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Head-to-Head ComparisonLast updated: August 31, 2026

Gleim vs Kesler CPA Review

Practice volume versus a lower-cost, video-paired format. Gleim's 12,000+ question bank is the largest in the industry, starting at $999. Kesler publishes roughly 8,000+ MCQs, each paired with a short whiteboard video, with a $697-$997 one-time Unlimited option that undercuts Gleim's entry price.

This Atlas CPA Index analysis evaluates both courses using the LIFTS framework across Learning style, Investment, Flexibility, Time, and Support.

Gleim

The largest question bank in CPA review

3.9
$2,499–$3,499

Kesler CPA Review

A whiteboard explainer video paired with every MCQ, plus built-in mentorship

4.2
$77–$1,197
VS

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Quick Verdict

Best Overall

Kesler CPA Review

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Quick Comparison

Feature
Gleim
Kesler CPA Review
Overall Rating
3.9
4.2
Price Range
$2,499–$3,499
$77–$1,197
Best For
Practice-heavy learners
Visual learners who want a short video attached to every MCQ, plus built-in mentorship
Access Duration
18 months–unlimited
Monthly or Unlimited (until you pass)
Pass Guarantee
Yes
No
Mobile App
No
Yes
Free Trial
No
No

LIFTS Framework Comparison

How each course performs across our five key dimensions

Gleim leads in 2 dimensions, Kesler CPA Review leads in 3 dimensions
L
Learning Style
Kesler CPA Review leads
Gleim
3.0
Kesler CPA Review
3.3
I
Investment
Gleim leads
Gleim
3.3
Kesler CPA Review
2.0
F
Flexibility
Gleim leads
Gleim
3.0
Kesler CPA Review
2.5
T
Time
Kesler CPA Review leads
Gleim
3.5
Kesler CPA Review
3.8
S
Support
Kesler CPA Review leads
Gleim
2.8
Kesler CPA Review
3.0

Feature Comparison

Feature
Gleim
Kesler CPA Review
MCQ Practice
12,000+
8,000+
Task-Based Sims
1,600+
275+
Video Hours
100+
913 Bite-Sized Lectures
Textbook/Study Guide
Flashcards
Practice Exams
8
Unlimited

Pricing Comparison

Kesler CPA Review starts at a lower price point

Gleim

$2,499–$3,499
Traditional$2,499
18 months

~$4.63/day

PremiumPopular$2,999
Unlimited

one-time investment

Premium Pro$3,499
Unlimited

one-time investment

Kesler CPA Review

$77–$1,197
Monthly Access$97/mo$77/mo
Monthly (cancel or pause anytime)
Unlimited AccessPopular$997 one-time$697 one-time
Until you pass (auto-deactivates after 12 months, reactivated with a current NTS)

~$1.94/day

Unlimited+ Access$1,785 one-time$1,197 one-time
Until you pass (same access terms as Unlimited)

one-time investment

Prices shown are as of 2026. Please verify current pricing on each provider's website.

Final Verdict

Choose Gleim if...

  • You're a practice-heavy learners
  • Practice-heavy learners who want massive question banks
  • Self-studiers who prefer comprehensive textbooks
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Choose Kesler CPA Review if...

  • You're a visual learners who want a short video attached to every mcq, plus built-in mentorship
  • Visual learners who want a short whiteboard explainer attached to every MCQ, plus Study Notes, Bite-Sized Lectures, and Audio Notes available across supported lessons
  • Candidates already using Becker, UWorld, Gleim, or Surgent who want a lower-cost supplement rather than a second full-price course
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Still Undecided?

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Who Gleim & Kesler CPA Review Is Best For

Based on LIFTS scoring, Gleim & Kesler CPA Review is a top recommendation for these candidate profiles:

Visual Learners

You learn best through watching, seeing, and visualizing concepts. Video lectures, diagrams, and visual explanations help you understand and retain complex accounting topics.

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Budget-Conscious Candidates

Getting CPA certified shouldn't break the bank. You're looking for quality preparation at an affordable price, whether that means lower upfront costs or flexible payment options.

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Career Changers

Transitioning into accounting from another field? You may need more foundational support and structured guidance to build your accounting knowledge while preparing for the CPA exam.

View profile

Gleim vs Kesler CPA Review: FAQ

Gleim has the largest published question bank in the industry at 12,000+ MCQs, aimed at candidates who want maximum practice volume. Kesler publishes roughly 8,000+ MCQs (about 1,469 confirmed in FAR) but pairs each one with its own short whiteboard explainer video and adds a structured mentorship program. Choose Gleim for sheer practice volume; choose Kesler for a video-paired MCQ format and built-in study-strategy coaching.
Gleim starts at $999 and reaches $3,499 for its premium tier. Kesler starts at $77/month, with a $697 one-time Unlimited option that undercuts Gleim's entry price. Gleim's advantage is question volume; Kesler's advantage is a lower total cost and the per-MCQ video format.
Both offer full-length mock/practice exams. Gleim is well known for exam-realistic simulations built from its large item bank. Kesler's mock exams run 5 testlets within a 4-hour time limit with unlimited attempts on paid plans, and pair missed questions with the same explanation and video format used throughout the test bank.

See How Each Course Works

Get a feel for what studying is actually like with each course.

Gleim

4 hours session

Weekend or dedicated study day - Gleim sessions tend to run long

You sit down for what you know will be a grind. Gleim doesn't sugarcoat anything. You start with a 20-question diagnostic for today's study unit -...

See full day in the life

Kesler CPA Review

2-3 hours session

Self-paced, at a desk or on a phone/tablet via the PWA

You open the Quiz Builder and pick up where you left off in FAR Unit 4. The dashboard shows your streak, today's XP goal, and a confidence breakdown...

See full day in the life
See all courses ranked

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