Best NCLEX Reviews 2025: I Cut 5 Programs—Here’s Who Made the List

Trying to find the best NCLEX reviews? As an RN who has personally reviewed these programs, I’ve narrowed it down to the top options that are truly worth your time and money.

Best NCLEX Reviews for 2025

Choosing the right NCLEX prep can feel overwhelming, but as a registered nurse who has personally reviewed each program (more about me here), I’ve done the work for you. After exploring countless NCLEX prep options over the years and completing a thorough 2025 update, I’ve narrowed it down to the top choices that truly deliver results.

Each program on this list meets my strict criteria to be considered one of the best NCLEX reviews from my perspective:

✔ Large question database (with rationales)

✔ High pass rate (95%+)

✔ Strong reputation (bonus if it’s nurse-owned)

✔ Reasonable pricing

✔ Practice exams (ideally computer-adaptive)

✔ Free trial

✔ Pass Guarantee

For 2025, I also removed several programs that no longer meet these standards. (More on that at the end!)

And if you’re more of an audio person, listen to this information on my podcast! It’s a mini-episode. You can click play below, or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and anywhere you get your podcasts.

You can also watch me explain these choices below 👇

How to Choose the Best NCLEX Review for You

Before diving in, ask yourself: Do you want just a question bank, or do you also need a content review?

I am a big fan of not getting more than you need, as it complicates things. If you already feel solid on nursing content and want to practice answering NCLEX-style questions, a question bank-focused program will work. If you need both content review + questions, go for a comprehensive program with video lessons, mnemonics, and study guides.

🚨 Alert! Before learning more about the best NCLEX reviews, make sure you check with your nursing school to see if you are already paying for a review program through school. Some schools partner with NCLEX prep companies and bundle the price of their program into the tuition you are already paying.

No matter your learning style, this list includes the best NCLEX reviews for 2025—all with strong ratings, solid reputations, and proven success. Let’s dive in!

My Top 3 NCLEX Reviews

Let’s work through each of my top recommendations and explain why they are considered one of the best NCLEX reviews, in my opinion, followed by how to pick the right one for you.

Nursing.com

I’ve been a fan of NURSING.com for years, and one of the biggest reasons is that it’s not just for NCLEX prep—it supports you throughout nursing school.

Here’s what they offer:

✅ Pass Guarantee & 200% Refund Policy – If you use their SIMCLEX® (their computer-adaptive NCLEX simulator) and it says you’re ready but you don’t pass, you’ll get double your money back (stipulations apply).

✅ SIMCLEX® NCLEX Simulator – This is one of the most realistic NCLEX practice exams available. It mimics the actual NCLEX algorithm, adjusting question difficulty based on your performance.

✅ Huge Practice Question Bank – Over 6,500+ NCLEX-style questions with detailed rationales to strengthen your understanding.

✅ Step-by-Step NCLEX Prep eBook – A comprehensive guide to help you master key content.

✅ Subscription Options – Choose from flexible plans to fit your study needs.

✅ Free 3-Day Trial – Test it out before committing.

✅ 99.86% Pass Rate – They boast a high success rate among students who complete their program. To read TrustPilot reviews, click here. As of this update, they have a 4.4/5.0 rating.

Best NCLEX Reviews FreshRN Final Verdict ➡️ If I were in nursing school, I’d go with NURSING.com (or SimpleNursing, more on them shortly) because it provides way more than just NCLEX prep—it helps you excel in the classroom and on every nursing school exam along the way. They pack A TON into their membership (almost overwhelming at times), so yo know you’re getting value for your money.

I also love that it is created by nurses who truly understand the stress of nursing school, so the content is built for real students, not just generic test prep. If you want comprehensive nursing school support plus NCLEX prep in one, this is a great choice.

TrueLearn NCLEX Prep

TrueLearn is a newer NCLEX prep option that’s packed with smart features and works seamlessly with Picmonic (a popular nursing school resource). In 2021 alone, they had over 43,000 learners using their SmartBank, which continues to grow.

What’s Included?

✅ First-Time Pass Guarantee – If you don’t pass, you get free extended access to the question bank for the same length as your original subscription (stipulations apply).

✅ 5-Day Free Trial – Test it out before committing.

✅ 900+ NCLEX-Style Questions – Every question comes with a detailed rationale to reinforce learning.

