This comparison is published by Magstone RN. Try each vendor's public samples and compare its current plan terms before buying.
Study materials in Magstone RN
Magstone RN includes 3,992 practice questions and 36 case studies. The 216 questions within those cases are counted separately from the practice questions. Browse study materials or subjects and deck titles.
Archer and UWorld features
| Dimension | UWorld NCLEX-RN | Archer Review NCLEX-RN |
|---|---|---|
| Core product | Large QBank + videos + CAT/self-assessments (per UWorld site) | Q-Bank + CAT; optional videos, live review, Intense PREP-style cohorts |
| Question volume (marketing) | Question counts vary by package; confirm on UWorld | 3,100+ questions (per Archer site; confirm live) |
| Pricing | Prices depend on access duration; see dated table below | Promotional Q-Bank prices; additional packages for live review and Intense PREP |
| Readiness assessments | Self-assessments + CAT (confirm add-on vs bundle pricing on UWorld) | Readiness assessments + CAT (limits/resets per Archer terms) |
| Live instruction | Check whether live instruction is included in the selected package | Live review and Intense PREP-style cohorts available (confirm current offers) |
| Study emphasis | Rationales + self-assessments | Price + CAT volume + live options |
| Best timeline fit | Dedicated NCLEX block near test day | Dedicated NCLEX block when budget is tighter or live structure helps |
Both products focus on NCLEX preparation. Magstone RN is another option for nursing coursework, with flashcards, questions, and dosage calculations. It does not replace their CAT readiness assessments.
Dated prices
Official vendor prices checked 2026-09-30 (America/Chicago). Promotions can change; re-check checkout before buying.
| Plan | Price noted | Source |
|---|---|---|
| UWorld 30-day | $149 list / $139 promo | nursing.uworld.com/nclex-rn |
| UWorld 60-day | $169 | nursing.uworld.com/nclex-rn |
| UWorld 90-day | $249 list / $229 promo | nursing.uworld.com/nclex-rn |
| UWorld 180 / 360 / 730-day | $329 / $389 / $449 | nursing.uworld.com/nclex-rn |
| Archer Q-Bank + CAT, 1 month | $79 promo | nurses.archerreview.com/nclex-rn |
| Archer Q-Bank + CAT, 2 months | $99 promo | nurses.archerreview.com/nclex-rn |
| Archer Q-Bank + CAT, 3 months | $129 promo | nurses.archerreview.com/nclex-rn |
| Archer Q-Bank + CAT, 6 months | $149 promo | nurses.archerreview.com/nclex-rn |
| Archer Intense PREP-style / +Videos | Higher package pricing; confirm live | Archer Review (e.g. Intense PREP 3mo $399 promo / 6mo $599 promo on 2026-09-30) |
| Magstone RN monthly / annual / lifetime | $9.99 / $79.99 / $149.99 | magstonern.com 2026-09-30 |
Promotions can change. If a blog and the checkout disagree, trust checkout.
Decision guide (Archer vs UWorld only)
Consider UWorld if: you want the dedicated NCLEX QBank near test day and can pay for a 90-180 day window; you care about UWorld's assessments and practice tests.
Consider Archer if: you want a lower Q-Bank entry price when a sale is live, heavy CAT practice, or a live/Intense PREP structure for accountability.
Check access dates if: you still have semesters left; paying for a short NCLEX window now may expire before you sit. That is where a school-year tool matters.
Pass-rate and readiness claims
Read each vendor's methodology, engagement criteria, and terms when reviewing pass-rate or readiness claims. Those are vendor claims, not results independently verified by Magstone RN. Magstone RN does not publish a pass rate or promise a particular exam outcome.
Third option: Magstone RN for students still in school
Magstone RN includes materials for nursing courses and NCLEX-style practice:
- 3,992 practice questions with explanations for each answer
- 36 case studies with 216 questions, counted separately from the practice questions
- NGN item types supported: Bowtie, Trend, Matrix, Multiple response (partial-credit practice where applicable)
- 6,934 prebuilt nursing flashcards
- Step-by-step dose math
- 6 modules / 23 topics
- $9.99/mo, $79.99/yr (3-day trial; card required), $149.99 lifetime
Magstone RN combines nursing coursework materials and NCLEX-style practice with monthly, annual, and lifetime access. It does not replace a dedicated CAT readiness assessment. Check UWorld or Archer if that is part of your exam preparation plan.
Study guide examples
Heart-failure study example: Why not D: A saline bolus adds volume to a patient who is already fluid overloaded and would worsen the pulmonary edema.
Dose calculation example: dopamine 5 mcg/kg/min for 70 kg in 400 mg/250 mL → 13.1 mL/hr with units shown (education only).
How the three options map to a typical ADN/BSN timeline
| Stage | Common need | Fit |
|---|---|---|
| Fundamentals → Pharm | Retention + dose math + early clinical judgment | Magstone RN coursework materials |
| Med-Surg / specialty courses | Topic-mapped practice + flashcards | Magstone RN; optional supplemental videos from any vendor you already like |
| Capstone / last semester | High-volume NCLEX drilling + CAT predictors | UWorld or Archer as dedicated QBanks |
| Dedicated NCLEX block (post-grad or leave) | Short access windows, readiness assessments | UWorld or Archer; Magstone RN lifetime still useful for flashcards/math if you already own it |
Magstone RN plans and trial terms
| Plan | Price | Billing |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly plan | $9.99/month | 3-day trial for first-time subscribers; payment method required. Renews monthly. |
| Annual plan | $79.99/year | 3-day trial for first-time subscribers; payment method required. Renews annually. |
| Lifetime access | $149.99 one time | One payment; no trial or renewal. |
For monthly and annual plans, cancel before the trial ends to avoid the first charge. Cancel anytime online. See subscription terms and billing help.
FAQ
Can I use Archer and UWorld together?
Yes. Compare the combined cost, included assessments, and access dates before paying for both.
Does Magstone RN replace CAT readiness exams?
No. Magstone RN focuses on teaching items, flashcards, and dose math across the program. If you need a vendor's CAT predictor product, check UWorld or Archer's current offerings.
How do the prices compare?
For a short NCLEX window on sale, Archer's promotional entry prices often look lowest among dedicated banks; re-check live. For calendar years of school, Magstone RN annual ($79.99) or lifetime ($149.99) is usually cheaper than repeating short UWorld windows (official bands above). Do the math for your test date.
Is Magstone RN affiliated with Archer or UWorld?
No. Trademark disclaimer below.
Continue studying
Read the price table, confirm vendor checkout, then start in Magstone RN if you want school-year access with a lifetime option, or buy the dedicated QBank that matches your final-semester plan.
Related: UWorld alternative · NCLEX prep cost · For schools · Anki alternative for nursing
Payment method required. First-time subscribers only. Then $9.99/month unless canceled before the trial ends. Cancel anytime online.
Sources
Competitor prices in USD as of September 30, 2026 (2026-09-30). Promotions, packages, and access windows can change. Re-check each vendor site and checkout before purchase.
UWorld®, Archer Review®, SimpleNursing®, Anki, and Quizlet® are trademarks of their respective owners. Magstone RN is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by these companies.