Gleim vs Surgent EA: which should you buy?
Last checked October 22, 2026 · Sources: Gleim’s and Surgent’s own EA pages; Gleim prices as listed, Surgent’s Ultimate price as listed and other tiers at checkout; IRS EA FAQ for exam facts. Ratings are our editorial assessment from published details.
Gleim vs Surgent EA is volume against efficiency. Gleim Premium ($799) gives you the largest claimed question bank, six mock exams, 30+ hours of video and Access Until You Pass. Surgent’s adaptive course skips what you already know, estimates readiness with ReadySCORE, and carries a Pass or Money-Back Guarantee on every tier; its Ultimate Pass is listed at $999.
You learn through repetition, want the most practice and video, and expect to take a year or more.
Gleim reviewYou already know some tax, want to study efficiently, and want a money-back guarantee on any tier.
Surgent reviewGleim vs Surgent EA side by side
| Gleim | Surgent | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 4.5 / 5 | 4.1 / 5 |
| Prices | $499 / $699 / $799 | Ultimate $999 listed; Essentials and Premier at checkout |
| Approach | Large bank with SmartAdapt study plan | Adaptive A.S.A.P. technology with ReadySCORE |
| Mock exams | Six on Premium | Practice exams with readiness estimate |
| Video | 30+ hours on Premium | 60+ short videos from Premier |
| Guarantee | Premium only: refund if you follow its steps and don’t pass | Pass or Money-Back on every tier |
| Access | 12 months, or until you pass on Premium | 18 months on Essentials; until you pass on Premier and Ultimate |
From each provider’s own pages, October 2026.
The main differences
Gleim teaches more and gives more full-length practice; Surgent saves time by skipping material you already know. Surgent’s guarantee is broader, covering every tier, while Gleim’s refund applies only to Premium and has conditions. UWorld bought Surgent in April 2026, but Surgent’s course continues as before.
The bottom line
New to tax, or planning a long timeline? Gleim Premium is the safer, more thorough choice. Already working in tax and want to move quickly? Surgent’s adaptive approach and broader guarantee suit you better. Both offer ways to try before you buy.
Common questions about Gleim vs Surgent EA
Which is cheaper?
Gleim lists its packages at $499, $699 and $799. Surgent lists its Ultimate Pass at $999 and shows lower tiers at checkout.
Which has the better guarantee?
Surgent, with a Pass or Money-Back Guarantee on every tier; Gleim’s refund applies to Premium only.
Which has more practice?
Gleim, with six full-length mocks on Premium and the largest claimed question bank.
Is this comparison sponsored?
No. We earn no commission from either provider.