✅ Performance Analytics & National Benchmarking – Track progress and see how you compare to other test-takers.

✅ SmartBank Access – Buy now, activate later when you’re ready to start studying.

✅ Custom Quiz Builder – Create quizzes focused on the areas you need to improve.

✅ Smart Features to Boost Retention:

• SmartSearch – Instantly find and quiz yourself on specific topics.

• SmartTexts (my fave!) – Get text message reminders of key concepts throughout the day for spaced repetition.

• SmartTips – Personalized test-taking strategies based on your performance.

✅ Flexible Subscription Options – Choose from 30, 60, 90, 180, or 365-day plans, making it an affordable choice.

💡 Want to add Picmonic? You can bundle it for a more comprehensive content review.

And here’s some great news – TrueLearn gave my audience a discount! Use promo code FRESHRN for 20% off of your NCLEX prep subscription (it must be a plan that is 90 days or longer).

Best NCLEX Reviews FreshRN Final Verdict ➡️ If I needed only NCLEX prep, I would 100% go with this option because of the free trial, pass guarantee, smart features (mini quizzes & smart texts are awesome), and affordability. I don’t want more than I need, and I think this really fits the bill. I’d use the 20% off now and delay activation until graduation.

SimpleNursing NCLEX-RN Prep

I’ve reviewed a lot of NCLEX prep tools, and SimpleNursing is one that really stands out. Why? Because Mike Linares (the founder) has a knack for teaching in a way that just makes sense. His videos are engaging, memorable, and packed with helpful mnemonics—so much so that back in 2014, when I was studying for my CCRN, I actually used his YouTube videos to help me better understand cardiac concepts!

(And double bonus points for this being another nurse-owned company.)

Beyond just great teaching, this platform is visually appealing, well-organized, and loaded with features that make studying easier. They also don’t waste time bashing other programs, which is always refreshing in the NCLEX prep space.

What’s Included?

✅ Over 3,000 NCLEX-RN Practice Questions – Includes 1,400 Next Gen NCLEX questions to help you master the new format.

✅ Video Rationales for Every Question – Instead of just reading explanations, you get clear, engaging videos that break down why each answer is correct (or not).

✅ Readiness Assessment Exams – Crafted by former NCLEX writers using adaptive (CAT) technology to mimic the real exam.

✅ Live NCLEX-RN Cram Sessions – Perfect for a last-minute confidence boost.

✅ Huge Library of Study Materials –

• 1,200+ Animated Video Lessons

• 900+ Study Guides packed with mnemonics & memory tricks

✅ Proven Success – Over 1 million student nurses have used it. According to their website, 99% of those surveyed passed the NCLEX. However, they do not share the actual numbers of how many people that accounts for. They have a stellar rating on TrustPilot (4.8 out of 5.0 with over 3,000 reviews), which you can view in detail here.

✅ Pass Guarantee – Available with the Elite Plan.

✅ 5-Day Free Trial – Try it before committing.

Best NCLEX Reviews FreshRN Final Verdict ➡️ Simple Nursing is easily one of my top NCLEX prep resources. If you’re a visual learner who thrives on mnemonics, animated videos, and clear explanations, this is an amazing choice.

Mike has a gift for breaking down tough concepts in a way that actually sticks—which is why I even used his videos back in 2014 when studying for my CCRN! Plus, their stellar Trustpilot rating (4.8/5.0 with over 3,000 reviews) is hard to argue with. If I were prepping for the NCLEX, I’d 100% choose this for its video-heavy, memorable content. I’d start with the free trial and consider a live cram session for an extra confidence boost.

Decoding My Top 3 Best NCLEX Reviews

Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of my top three best NCLEX reviews —they all have great ratings, solid reputations, and affordable pricing. But they do have key 🔑 differences depending on what you need.

Here’s how to choose:

✅ Go with SimpleNursing if you want:

• Mike’s incredible teaching style—he makes concepts stick with engaging videos and mnemonics.

• NCLEX prep + content review—not just practice questions, but actual lessons to help you understand the material.

• A fun, video-heavy learning experience that doesn’t feel like traditional studying.

✅ Go with TrueLearn if you want:

• A high NCLEX-only focus—this is for students who don’t need extra nursing school support.

