NCLEX Bootcamp vs Archer: What to choose?

In the ever-changing world of test prep programs, it can be hard to keep up with all the available options, and as tests are changing, so does the reliability of these test prep courses.

The NCLEX recently underwent a major transformation, from the Classic version to the Next Gen format, and at around the same time, we saw the rollout of NCLEX Bootcamp into the market.

So how good is Bootcamp for your NCLEX prep, and how does this relatively new program compare to the tried and tested Archer Review?

This comprehensive NCLEX Bootcamp Vs. Archer comparison article will definitely help you make an informed decision on where your time and money are best spent as you gear up for the NCLEX exam.

NCLEX Bootcamp Vs. Archer Overview

NCLEX Bootcamp stands out in that this course was entirely designed from the ground up, with the Next Gen NCLEX in mind.

From the Next Gen Strategy Course to the NGN practice questions and case studies complete with elaborate video walkthroughs, every single study resource on Bootcamp aligns with the new NCLEX exam format.

Archer Review has always been an incredibly popular NCLEX prep course, and although the majority of their material was designed for the Classic NCLEX, they have been adjusting their content to align with the Next Gen NCLEX.

So overall, how do NCLEX Bootcamp and Archer Review compare when it comes to their suitability for preparing for the Next Gen NCLEX?

One thing to note is that Archer offers plenty of NCLEX prep packages and it can get a little confusing navigating all the options at your disposal.

So, for the purpose of this comparison, we shall focus on the Archer Combo NCLEX Prep Package, comparing that to the NCLEX Bootcamp course.

NCLEX Bootcamp Vs. Archer Detailed Comparison In 2026

Plans & Pricing

Bootcamp is very straightforward in its NCLEX Packages and pricing.

You can choose from 3 plan options: 1, 2, and 3 months of access, whereby all the study resources are the same across all plans, and the only difference is the course access duration.

Archer Review, on the other hand, has a rather wide assortment of NCLEX packages and resources and it can be a little confusing to decide which is the best program for you.

For the purpose of this comparison, we shall be taking a look at the Archer Review Discount Combo program which comprises both the practice materials and NCLEX review resources.

As far as pricing goes, both options can be budget-friendly depending on the plan and promos running at checkout.

Bootcamp currently starts at $59, while Archer's entry package is commonly listed from $69.

NCLEX Content Lessons

There is a striking difference in how these two platforms go about their content coverage in video lessons.

NCLEX Bootcamp has a 3-part Next Gen Strategy Course that's dedicated to teaching you about the new Next Gen NCLEX exam format, and how to go about tackling the different types of questions you will encounter on the test.

The 9 video lessons within this strategy course are detailed, yet concise, doing an incredible job of walking you through what to expect of the Next Gen NCLEX and how to ace the test by thinking like a nurse.

Archer Review has on-demand NCLEX video lessons focusing more on content review for the NCLEX exam.

The Combo Package gets you the full-length crash course videos which are rather lengthy, with some of the content review videos being up to 9 hours long!

The content review is incredibly detailed, almost as if you are sitting through a class in nursing school.

Aside from the very lengthy Day 1 & Day 2 Rapid Review videos, you can also access the shorter topic lessons which average between 20 minutes and 3 hours long depending on the topic.

The pre-recorded content on Archer Review is A LOT, whereby you are looking at about 20 hours of pure NCLEX content review.

While this can feel intense for some users, it is also a perfect fit for test takers who may have been out of nursing school for a longer while and so need more in-depth content review.

So which is the better NCLEX resource with regards to video lessons?

Well, on the one hand, you have NCLEX Bootcamp which emphasizes NGN strategy and case-based reasoning, while also including crash course videos and printable cheat sheets for targeted review.

Bootcamp video lessons are really handy when it comes to polishing up your clinical judgment. They do a great job of teaching you how to think like a nurse and prepare you really well for the NGN specifically.

On the other hand, you have Archer Review which provides a very in-depth content review on the NCLEX subject matter, but you do not get any guidance on the Next Gen Format.

Ultimately the choice comes down to your personal preferences. Would you like to gain handy guidance and tips on the Next Gen exam, or are you looking for an intense content review?

Practice Materials

Bootcamp gives you a question bank with over 2,600 questions, built to align with the Next Gen NCLEX.

Archer Review, on the other hand, gives you a question bank with over 2,900, but the majority of those were tailored towards the Classic NCLEX, with only about 880 questions being relevant to the Next Gen NCLEX.

So by sheer quality alone, NCLEX Bootcamp has the upper hand here for having a larger assortment of questions that are designed for the NGN, therefore offering more relevant practice.

a) Custom Tests

Both NCLEX Bootcamp and Archer allow users to create custom tests, based on specific problem sets they may wish to work on.

However, Bootcamp goes a step further by categorizing its case studies separately from the standalone questions, thereby giving you the option of specifically choosing to work on a case study if that’s the practice area you wish to focus on.

