AP Physics 1Best courses
Summary: Best AP Physics 1 prep resources (2025 - 2026)
For high school students eager for an academic challenge, Advanced Placement (AP) classes administered by the College Board provide the opportunity to experience college-level coursework and earn academic credit in the process. While considered one of the more challenging AP classes, AP Physics 1 can also be an immensely rewarding course that lays the groundwork for advanced study in the hard sciences. As the first step in the algebra-based physics sequence offered by the College Board, Physics 1 closely mirrors the content of introductory undergraduate classes. This concept-driven course explores foundational topics in Newtonian physics, including mechanics, kinematics, dynamics, and energy. The curriculum culminates in the comprehensive AP Physics 1 exam, which features both multiple-choice and free-response sections designed to assess students' mastery of key physics concepts, mathematical problem-solving skills, and ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.
To excel on the AP Physics 1 exam, students must develop strong quantitative reasoning, memorize crucial formulas and terms, and understand the relationships between work, energy, and power. Mastering AP Physics 1 not only reveals how everything in the physical world operates, from simple machines to the human body, but also allows students to earn science credits that often fulfill college general education requirements. While a score of 3 demonstrates proficiency, many students aim for a 4 or 5 to maximize their chances of receiving academic credit. To achieve top results, learners frequently turn to the best AP Physics 1 resources available to supplement classroom instruction. Popular review tools include official AP Physics 1 practice tests from the College Board and highly rated third-party platforms.
If you are currently enrolled in AP Physics 1 or preparing to take the course soon, our curated roundup highlights today's best AP Physics 1 resources for effective exam preparation. We feature comprehensive solutions from top providers, including Albert AP Physics 1, UWorld, 5 Steps to a 5 AP Physics 1, and The Physics Classroom, each offering unique advantages like in-depth study guides, adaptive problem sets, and interactive practice questions tailored for AP Physics 1 test preparation. Our guide presents key provider highlights and authentic user feedback to help you compare physics prep courses and select the most effective option for your learning style and goals.
Some user reviews have been slightly edited for length and clarity.
How we evaluated these resources
When creating our curated list of top AP Physics 1 study resources, we aimed to include options that fit various study schedules and comfort levels with the material. Our selections were based on:
- Cost
- Are the materials reasonably priced based on what's offered? Are there any low-cost or free resources available that offer comparable alternatives or supplements?
- Variety
- Is the test prep provider known for a core study tool, like a book or live course, and do they offer other valuable resources, like flashcards, dashboards, or interactive question banks?
- Coverage
- Does the material align with the eight Physics 1 units set by the College Board? Is the resource best suited for quick review sessions or intensive studying?
- Accessibility
- Does the vendor or resource break concepts down in plain language or by using diagrams or other visual aids? Do their products cater to specific learners, or do they support a range of different learning styles?
- Community feedback
- What are students and teachers saying about this particular resource? Do students feel more prepared for the AP Physics 1 exam after using a specific tool? Are all study aids or services from one provider of similar quality, or is there one that stands out?
- Score boosters
- Is the program rigorous enough to help you achieve a 4 or 5 within your timeframe, or is it just enough of a review to help you pass?
Our list features online platforms and printed materials that provide the best balance across the six categories above, ensuring that the resources included suit different learning styles and preferences. For each top vendor below, we highlight the key features, pros, and cons of their products and study programs, emphasizing strengths and pointing out potential weaknesses. By using our guide, you can make an informed decision on the best tools to invest your time, money, and effort into to meet your personal score goals.
Best printed study guide: 5 Steps to a 5
- 5 Steps to a 5 is a popular series for AP exam preparation, often recommended by educators and students alike for its approachable language and emphasis on daily preparation.
- At 272 pages, 5 Steps to a 5: AP Physics 1 is nearly half the size of The Princeton Review's book, offering a more concise preparation guide that focuses on the content and strategies you need to excel.
