Best USMLE prep resources in 2026
Most students build their USMLE prep around UWorld’s question bank and add a teaching resource. AMBOSS is the main alternative or complement, with a linked medical library; Boards & Beyond is the best-known video course; Lecturio is the budget video option; Kaplan is the pick for structured live courses; and Pathoma is the go-to, low-cost resource for pathology.
Plan contents from each provider’s own pages; some prices as reported, 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
3,600+ Step 1 and 3,200+ Step 2 CK questions with detailed explanations and included self-assessments.
→Question bank for every Step plus a linked medical library; one upgrade covers all exams.
→490+ Step 1 videos mapped to First Aid, plus a separate Step 2-3 membership.
→Videos and questions for Step 1 and 2 at a low monthly price; free trial.
→Live Online courses with advising; Step 2 CK course has a Pass Guarantee.
→35+ hours of pathology videos plus the 2026 book; one-month free trial.
→Side by side
| Resource | Type | Covers | Entry price |
|---|---|---|---|
| UWorld | Question bank | Step 1, 2 CK, 3 (separate) | From $459 for 90 days (Step 2 CK, reported) |
| AMBOSS | Library + question bank | All Steps in one upgrade | About $12.50/month + question bank |
| Boards & Beyond | Video course + questions | Step 1; Step 2-3 separate | About $24/week (reported) |
| Lecturio | Video course + questions | Step 1 and 2 | $19.99/month (24 months) |
| Kaplan | Live courses | Step 1, 2 CK | See Kaplan |
| Pathoma | Pathology videos + book | Pathology (mainly Step 1) | $84.95 (3 months); $99.95 (12 months) |
Sources as above.
How to choose
- Start with the free official USMLE sample questions and NBME self-assessments to gauge readiness.
- Pair one question bank with one teaching resource; doing everything rarely helps.
- Add Pathoma for pathology before Step 1; it’s cheap and focused.
- Need structure or retaking? Consider Kaplan’s live courses.
Common questions
Why are there no star ratings?
We have not run hands-on tests, so star scores would suggest more certainty than we have. We rank on published features, prices and terms.
Are these paid placements?
No. We currently earn no commission from any USMLE provider, and no one paid for a placement.