UWorld vs Kaplan vs NCLEX Key (2026): Prices and Features Compared

Quick answer: UWorld is a question bank with review videos, flashcards, an AI tutor and self-assessments, from $139 for 30 days, with no pass guarantee listed. Kaplan ranges from a CAT + Qbank (from $99) to PassTrack courses with live or self-paced teaching (from $349), and its pass guarantee comes only with PassTrack. Our pick for most students is NCLEX Key: $59 for 30 days or $99 for 90 days, with 3,500+ questions, all 6 NGN item types, an adaptive CAT simulator and a pass guarantee on every plan for first-time candidates. Prices are from each program’s website on September 29, 2026.

This comparison is written by NCLEX Key, which is included as a third option. Details for UWorld and Kaplan come from their NCLEX pages and guarantee terms, checked on September 29, 2026. Prices change often, so confirm before you buy.

UWorld and Kaplan are two of the best-known names in NCLEX-RN prep, and they take different approaches. UWorld centers on its question bank; Kaplan adds teaching, strategy and live classes on its higher plans. We have added NCLEX Key as a third column so you can compare all three.

UWorld vs Kaplan vs NCLEX Key at a glance

Where UWorld stands out

• Built-in study tools: review videos, flashcards and an AI tutor come with every plan.
• Self-assessments: up to 6 assessments of 100 questions, which UWorld describes as giving a statistically validated readiness prediction.
• Long access: plans up to 730 days.

Where Kaplan stands out

• Teaching and live classes: the Practice Pack adds a video library and live events, and PassTrack adds an 18-hour review course, self-paced or live.
• A question-answering strategy: Kaplan’s Decision Tree method for breaking down questions.
• More questions on its courses: 3,800+ on PassTrack.

Which should you choose?

• Choose NCLEX Key if you want the lowest price, NCLEX-style practice with all 6 NGN item types and an adaptive CAT, and a pass guarantee without buying a higher tier. This fits most students studying on their own.
• Choose UWorld if you want videos, flashcards and an AI tutor alongside your questions, or you need more than 6 months of access.
• Choose Kaplan if you want a structured course with live teaching and can meet its guarantee conditions.

More comparisons: the best NCLEX prep in 2026, NCLEX Key vs UWorld and NCLEX pass guarantees compared.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is UWorld or Kaplan cheaper?

Kaplan’s entry option, the CAT + Qbank, starts at $99, while UWorld’s 30-day plan was $139 on September 29, 2026. Kaplan’s PassTrack courses cost more, from $349. NCLEX Key starts lower than both, at $59 for 30 days.

Which has more practice questions, UWorld or Kaplan?

Kaplan’s PassTrack courses list 3,800+ practice questions and its CAT + Qbank 2,200+. UWorld lists 2,600+ on its 30-day plan, rising to 3,100+ on its 360- and 730-day plans. NCLEX Key includes 3,500+ on every plan.

Does UWorld or Kaplan have a pass guarantee?

Kaplan offers one on its PassTrack courses for first-time test-takers within 6 months of graduating from an ACEN, CCNE or CASN-accredited program who meet its class and practice requirements. UWorld’s NCLEX-RN page lists no pass guarantee. NCLEX Key includes a pass guarantee on every plan for first-time candidates.

Is UWorld or Kaplan better for NGN practice?

UWorld lists 600+ NGN questions. Kaplan’s plans page does not give an NGN count, so try its free trial to see. NCLEX Key covers all 6 NGN item types plus 30 unfolding case studies.

Which is the best value: UWorld, Kaplan or NCLEX Key?

For most students, NCLEX Key. It costs $59 for 30 days and $99 for 90 days, includes 3,500+ questions, all 6 NGN item types and an adaptive CAT simulator, and has a pass guarantee on every plan for first-time candidates. UWorld adds videos and an AI tutor, and Kaplan adds live teaching on its higher-priced courses.