• Smart features for retention—texts, mini-quizzes, and spaced repetition tools that reinforce key concepts over time.

• Performance analytics & benchmarking—see exactly where you stand compared to other test-takers.

(And don’t forget to use promo code FRESHRN for 20% off any plan longer than 90 days!)

✅ Go with NURSING.com if you want:

• A nursing school + NCLEX resource—tons of content to help you throughout school, not just for the NCLEX.

• A massive vault of nursing content—lectures, study tools, clinical resources, and more.

• SIMCLEX®—the only patented NCLEX simulator that mimics the real test experience.

Bottom Line:

All three are excellent choices—it just depends on what you need most! If you’re still unsure, take advantage of their free trials to see which one fits your learning style best.

Best NCLEX Reviews: Honorable Mention

While the three resources above are my top picks, there is another solid NCLEX prep option worth considering. These programs also have great reputations, strong reviews, and helpful features—it just didn’t make my top three based on my personal preferences. If you’re looking for another choice, here are a few other NCLEX prep tools that might be a great fit for you!

NCLEX Mastery

If you prefer app-based studying, NCLEX Mastery is a solid, no-frills choice. It’s flexible, easy to use, and packed with high-quality practice questions to help you prep anytime, anywhere.

✅ 300% Refund Guarantee – If you don’t pass, you get 3x your money back (stipulations apply).

✅ 4,000+ Practice Questions – Each with detailed rationales and a confidence rating feature.

✅ NCLEX Simulation & Pass Predictor – Gauge your readiness before the real exam.

✅ Mini-Quizzes, Mnemonics & Test Strategies – Reinforce key concepts efficiently.

✅ Progress Tracking – Monitor your improvement over time.

✅ 99.6% Pass Rate – Trusted by thousands of nursing students.

✅ Flexible Subscription Options – Choose monthly or annual plans.

✅ 3-Day Free Trial – Try it out with 10 free practice questions.

Great for on-the-go learners who want a practice-heavy, app-based NCLEX prep tool. And while it didn’t make my final top three best NCLEX reviews, it is a very solid choice that is ideal for someone who wants a mobile-based NCLEX prep experience.

Bonus ➡️ They are offering my audience 10% off! Click here to snag a special FreshRN discount.

2025 Best NCLEX Reviews Update: Why I Removed 5 Programs

Over the years, Kaplan, Hurst, ATI, BoardVitals, and UWorld have been go-to NCLEX prep options. I used to include them on this list. However, after carefully reviewing what’s available in 2025, I decided to remove them from my recommendations.

Here’s why 👇

• My standards are high. To make my top recommendations, a program must offer strong pass rates, adaptive learning tools, engaging content, and real value for the cost. In the past, I ranked programs based solely on what they offered. Now, I’m also factoring in cost to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.

• More expensive, less value. Many of these rely on traditional lecture-style content or outdated formats, while newer options like SimpleNursing, TrueLearn, and NURSING.com offer engaging videos, micro-lessons, adaptive testing, and smart learning tools—often for less money.

• Fewer standout features. Some lack adaptive testing (like Nursing.com’s SIMCLEX or TrueLearn’s SmartBank), interactive content, or effective mnemonics (SimpleNursing) that actually make studying easier.

• Better options now exist. Nursing education has evolved, and I believe there are more affordable, well-rounded, and engaging NCLEX prep tools that will help you pass—without overpaying for outdated methods.

If you want the best mix of affordability, smart features, and high-quality content, I highly recommend SimpleNursing, TrueLearn, or NURSING.com instead!

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Best NCLEX Reviews: Final Thoughts

Thanks for reading my article on the best NCLEX reviews. You truly can’t go wrong with any of these top 3 NCLEX prep programs—they’re all solid, proven options. My advice? Pick one, commit to it, and focus on studying. I’ve already done the legwork of researching, reviewing, and narrowing it down so you don’t have to spend hours agonizing over which one is slightly better. Instead of stressing over the “perfect” choice, enjoy the fact that you’ve got three great ones in front of you. Now, it’s time to get to work and crush that NCLEX!

More FreshRN Resources

• When to Take the NCLEX After Graduation
• Preparing for the NCLEX – 4 Tips From a Nurse
• How to Pass Nursing School Exams
• How to Find NCLEX Pass Rates of Nursing Schools
• Nursing Student Resource Hub