- Designed to complement AP classes, whether taught in-school or online, by closely aligning with the College Board's curriculum
- Students can choose from a digital textbook, a physical textbook, or a discounted bundle that offers both, along with access to all online tools
- Print textbook also comes with digital exams and other review resources
- While there are plenty of practice questions overall, there are a limited number of free, full-length practice exams (2 - 3, depending on version)
- You may want to skip the expensive, 6-year subscription and stick to the 1-year program
- Content written by top AP educators and preparation experts
- Physics 1 exam strategies and tips
- Online practice tests are interactive with detailed answer explanations
- Hundreds of practice questions plus additional quizzes
- Digital flash cards
- Personalized study plans and analytics
- Expert study strategies and tips
5 Steps to a 5: AP Physics 1 is often ranked as the best AP Physics 1 prep book by students and teachers alike, praised for its approach and effectiveness in helping students excel on the AP exam. Frequently recommended over titles from established names such as Princeton Review and Barron's, this comprehensive guide stands out among the best AP Physics 1 resources thanks to its clear explanations and focus on building genuine understanding.
5 Steps to a 5: AP Physics 1 organizes exam preparation into a proven five-step process: 1) grasping the AP Physics 1 exam structure and crafting a personalized study plan; 2) evaluating your current knowledge with diagnostic assessments; 3) applying proven strategies for each question type, including multiple-choice, free-response, and interpretive graph/ranking problems; 4) systematically mastering essential physics concepts with detailed reviews, worked examples, and targeted practice questions across all tested topics; and 5) strengthening exam endurance through fully realistic practice exams and timed drills to ensure confidence on test day.
Unlike many alternatives, 5 Steps to a 5: AP Physics 1 prioritizes deep conceptual mastery over rote memorization. Their books encourage active problem-solving and help learners connect equations to real-world meaning, not just computations, so students understand both "how" and "why" solutions work. This leading AP Physics 1 study resource is regularly updated in line with the latest College Board exam standards. Its robust collection of practice questions, quizzes, and several full-length mock exams closely recreates test day conditions.
What sets 5 Steps to a 5: AP Physics 1 apart among the best AP Physics 1 resources is its blend of print and digital study options. As part of the Study Bundle, students gain access not only to the top-selling textbook but also to intuitive online support, such as adaptive study planners, progress analytics, interactive practice assessments, and digital flashcards. For those seeking year-round skill-building and in-depth practice outside of class time, this prep solution is both flexible and thorough. Students can choose between a 1-year and a 6-year subscription, but the inexpensive 1-year option should be more than sufficient.
“AP Physics 1 and C teacher here: 5 steps to a 5 is the best…The questions feel like AP questions.”
“Both [Princeton Review and 5 Steps] have adequate explanations in my opinion, but 5 Steps is better…there are a lot of practice problems and good practice tests.”
Bottom line: 5 Steps to a 5: AP Physics 1 remains a favorite among students seeking the best AP Physics 1 prep book. With step-by-step solutions, hundreds of AP-style practice questions, and realistic test simulations, it gives learners the skills and confidence needed to succeed on the AP Physics 1 exam.
Favorite online study tools: UWorld
- UWorld is the most complete preparation course on our list, offering a detailed study guide in both print and digital editions, over 450 practice questions, focused videos, and more.
- UWorld College Prep is designed for the modern student, featuring adaptive, interactive tools and online resources that can be accessed on both desktops and mobile devices.
- The full program comes with endless exam preparation features to accommodate any study plan
- Students have the option of purchasing the question bank or study guide separately, allowing for maximum flexibility
- Expensive compared to other, more straightforward options
- Plenty of practice questions, but limited options for full-length exam practice
- Printed study guide not included in 30- or 90-day plan
- AP Physics 1 review videos on main topics
- Customizable quiz generator
- Adjustable study planner and progress dashboard
- Realistic AP Physics 1 exam review
- Timed test simulation
- Smart flashcards
- Digital notebook
The prep program from UWorld for AP Physics 1 stands out as a comprehensive, all-in-one AP Physics study solution designed to closely mirror the actual AP Physics 1 exam. UWorld's extensive online platform features a robust question bank with over 450 AP Physics 1 practice questions, all updated to align with the latest College Board Course and Exam Description (CED). Each question is accompanied by step-by-step explanations and vivid, exam-style visuals, while timed simulations offer students an authentic AP testing experience. UWorld's prep package also includes a detailed AP Physics 1 study guide available in both print and digital formats, smart flashcards powered by evidence-based spaced repetition, a flexible digital notebook for AP review notes, and comprehensive video-lesson support, all structured around the eight official AP Physics 1 units.
