Best Bar Prep Courses of 2026: The Ultimate Comparison
Compare Barbri, Themis, Quimbee, and Kaplan for the 2026 NextGen Bar Exam. Get the 'real' price, NextGen readiness scores, and expert analysis before you spend $4,000.
Best Bar Prep Courses of 2026: The Ultimate Comparison
The Bar Exam is changing. With the NextGen Bar Exam debuting in July 2026, choosing the right provider isn't just about price—it's about whether their tech is ready for the new "Lawyering Skills" format.
Step 1: Choose Your Exam Type
The "Best" course changes based on which exam you are sitting for.
NextGen-first design philosophy. Every question mapped to new skills format.
Early adopter of skills-based tasks and integrated research simulations.
Recently overhauled 'Guided Pass' for 2026 to include skills-based modules.
Pivoting to 'Skills Mastery' tracks for 2026 candidates.
LawZee Insider Tip: The NextGen Reality
In 2026, the "Big Two" (Barbri/Themis) are no longer your only safe bets. Quimbee is leading the charge on NextGen-specific content, while Kaplan has pivoted heavily into AI tutoring. If you are taking the NextGen exam, prioritize courses that offer integrated skills tasks over traditional long-form video lectures.
The "Big Two" Showdown: Barbri vs. Themis
For decades, the bar prep market was a duopoly. In 2026, while disruptors are gaining ground, Barbri and Themis still own 70% of the market. Here is how they stack up for the new cycle.
Barbri
The legacy leader. Known for its "ISAAC" engine and the most comprehensive faculty list in the business.
- Guided Pass: Completely updated for 2026 with more interactive modules.
- Faculty: You get the authors of the casebooks you used in 1L.
- Cost: Still the most expensive option by a significant margin.
Themis
The digital-first disruptor. Famous for shorter videos (8-15 mins) and including UWorld access.
- UWorld Included: The best MBE practice engine is built into your tuition.
- Flexibility: Mobile-first design makes it easy to study on the go.
- Best For: Self-motivated students who prefer digital over physical books.
The Disruptors & Supplements
Quimbee Bar Review: The NextGen King?
If you used Quimbee for your 1L case briefs, you already know their style. Their bar review course is built specifically for the NextGen format, with a heavy emphasis on performance-based tasks.
Essential Supplements
No matter which course you pick, you will likely need one of these "MBE engines."
The "Personality" Matcher
Best for those who want the traditional, "fail-proof" experience.
Best for bite-sized videos and a mobile-first interface.
Best for building your own study plan around high-quality MCQ.
Feature Comparison Matrix (2026)
| Provider | Price Range | NextGen Readiness | App Quality | Pass Guarantee | Free 1L/2L Aids |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quimbee Bar Review | $1,200 - $1,900 | 98% | Excellent | Yes | Extensive 1L/2L/3L library |
| Themis Bar Review | $1,800 - $2,600 | 95% | High | Yes | UWorld MBE QBank included |
| Barbri | $2,400 - $3,900 | 88% | Moderate | Yes | Limited 1L/2L content |
| Kaplan Bar Review | $1,500 - $2,300 | 82% | Moderate | Yes | Free 1L/2L access |
