Gleim vs Becker EA: which should you buy?
Last checked October 22, 2026 · Sources: Gleim’s and Becker’s own EA pages; Gleim prices as listed and Becker prices as reported (consistent with Becker’s $450 Essentials-to-Pro upgrade); IRS EA FAQ for exam facts. Ratings are our editorial assessment from published details.
Gleim vs Becker EA: at the top tier they’re the same price, about $799, and both give you a safety net. Gleim Premium has Access Until You Pass and a conditional refund; Becker Premium and Pro have a Pass Guarantee and unlimited access. The difference is how you want to practice: Gleim gives you six mock exams and the largest claimed question bank, Becker more teaching and live classes on Pro.
You learn through repetition and want the most practice, six mock exams and 72 hours of CE bundled in.
Gleim reviewYou want a Pass Guarantee, teaching by enrolled agents and the option of live classes on Pro, with a 14-day free trial to start.
Becker reviewGleim vs Becker EA side by side
| Gleim Premium | Becker Premium | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 4.5 / 5 | 4.1 / 5 |
| Price | $799 | $799 (reported); Pro $949 |
| Safety net | Access Until You Pass, plus a refund policy with conditions | Pass Guarantee and unlimited access |
| Mock exams | Two per part, six in all | One simulated exam per part |
| Video | 30+ hours of lectures | Concept, tax-form, SkillBuilder and 300+ solution videos |
| Question bank | Largest claimed | 3,000+ questions, adaptive |
| Extras | 72 hours of CE | Printed textbooks, free CE ethics course; live classes on Pro |
| Free trial | Yes | 14 days |
From each provider’s pages, October 2026; Becker prices as reported.
The main differences
Practice is Gleim’s strength: six full-length mocks against Becker’s three, the largest claimed bank, and 72 hours of CE thrown in. Teaching is Becker’s: enrolled-agent instructors, more video formats, the Newt AI assistant and, on Pro, live online classes. Both entry tiers (Gleim Traditional at $699, Becker Essentials at $499, reported) give 12 months of access without the top-tier safety net.
The bottom line
If you will spread the exam over a year and want the most practice, Gleim Premium is the better fit. If you want the clearest guarantee and a more guided course, look at Becker Premium, or Pro for live classes. Both have free trials, so try each before you pay.
Common questions about Gleim vs Becker EA
Which is cheaper?
At the top tier they’re about the same: Gleim Premium $799 and Becker Premium $799 (reported). At entry level, Becker Essentials ($499, reported) is cheaper than Gleim Traditional ($699).
Which has more practice exams?
Gleim, with two full-length mocks per part (six in all) against Becker’s one per part.
Which has a guarantee?
Becker’s Premium and Pro include a Pass Guarantee; Gleim Premium offers Access Until You Pass and a refund if you follow its steps and don’t pass.
Is this comparison sponsored?
No. We earn no commission from either provider.