPA Review Flexible Supplement
Ninja CPA offers a per-section monthly subscription model: $87/month for the full Course tier or $67/month for the Supplement tier. It is one of the most transparent providers when it comes to section-level content counts. For example, FAR includes 1,879 MCQs and 111 simulations, while BAR includes 2,079 MCQs and 75 simulations.
The platform is organized around "study weapons": notes, audio lectures, CRAM videos, MCQ banks, simulations, flashcards, books, and group tutoring ("Sparring" sessions). Its Trending Score gives you a real-time readiness prediction. Coverage spans all Core and Discipline sections, though some Discipline materials (like ISC CRAM content) are still marked as "coming soon."
Strengths
- Affordable monthly subscription with no large upfront commitment
- Unusually transparent section-level MCQ and TBS counts
- Trending Score provides a useful readiness benchmark
- Works well as a supplement layered on top of another primary course
Considerations
- Per-section pricing means costs add up across multiple exam sections
- Multi-tool "weapons" approach can feel fragmented without a clear study path
- Group tutoring rather than 1-on-1 coaching
- Some Discipline content still in development
Maxwell vs. Ninja: Ninja gives you seven study weapons. Maxwell gives you one clear framework. If you want a single guided path with direct instructor access instead of managing a multi-tool study stack, Maxwell is the simpler choice. Read the full Maxwell vs. Ninja comparison →
Universal CPA Review Visual Approach
Universal brands itself as the "children's book" of CPA review, utilizing immersive visual materials and video explanations for every single practice question. Pricing tiers include 3-month access ($299), annual ($699), and lifetime ($999), all covering the three Core sections plus all three Disciplines.
The course advertises 5,000+ MCQs, 200+ simulations, and 100+ hours of lectures. A 7-day free trial (no credit card) is available. Universal's strength is making dry accounting topics more digestible through visual frameworks, animations, and color-coded study guides.
Strengths
- Video explanation for every MCQ and simulation builds deep understanding
- Visual teaching style works well for candidates who struggle with text-heavy courses
- Affordable pricing with multiple access tiers
- 7-day free trial lets you test the approach risk-free
Considerations
- Smaller practice volume (5,000+ MCQs) compared to mega-banks
- Some pages still reference the old 4-section exam structure (including BEC)
- Visuals help recognition, but may not build the problem-solving depth needed for complex TBS
- Limited support infrastructure compared to courses with coaching tiers
Maxwell vs. Universal: Visuals help you recognize a topic. Frameworks help you solve it under time pressure. Maxwell delivers both clarity and structure so you can apply concepts on exam day, not just recall them. Read the full Maxwell vs. Universal comparison →
i75 CPA Review Concept Teacher
i75 is built around the idea that having the "right teacher" matters more than having the most questions. The course offers a full bundle covering all six sections for $1,199 (30-month access) or monthly per-section subscriptions starting at $139/month. The teaching style emphasizes short concept-driven video segments followed by immediate MCQ practice.
i75 includes narrated simulations and a final review component. The course claims to be fully updated for 2026, covering the current Core + Discipline structure. However, specific MCQ and TBS volume counts are not publicly disclosed, which can make it harder to evaluate the breadth of practice available.
Strengths
- Strong instructor-led teaching with clear conceptual explanations
- Active recall approach (short concepts + immediate practice) supports retention
- All six sections included in the full bundle
- Popular "rescue" option for candidates who struggled with a different course
Considerations
- Full bundle is listed as non-refundable once purchased
- MCQ and TBS volume counts are not publicly disclosed
- Cancellations and account changes require emailing support directly
- Higher monthly per-section cost ($139) compared to other subscription models
Maxwell vs. i75: Both courses prioritize teaching quality over question volume. The key differences are risk and access: Maxwell's $49/month subscription lets you start small and cancel anytime, with direct personal support included as a standard feature. Read the full Maxwell vs. i75 comparison →
SuperfastCPA Study System
SuperfastCPA is best understood as a study behavior overlay rather than a standalone review course. It offers PRO study strategies, condensed notes, audio content, and mini-quizzes designed to make your daily study sessions more effective. Pricing includes a $49/month subscription or one-time bundles ($697 for Study Tools, $997 for the Total Bundle).
The product is explicitly designed to be applied alongside a main review course. Its strength is helping busy professionals build consistent daily habits and efficiently review material during small time windows. The money-back guarantee includes strict behavioral requirements (minimum usage frequency and tracked study actions).
Strengths
- Excellent productivity overlay for busy professionals with limited daily study time
- Audio content and mini-quizzes enable studying during commutes or breaks
- PRO strategies can improve the efficiency of any main course
- $49/month subscription matches budget-conscious candidates
Considerations
- Not a full replacement course; assumes you have another primary review course
- Money-back guarantee has strict usage-tracking requirements
- Changes and cancellations require emailing support
- Some pages still reference the old 4-section exam structure
Maxwell vs. SuperfastCPA: SuperfastCPA optimizes your study workflow. Maxwell teaches you the material itself. If you are overwhelmed because you do not understand the content (not because you lack a habit system), Maxwell addresses the root cause. One subscription, one experience, one coach.
