Fiveable vs Princeton Review for AP exams
Fiveable vs Princeton Review for AP prep is a subscription against a book. Fiveable covers all 42 AP subjects for one price, $79 a year or $29 a month, with study guides, point-by-point grading of your free-response answers and full-length exams. Princeton Review’s AP Premium Prep books cost about $20 to $28 per subject, you keep them, and each includes several full-length practice tests, but you get model answers rather than feedback on your writing.
Fiveable price and features from Fiveable’s own pages; Princeton Review contents and test counts from publisher listings, prices as listed at retailers. Checked October 12, 2026. Not hands-on tested.
| Fiveable | Princeton Review | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $79/year or $29/month, all subjects | About $20-$28 per subject (retail) |
| Subjects | All 42 AP subjects | One subject per book |
| Format | Online study guides and exams | Print book plus online practice tests |
| Practice tests | Full-length exams | Several per book (8 for Calculus AB, 7 Chemistry, 6 Biology) |
| Free-response feedback | Point-by-point grading | Model answers only |
| Access | While subscribed | Yours to keep |
Fiveable vs Princeton Review AP: how many subjects are you taking?
This is the question that settles most cases. One Princeton Review book covers one subject. Fiveable’s single subscription covers every AP subject. For one exam, a book at around $20 to $28 is the cheaper route. For three exams, books cost roughly $60 to $84, close to Fiveable’s $79 yearly price, and for four or more Fiveable becomes the better value.
Feedback on free-response questions
Free-response questions are a large part of most AP scores, and they’re hard to grade yourself. Fiveable grades your free-response answers point by point. Princeton Review’s books give model answers to compare against, but no feedback on what you wrote. If writing is your weak spot, that difference matters more than price.
Book or screen
AP exams are now taken digitally in College Board’s Bluebook app for many subjects (see our exam changes page). Princeton Review’s current editions are written for the digital formats and include online practice tests with a timer. Fiveable is entirely online. If you study better from paper, the book is the natural fit; just buy the current edition.
Mistakes to avoid
- Buying an old edition. AP courses and formats change; older books can be out of date.
- Paying monthly for longer than you need. Fiveable’s $29 a month adds up past about three months, when the $79 year plan is cheaper.
- Skipping free official material. Pair either option with College Board’s own practice; see our free AP resources.
Choose Fiveable if
- You’re taking several AP exams or want feedback on your free-response answers.
Choose Princeton Review if
- You’re taking one or two exams, like studying from a book and want something to keep.
Common questions
How much does Fiveable cost?
$79 a year or $29 a month, covering all 42 AP subjects, per Fiveable’s pages as of October 2026.
How much are Princeton Review AP books?
Typically about $20 to $28 per subject, depending on the retailer.
How many practice tests are in a Princeton Review AP book?
It varies by subject: 8 for Calculus AB, 7 for Chemistry and 6 for Biology in recent editions, split between the book and online.
Which gives feedback on free-response answers?
Fiveable grades free-response answers point by point. Princeton Review gives model answers only.