Aside from that, the creation of custom tests on both platforms is rather similar, complete with the wide range of filters you can use to design your practice set.

b) Readiness Exams

Both NCLEX Bootcamp and Archer Review have included readiness exams within their practice material.

Simply put, readiness tests are mock NCLEX exams designed to simulate the real NCLEX, in order to assess your chances of passing the actual exam.

On both platforms, the NCLEX-like mock tests simulate the look, feel, and content of the real exam, and they come complete with a pass prediction ranking your chances of passing the real NCLEX as Low, Borderline, High, or Very High.

c) Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT)

When it comes to practice material, one area where Archer Review has a clear win over Bootcamp is with regard to their computer adaptive tests, whereby Archer offers CAT-style testing while Bootcamp doesn't have this option.

Computer adaptive testing works just like the real NCLEX whereby the test difficulty adapts to your abilities based on your performance as you progress through the exam.

These exams give an absolute pass/fail result.

Answer Explanations

Both Bootcamp and Archer provide in-depth answer rationales, explaining the correct and incorrect answer choices alike.

NCLEX Bootcamp’s explanations are exceptionally well done, featuring vivid illustrations and a written explanation and you even have video walkthroughs for the case studies.

Their explanations also sometimes include a ‘Key Takeaway’ section, that aptly provides a summary of the important things you need to remember from the question being discussed.

Bootcamp's comprehensive answer explanations serve as excellent teaching points for content review, which is really great.

Archer Review’s explanations come in written form, followed by video links to the specific video lessons where you can find information related to the question asked.

Some rationales come with an ‘Additional Info’ segment which summarizes quick tips and handy information you need to remember from the question being discussed.

All in all, we really loved the answer explanations provided by NCLEX Bootcamp.

Not only do they appeal to all kinds of learners – visual, auditory, and textual, but their level of detail also serves as excellent content review.

Not to mention that Bootcamp’s stellar video breakdowns really are the highlight of this NCLEX test prep program.

They teach you how to think like an RN while showing you in real time, how to apply the different test tips and strategies to each NGN question.

Performance Analytics

The Archer Review Question Statistics are really comprehensive, highlighting the question difficulty level, your score in comparison to that of your peers, and even the time taken to answer the question.

Aside from the specific question statistics you are also given overall analytics which breaks down your performance right down to any answer changes you may have made during the test, and how your performance stacks up against your peers.

NCLEX Bootcamp similarly offers analytics regarding how your performance stacks up against that of other users, along with a breakdown of your performance by the individual subjects and systems so that you can figure out where your strong and weak areas lie.

Bootcamp’s Personalized Recommendations on which subject areas to review that hold the greatest room for improvement are a nice touch as well.

This category is a tie in that both programs do a great job with their performance analytics, helping you to realize exactly where you may be falling short.

Free Study Resources

Archer Review doesn't have a free trial, and they do not really offer free study resources either.

Your best bet would be to sign up for an account where you could get a demo of their NCLEX QBank for just 24 hours.

NCLEX Bootcamp doesn't have a free trial either, but there are a number of study resources you could access using a free account. These comprise:

• Study plans & Study guides.
• 3 NGN Case Studies.
• 36 NGN standalone questions.
• 1 full Readiness Exam.
• The full Next Gen Strategy Course.

Bootcamp wins here, owing to its numerous free study resources that are at your disposal for an indefinite period of time.

Verdict: Which One Is Better?

Archer Review has the upper hand when it comes to their Computer Adaptive Tests and their intense NCLEX content review including the printable notes handouts.

Just as well, if you are willing to pay a little extra, you could have access to live classes, including live reviews of high-yield NCLEX topics and NGN case studies.

With Archer Review, you get access to a diagnostic NCLEX test and can take multiple CAT mock exams and multiple readiness assessments as well.

The representative practice offered by Archer is almost inexhaustible which gives really great value for money considering how very affordably priced this NCLEX prep program is.

However, Archer falls short in that the majority of its content was designed for the Classic NCLEX and not the new Next Gen format. Out of their 2,900+ practice questions, only about 880 of those are tailored to the NGN.

NCLEX Bootcamp has the upper hand primarily in the fact that all the resources on this platform were created to specifically align with the Next Gen NCLEX.

Their top-notch case study video walkthroughs are really well done and incredibly helpful, breaking down the various NCLEX questions really well, and truly showing you how to develop your clinical judgment.

There are over 2,600 NGN-focused questions at your disposal, plus 50+ case studies and very detailed answer explanations that double as content review material.

Their practice is pretty representative too, although they do fall short in not offering CAT-style testing.

For the price, Archer Review really offers great value for money and is best suited to those test takers who may need intense content review.

On the other hand, Bootcamp is a perfect fit for learners who really wish to truly understand how the Next Gen NCLEX works, and how to beat the exam and achieve a great score.