Best bar prep courses in 2026
For most UBE and NextGen candidates, Themis is the best value: one $2,995 course with UWorld’s MBE questions included. BARBRI is the most structured and covers every jurisdiction’s exam, from $1,999. Kaplan offers the most practice and a dedicated NextGen course. Helix, from the nonprofit AccessLex, is the best low-cost full course, Quimbee is the cheapest with a money-back guarantee, and BarMax gives you all 1,950 official MBE questions for $1,895.
Sources: providers’ own pages where available; some prices as reported, labeled on each review. Checked October 11, 2026. We have not run hands-on tests, so we rank by fit and value rather than scores. See how we rank.
Our picks
One course with UWorld MBE questions, NextGen-ready, published pass rates.
→Four tiers tailored to legacy UBE, NextGen or state-drafted exams.
→3,000+ MBE questions; NextGen course with 100 integrated question sets.
→Nonprofit, at cost; free through some law schools.
→Budget full course with a money-back guarantee.
→All 1,950 real MBE questions, app-based and works offline.
→Side by side
| Course | Price | NextGen course | Guarantee | Not available for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Themis | $2,995 | Yes | Free repeat (first-time takers) | DE, LA, MS |
| BARBRI | From $1,999 | Yes | Free repeat | — |
| Kaplan | About $1,299-$3,999 | Yes | Free repeat (conditions) | CA, LA |
| Helix | At cost (~$1,200) | Yes | Free repeat (75% completion) | Own-exam states except CA, FL |
| Quimbee | About $1,199 | Check | Money back (75% completion, reported) | Check |
| BarMax | $1,895 (UBE or CA) | Check | Money back on lifetime courses (strict conditions) | Check (UBE and CA courses) |
Sources as noted on each review.
How to choose
- Check which exam you’ll sit first: legacy UBE, NextGen or a state exam (see your state).
- Ask your law school: some provide Helix or discounted commercial courses.
- Sitting in California, Louisiana or another own-exam state: make sure the course covers it.
- Read the guarantee: most are a free repeat, not money back.
Common questions
Is Themis the same as UWorld?
Yes. Themis is owned by UWorld, and UWorld’s MBE question bank is included in every Themis course.
Are these paid placements?
No. We currently earn no commission from any bar prep provider, and no one paid for a placement.