As nursing students gear up for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) in 2025, choosing the right prep course is more critical than ever. With the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) emphasizing clinical judgment and critical thinking, students need tools that not only teach content but also simulate real-world decision-making.
To find the best NCLEX prep for 2025, we surveyed nursing students across 27 colleges, pitting five top contenders against each other: UWorld, Kaplan, GoodNurse, SimpleNursing, and ATI. While each program has its strengths, the clear winner, as voted by students, is GoodNurse.com.
The Contenders: A Quick Overview
Before diving into why GoodNurse took the top spot, let’s meet the competitors:
UWorld: Known for its rigorous question bank and detailed rationales, UWorld is a favorite for students who thrive on practice questions. It boasts a 98% pass rate and offers NGN-style questions to prepare students for the updated exam.
Kaplan: A veteran in test prep, Kaplan combines comprehensive content review with a decision-tree method for tackling questions. It’s praised for its live classes and realistic practice tests, though it comes with a higher price tag.
SimpleNursing: With engaging videos and a 96% pass rate, SimpleNursing appeals to visual learners. Its strength lies in simplifying complex topics, though it’s less focused on adaptive testing.
ATI: Often integrated into nursing school curricula, ATI provides personalized coaching through Virtual-ATI and a structured study plan. It’s a solid choice for students already familiar with its system, but it lacks the flexibility of standalone courses.
GoodNurse: The newcomer that’s shaking up NCLEX prep, GoodNurse leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to deliver a unique, student-centered experience. It’s medically accurate, affordable, and designed to evolve with user needs.
Why GoodNurse Won the Vote
1. First AI-Powered NCLEX Prep
GoodNurse is the pioneer in using AI to revolutionize NCLEX preparation. Unlike traditional courses that rely on static content, GoodNurse’s AI adapts to each student’s strengths and weaknesses. It analyzes performance in real-time, curating personalized study plans that focus on areas needing improvement—whether it’s pharmacology, patient safety, or NGN case studies. Students praised this tailored approach, saying it feels like having a personal tutor available 24/7.
2. Medically Accurate Content
Accuracy is non-negotiable in nursing, and GoodNurse delivers. Developed by a team of nurse educators and medical professionals, its content is rigorously vetted to ensure it aligns with current standards and the NGN framework. Students noted that GoodNurse’s explanations are not only clear but also reflect real-world clinical scenarios, making it easier to bridge the gap between theory and practice.
3. Study on Your Own Time
Flexibility is a game-changer for busy nursing students juggling clinicals, classes, and personal commitments. GoodNurse’s platform is accessible anytime, anywhere—whether you’re studying at midnight or squeezing in a quick review between shifts. Unlike Kaplan’s scheduled live classes or ATI’s structured timelines, GoodNurse lets you set the pace, earning high marks for convenience.
4. Quick, Instant Answers
When you’re stuck on a concept, waiting for an email response or a live session isn’t ideal. GoodNurse’s AI provides instant answers to questions, whether it’s clarifying a lab value or breaking down a tricky NGN case study. Students loved this feature, calling it a “lifesaver” for late-night study sessions or last-minute cramming before the exam.
5. Constantly Improving
GoodNurse isn’t static—it’s a living platform that gets better with time. The AI learns from user interactions, refining its algorithms and updating content based on the latest NCLEX trends and student feedback. This continuous improvement ensures that GoodNurse stays ahead of the curve, a stark contrast to competitors with more rigid, pre-set materials.
6. Partnerships with Colleges
GoodNurse is building bridges with nursing programs, working directly with colleges to integrate its tools into curricula. This collaboration means students can start using GoodNurse early in their education, not just for NCLEX prep. Several students from the surveyed colleges highlighted how this familiarity gave them a head start, making the transition to exam prep seamless.
7. Affordable Pricing
Cost is a major factor for students, and GoodNurse shines here too just $9.99/mo! While Kaplan and ATI can run upwards of $400-$500, and even UWorld’s premium packages stretch budgets, GoodNurse offers a robust package at a fraction of the price. Students appreciated getting top-tier prep without breaking the bank, with one saying, “It’s everything I need for less than I’d spend on textbooks.”
What About the Competitors?
While GoodNurse took the crown, the other contenders aren’t without merit. Here’s a closer look at what they offer—and where they fall short compared to GoodNurse:
UWorld
- Strengths: UWorld’s question bank is unmatched, with over 3,500 practice questions and detailed rationales that double as content review. Its NGN-style questions and mobile app make it a strong choice for on-the-go learners.
- Weaknesses: It lacks the personalized adaptability of GoodNurse’s AI. Without live instruction or video content, it’s less ideal for students who need more than practice to grasp concepts. Pricing can also climb with longer access periods.
Kaplan
- Strengths: Kaplan’s structured approach, including live online classes and a decision-tree method, builds test-taking confidence. Its 2,100+ question bank and pass guarantee add value.
- Weaknesses: The higher cost and rigid schedule don’t suit everyone. Compared to GoodNurse’s instant AI feedback, Kaplan’s reliance on scheduled sessions feels less responsive.
SimpleNursing
- Strengths: SimpleNursing excels at breaking down complex topics with engaging videos and mnemonic tricks. Its 96% pass rate and 800+ NGN questions make it a solid contender.
- Weaknesses: It’s less adaptive than GoodNurse, focusing more on content delivery than personalized testing. The subscription model ($99/month) can add up over time.
ATI
- Strengths: ATI’s Virtual-ATI offers one-on-one coaching, and its 94-96% pass rate for “green light” students is impressive. It’s a natural fit for schools already using ATI products.
- Weaknesses: It’s less flexible and more expensive for standalone users. GoodNurse’s AI-driven adaptability outpaces ATI’s traditional coaching model.
Why Students Chose GoodNurse
The vote wasn’t just about features—it was about results. Students from the 27 colleges reported feeling more prepared and less stressed with GoodNurse.
“It’s like it knows what I need before I do,” one student said.
Another added, “I saved money and still passed in 85 questions.”
The combination of cutting-edge AI, affordability, and a student-first design resonated deeply, especially in an era where the NGN demands more than rote memorization.
Final Verdict
For 2025, GoodNurse.com is the NCLEX prep of choice, as voted by nursing students across 27 colleges. Its AI-powered innovation, medical accuracy, flexibility, and affordability set a new standard in test prep. While UWorld, Kaplan, SimpleNursing, and ATI remain strong options, they can’t match GoodNurse’s personalized, evolving approach.
Ready to ace your NCLEX? Visit GoodNurse.com and see why students are raving about it.