Maxwell CPA Review: The High-Scorer's Boutique Alternative
I personally create every video, textbook page, study outline, and practice question at Maxwell. This is not a corporate operation with layers of content teams. It is one CPA who scored 90+ on every section building the course he wishes he had when he was studying.
Maxwell covers all six sections (FAR, AUD, REG, BAR, ISC, TCP) for $49/month or $799 one-time. The course includes focused video lectures, comprehensive textbooks, condensed study outlines, hundreds of MCQs per section with detailed HTML explanations, task-based simulations, interactive study tools, and direct personal access to me as your instructor.
The philosophy is simple: teach you why the rules work, not just what they are. When you understand the logic behind GAAP, tax code, and auditing standards, you can solve any variation the AICPA puts in front of you. That is how I scored 90+ on every section, and that is what I teach.
Real Student Results
"This is hands down the best CPA studying course out there. I have tried studying with Becker and Ninja, but Maxwell review course for FAR was awesome. Went from a 63 studying with Becker to a 78 with just studying with Maxwell. It's simple, straight to the point, and really nails down those topics exactly as shown on the exam!"
— Tajinder, Maxwell CPA Student
"I had failed AUD twice with Becker... Maxwell made each subject easier to understand and condense. I can't thank Kyle enough for being so responsive!"
— Maxwell CPA Student
What Makes Maxwell Different
- Framework-first teaching: Every topic is broken into small, logical steps. You learn the "why" so the "what" becomes obvious.
- Direct instructor access: You communicate directly with me. No ticket queues, no chatbots, no waiting for a group tutoring session.
- All six sections included: Switch between FAR, AUD, REG, BAR, ISC, and TCP without paying more or upgrading tiers.
- Built for the 2026 blueprints: Every piece of content is aligned to the current Core + Discipline exam structure. No legacy BEC references, no outdated material.
- Low-risk commitment: $49/month with no long-term contracts. Start today and cancel anytime.
2026 CPA Review Course Comparison at a Glance
*Ninja discloses per-section counts (e.g., FAR: 1,879 MCQs / 111 TBS; BAR: 2,079 MCQs / 75 TBS). Pricing and content claims current as of March 2026.
Who Should Consider Maxwell CPA Review?
Maxwell is not for everyone, and that is by design. The course is built for candidates who want fewer materials that go deeper, not more materials that spread thin. You should consider Maxwell if:
- You failed with a big-name course and need someone to explain the material differently.
- You are a busy professional who cannot spend 400+ hours drilling thousands of questions.
- You want direct access to your instructor without paying for a luxury coaching tier.
- You are retaking a section and need a fresh, framework-driven approach to break through a plateau.
- You want all six sections (Core + Disciplines) in one subscription without tier upgrades or switching fees.
Deep-Dive Comparison Articles
Read the detailed head-to-head breakdowns for each competitor:
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Get Started — $49/moFrequently Asked Questions About CPA Review Courses
What is the best CPA review course for 2026?
The best CPA review course depends on your learning style, budget, and schedule. Becker is the institutional standard with the largest ecosystem. UWorld offers polished visuals and strong instructors. Surgent uses adaptive technology to reduce total study time. Gleim provides the largest question bank. Maxwell CPA Review delivers framework-first teaching with direct instructor access at $49/month, making it a strong choice for candidates who want simplified, high-impact preparation across all six sections.
How many MCQs do I need to pass the CPA exam?
Quality matters more than quantity. Some courses offer 12,000+ MCQs, but many candidates pass with far fewer if the explanations teach real understanding. The key is whether you learn why an answer is correct (and why the others are wrong), not how many times you click through questions. Maxwell CPA Review focuses on targeted practice with detailed explanations designed to build frameworks you can apply to any variation on exam day.
Can I use Maxwell CPA Review as a supplement to another course?
Yes. Many Maxwell students use it alongside Becker, UWorld, or Ninja. A common approach is to use Maxwell's videos and textbooks to understand the material first, then use a larger course's question bank for timed practice and simulated exams. The $49/month subscription makes it easy to add Maxwell without a large additional investment.
Which CPA review courses cover all three Discipline sections (BAR, ISC, TCP)?
Maxwell, Surgent, Universal, and i75 include access to all three Disciplines as standard. UWorld includes all three in its top-tier Elite Unlimited+ package. Gleim requires Premium Pro for all-Discipline access. Becker's Concierge tier includes all three. Ninja sells Disciplines as separate per-section subscriptions. When comparing, check whether Discipline access requires a tier upgrade or additional fee.
What is the cheapest CPA review course?
On a monthly basis, Maxwell CPA Review ($49/month for all sections) and SuperfastCPA ($49/month per section) offer the lowest subscription entry points. Universal's 3-month plan starts at $299. Ninja starts at $67/month per section. Surgent Essentials is $799 one-time. The cheapest option is not always the best value; consider what is included, whether Disciplines are covered, and whether the teaching style works for your learning needs.