Beyond content mastery, UWorld emphasizes strategic learning and measurable progress in AP Physics 1. The intuitive analytics dashboard tracks each student's performance and helps identify areas of weakness, enabling more focused preparation. UWorld's customizable quiz generator and adaptive study planner further personalize the study experience. Short, targeted video lessons and clear diagram-centric visuals break down difficult AP Physics 1 topics into manageable segments, making concepts easier to understand and supporting study sessions at home or on the go. Whether students are self-studying, reviewing material over the summer, or complementing classroom instruction, UWorld is dedicated to building deep conceptual understanding, faster problem-solving skills, and exam-day confidence.
“The questions here are the most realistic to the AP tests I've seen so far! I appreciate the ability to customize tests as well.”
“The AP Physics 1 UWorld is the GOAT of AP Physics 1 practice…It basically includes everything you need to know about AP Physics 1 and hundreds of multiple-choice questions.”
Bottom line: UWorld offers a data-driven AP Physics 1 preparation platform, featuring hundreds of practice questions, interactive AP video lessons, and rich illustration banks. The lack of full-length assessments, unfortunately, limits students' ability to simulate real test conditions, even if their practice questions are of high quality.
Best online assessments: Albert.io
- Founded in the early 2010s, Albert is relatively new compared to the legacy providers, but it has quickly earned a trusted reputation among teachers and students alike for its tech-forward AP preparation.
- Their AP Physics 1 Study Guide comes with hundreds of practice questions, full-length assessments, and helpful blogs and articles on test-taking strategies and other related topics.
- An entirely online platform makes studying on the go easy
- Narrative explanations for all questions, as well as helpful diagrams and illustrations for complex topics
- Practice questions have been described as more challenging than the actual exam by some learners online, allowing for robust preparation
- Many instructors use Albert's practice questions and materials in their classrooms
- Limited number of practice exams
- Their premium package is more expensive compared to similar supplementary tools
- Not a lot of content or instruction beyond assessments
- 2 full-length practice tests
- Regularly updated blog with subject guides, free downloads, and score calculators
- 24-hour help center available
The prep program from Albert for AP Physics 1 (often listed as Albert.io AP Physics 1) provides an extensive library of high-quality practice questions and full-length assessments that are meticulously aligned with the most recent College Board guidelines for AP Physics 1. Students using the Albert AP Physics 1 platform gain access to hundreds of multiple-choice and free-response questions designed to mimic the real exam's level of difficulty. Each problem is accompanied by instant, detailed explanations and automatic feedback, empowering users to master core physics concepts and address any misconceptions effectively.
For enhanced AP Physics 1 instruction, Albert also packages robust tools for teachers and districts. These educator-focused features include analytical dashboards that facilitate the monitoring of individual and group progress, allowing teachers to pinpoint areas of weakness by topic (such as kinematics, force and dynamics, energy, momentum, rotational motion, oscillations, and fluids), and enabling the convenient assignment of targeted practice. The Albert AP Physics 1 curriculum goes beyond practice items, offering comprehensive review material and unit-specific resources that parallel the exam structure, contributing significantly to overall exam readiness.
Albert.io continually updates its AP Physics 1 resources to reflect curricular changes, ensuring alignment with the latest College Board standards. Additionally, each unit within the program delivers themed review articles and custom practice sets tailored for AP Physics students, making study sessions more streamlined and relevant compared to traditional materials. Many students benefit from using Albert AP Physics 1 alongside their AP Physics classroom learning, since it excels as a supplemental study solution rather than as a primary or sole prep course.
“Overall, I used [Albert] for a number of classes, and it was very useful in all of the subjects, although I would say for most subjects, its questions are slightly more difficult than the AP exam.”
