Which exam are you taking?
People search BARBRI vs BPP from two positions. A US candidate may have seen BPP mentioned and want to know if it is a bar review alternative. A UK or overseas candidate may be choosing an SQE provider. The right answer differs.
If you are taking a US bar exam
BPP is not a US bar prep provider. The US options are BARBRI, Themis, Kaplan, AmeriBar, Helix and others, compared in our directory. Foreign-trained lawyers who want a US bar course should look at BARBRI's Extended U.S. Bar Prep (6 or 10 months, an attorney mentor, foundations in US law) or Themis's part-time course for LL.M. and international candidates (a 10-month program listed at $3,895 with limited-time reductions).
If you are taking the SQE
BARBRI runs SQE courses. Third-party comparison sites list BARBRI at about £5,899, BPP at about £12,200 and ULaw at about £15,150. They describe BARBRI as fully online and question-heavy, BPP as offering in-person and live teaching with tutor support, and BARBRI's mock exams as calibrated closer to the real SQE1 while BPP's are described as somewhat easier. Reviewers rate BARBRI more poorly for SQE2. Those are third-party opinions, so check fees and formats on each provider's site.
What the regulator charges before any course
Course fees are only part of the SQE bill. The Solicitors Regulation Authority announced on April 21, 2026 that the assessment fees rise from £1,934 to £2,006 for SQE1 and from £2,974 to £3,086 for SQE2, for a combined £5,092 against £4,908 before. The SRA says the SQE2 increase applies to candidates who book from October 2026 onward, and that the rise reflects inflation and a small uplift toward translating the assessments into Welsh.
So a comparison of BARBRI at about £5,899 with BPP at about £12,200 leaves out about £5,092 that both candidates pay the SRA. When you read any SQE price list, check whether it includes the exam fees, and whether it was written before the September 2026 rise.
US bar or SQE for a foreign-trained lawyer
The US bar and the SQE lead to different licenses. Which one you need depends on where you want to practice, and some lawyers take both. Read our foreign-trained guide before choosing a provider.
How to decide
Pick the exam first, the license second and the provider last. Then use a demo: try a lesson and twenty practice questions from two providers and see which you would open every day.
Common questions
Does BPP offer bar review for the US bar exam?+
No. BPP is a UK provider of SQE courses, listed by third-party sites near £12,200. BARBRI offers both US bar review and SQE courses.
Is BARBRI cheaper than BPP?+
For the SQE, third-party comparison sites list BARBRI at about £5,899 and BPP at about £12,200. Check both providers' sites for current fees.
What US course is best for a foreign-trained lawyer?+
Look at BARBRI's Extended U.S. Bar Prep (6 or 10 months), Themis's 10-month part-time international course and our foreign-trained guide.
What to do next
- 1
Decide which exam you are taking first.
- 2
Use our directory for US providers.
- 3
Compare SQE providers on the providers' own sites.