Gleim vs. UWorld CPA Review (2025): Detail vs. Engagement
This comparison highlights two very different philosophies of teaching.
Gleim is the “old school” academic choice. It is famous for its massive test bank and incredibly detailed outlines. It treats the CPA exam like a marathon of data processing.
UWorld (formerly Roger) is the “modern” engaging choice. It focuses on high-energy video lectures, visual learning, and understanding the “why” behind the concepts.
| Provider | Best For | Rating | Price | Key Features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gleim CPA Review | - | 4.5 | $1,599 - $1,999 |
| |
| UWorld CPA Review | - | 4.7 | $1,899 - $2,999 |
|
The Core Differences
1. The “Vibe”
- UWorld: Fun, energetic, and visual. Roger Philipp jumps around, makes jokes, and uses a whiteboard. It keeps you awake.
- Gleim: Serious, detailed, and text-heavy. It feels like a college professor reading from a syllabus. It is efficient but dry.
2. The Test Bank
- Gleim: Has the largest test bank in the industry. If your strategy is to “pound MCQs” until your fingers bleed, Gleim is your paradise. You will rarely see the same question twice.
- UWorld: Has a high-quality test bank, but it is smaller. However, UWorld’s explanations are generally considered superior because they use more diagrams and visual aids.
3. Support
- Gleim: Every Premium student gets a Personal Counselor. This is a real person who helps you set up your study schedule and checks in on your progress. It’s a great accountability feature.
- UWorld: Offers academic support (you can ask questions about the material), but lacks the dedicated “coach” feature of Gleim.
Pricing and Value
Gleim is the value winner.
- Premium Review System: Often available for $1,300 - $1,600. This includes everything: the massive test bank, the counselor, and access until you pass.
UWorld is pricier.
- Elite-Unlimited: Usually costs around $1,800 - $2,200 on sale.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Gleim if:
- You are a self-studier who prefers reading to watching videos.
- You want the most practice questions possible.
- You are on a budget but still want a full course.
- You want a Personal Counselor to keep you on track.
Choose UWorld if:
- You are a visual learner.
- You struggle to stay focused and need engaging lectures.
- You want the best answer explanations in the industry.
- You prefer a modern, app-based interface.
The Verdict: If you learn by reading and doing, choose Gleim. If you learn by watching and listening, choose UWorld.