“Albert.io doesn't provide much content; it's geared towards practice. But the practice that it does give in my experience is really helpful.”
Bottom line: Albert.io can serve as your personal study partner for AP Physics 1, constantly quizzing you on lesson material, mirroring the topics you'll also explore in resources like The Physics Classroom. For best results, Albert AP Physics 1 should be used in conjunction with formal classroom instruction to maximize review, boost retention, and support successful exam outcomes.
Best free study aids: The Physics Classroom
- The Physics Classroom's website is filled with free study lessons, videos, aids, and other instructional assets created by teachers for students and teachers.
- While not explicitly designed for AP Physics preparation, The Physics Classroom has become a regular part of students' study plans because of its easy-to-follow and free online resources.
- Hundreds of articles, tutorials, lab kits, toolkits, and videos that use real-life examples and simulations to break down challenging and abstract AP Physics topics
- Teachers also have access to complimentary, downloadable content to enhance the classroom experience
- While useful for quick reviews, The Physics Classroom is not a replacement for a full study program
- Teacher resources are not always free (TPC offers discounted subscriptions for unlimited site access)
The Physics Classroom is a comprehensive, free online physics resource developed by teachers for both educators and students, with a focus on supporting introductory physics learning. The Physics Classroom provides an extensive selection of interactive lessons, visual content, and student-friendly explanations specifically designed to reinforce key physics concepts. The site's clear language, emphasis on multiple representations (including diagrams, graphs, and animations), and accessible format make The Physics Classroom an excellent reference for mastering foundational topics, especially those covered in AP Physics 1.
While The Physics Classroom is not structured as a complete course, it offers robust support materials that closely align with most AP Physics 1 curriculum areas. Its value as an exam-prep tool lies in its well-organized "Review Session" modules and video tutorials, which enable students to solidify their conceptual understanding and tackle complex physics concepts visually. Since AP Physics 1 emphasizes conceptual reasoning, problem-solving in multiple steps, and translating information between various representational formats, The Physics Classroom's conceptual resources provide students with a significant advantage. For optimal preparation for AP Physics 1, students and teachers are encouraged to combine The Physics Classroom with targeted AP-style practice, such as official College Board questions, timed practice exams, and thorough free-response exercises. Still, for AP students needing affordable, high-quality resources or quick reviews of specific physics principles, The Physics Classroom stands out as a solid choice.
“The Physics Classroom…has a lot of materials, content, simulations, and practice problems with solutions that can help get you all the basic vocabulary/laws and equations.”
Bottom line: The Physics Classroom is widely recognized as a vital and highly effective resource for AP Physics 1 exam preparation and other advanced high school physics courses. Although it is not affiliated with the official AP program, The Physics Classroom helps bring the College Board's CED topics to life through engaging articles, interactive diagrams, educational videos, and a variety of visual aids, making it an invaluable supplement for any AP Physics 1 review strategy. Featured on the College Board's list of recommended resources for AP Physics 1 prep (AP Central).
Why it matters
A wide range of AP Physics 1 exam prep providers deliver comprehensive study materials, including AP Physics 1 equation sheets and dedicated student support, to help you excel on the final AP Physics 1 exam. Taking AP Physics 1, along with other Advanced Placement courses, offers students a valuable opportunity to:
- Showcase academic proficiency to colleges
- Prepare for high-level coursework in physics, science, or mathematics
- Potentially earn college credit or advanced placement for core classes
- Complete graduate school prerequisites, such as those for medical school, ahead of time
Completing supplemental practice outside of your AP course is highly recommended by both the College Board and instructors alike, given the difficulty of AP tests and the importance of scoring well.
Wrapping up
Selecting a prep program featuring the best AP Physics 1 resources, such as high-quality study guides, expertly crafted AP Physics 1 practice tests, and reliable support, plays a crucial role in achieving your academic goals. As you compare top AP Physics 1 courses and review programs, carefully evaluate their features, content quality, availability of practice tests, pricing, and proven effectiveness to find the best AP Physics 1 resources that align with your learning needs. Wishing you luck on your academic journey!