Best AP Study Websites

Emma Dow

Written by: Emma Dow

Reviewed by: Sam Evans

Last updated

Best AP Study Websites

With dozens of websites claiming to be the ultimate AP prep resource, it's overwhelming trying to figure out which ones are worth your time. Some are packed with content but impossible to navigate. Others look polished but don't actually align with what's on your AP exam

So, what are the best AP study websites? We've done the research so you don't have to. Whether you're a visual learner who thrives on diagrams or someone who needs practice question after practice question, you'll find the right fit here.

Key Takeaways

  • The right AP study website depends on your subjects, learning style, and score goals.

  • Look for platforms with College Board-aligned content, strong subject coverage, and resource formats that match how you learn best.

  • Save My Exams offers expert-written notes, practice questions, and SmartMark feedback designed specifically for AP students.

Which AP Study Website is Right for You?

The best AP study website for you depends entirely on what you're studying, how you learn, and what you're aiming for. Are you targeting a 5 in AP Chemistry? Just trying to secure a pass in Calculus? Prepping for five exams at once? Each situation calls for different resources. Explore our AP Exam Study Guide To Success to work out what success looks like for you.

The Best AP Study Websites

Finding quality AP prep online doesn't mean you need to sign up for expensive tutoring or buy armfuls of textbooks. These study websites offer everything from quick revision notes to full practice exams, and they're designed to fit different learning needs and budgets.

Save My Exams

Save My Exams provides expert-written: 

This content is specifically designed for AP students. The major AP subjects, including Biology, Chemistry, Calculus, and more are covered, with content written by experienced examiners who understand exactly what the College Board is looking for.

The teacher-written resources pinpoint exactly what to revise, help you identify your weak points, and show you how to improve - so you can walk into your AP exams confident and prepared. 

You can even create a customised revision session. Target Test allows you to create a tailored set of syllabus-aligned questions with your chosen question types, subject difficulty, and time limit.

Ideal for: Students who want: 

  • Examiner-level explanations

  • Personalised revision practice

  • Structured revision materials that match the AP curriculum exactly

Pros:

  • Written by subject experts and examiners

  • Comprehensive topic coverage aligned with College Board frameworks

  • Clean, easy-to-navigate interface

  • Downloadable resources for offline study

Cons:

  • Requires a subscription for full access

  • Currently doesn't cover every single AP subject

Free or paid? Paid subscription with a free trial available.

Fiveable

Fiveable offers study guides, practice questions, and live study sessions for a wide range of AP subjects. The platform has a strong community element, with student-led study groups and cram sessions that run in the weeks leading up to AP exams.

The site includes trivia games, flashcards, and video content presented in a casual, TikTok-style format. It's helpful if you enjoy collaborative learning or need motivation from a community of other AP students.

Ideal for: Students who prefer social learning, live study sessions, and bite-sized video content.

Pros:

  • Free core content with optional paid upgrades

  • Active student community and live cram sessions

  • Covers a wide range of AP subjects

Cons:

  • Quality can vary between subjects

  • Some features require payment

  • Can feel overwhelming with too many community posts

Free or paid? Some free, with optional premium features.

Crash Course

Crash Course produces educational videos covering many AP subjects, including US History, World History, Biology, Chemistry, and more. Hosted by engaging presenters, the videos break down complex topics into digestible 10-15 minute episodes.

The videos are entertaining, which makes them brilliant for building foundational understanding or overviewing topics before diving into detailed study. However, they're not comprehensive enough to be your only resource.

Ideal for: Visual learners who need an engaging introduction to topics or a quick refresher before deeper study.

Pros:

  • Completely free on YouTube

  • High production quality and engaging hosts

  • Great for building conceptual understanding

  • Covers multiple AP subjects

Cons:

  • Not comprehensive enough for full exam prep

  • No practice questions or assessments

  • Doesn't replace detailed note-taking or practice

Free or paid? Completely free.

How to Choose the Right AP Study Website

Not every study website will work for every student. Here's what to consider when you're deciding which platform deserves your time (and possibly your money).

Aligned with the AP Curriculum

This is non-negotiable. The College Board (opens in a new tab) publishes detailed course and exam descriptions (CEDs) for every AP subject, outlining exactly what content is tested and how. Your study website should follow these frameworks.

Here's how to check: 

  • Look for phrases like "aligned with College Board standards" or "follows AP course framework" on the platform's about page. 

  • Compare the site's topic list with the official CED for your subject. If the website is covering random topics that aren't in the CED, or missing entire units that are, that's a red flag.

Save My Exams, for example, structures all content around official AP course frameworks, ensuring every note and practice question reflects what you'll actually see on exam day.

Right Resource Format for You

Do you learn best by: 

  • Reading detailed notes? 

  • Watching videos? 

  • Answering practice questions? 

  • Creating flashcards?

There's no point subscribing to a video-heavy platform if you're someone who retains information better by writing notes. Similarly, don't force yourself through walls of text if you're a visual learner who needs diagrams and colour-coded summaries.

Make an honest assessment of what's worked for you in the past, then choose a platform that prioritises those formats.

Strong Subject Coverage

Some websites are excellent for one or two AP subjects but mediocre for others. If you're taking AP Statistics, AP Latin, and AP French, you don't want to juggle three different platforms unless absolutely necessary.

Check whether your chosen website covers all your subjects in depth. Look for multiple resource types per subject: notes, questions, videos, and past papers.

Save My Exams covers major AP subjects and is continually expanding, with the same quality standard across every subject.

How to Use AP Study Websites Effectively

Strategy

What to do

Why it works

Start early

Begin using study sites at the start of your AP course, revising topic by topic.

Reinforces classroom learning and prevents last-minute cramming.

Build a study schedule

Block out specific times for each subject (e.g., Mon/Thu: Chemistry; Tue/Fri: Calculus).

Creates consistency and better retention over time.

Use active recall

Test yourself with flashcards, quizzes, and practice questions.

Proven to strengthen memory and long-term understanding.

Review mistakes properly

Analyse incorrect answers and understand why they were wrong.

Turns errors into learning opportunities.

Combine resources

Use one main site and supplement with others (e.g., Save My Exams + Crash Course).

Balances structure and variety for deeper understanding.

Track progress

Use platform features to monitor strengths and weaknesses.

Identifies gaps before exams for targeted review.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are AP Study Websites Better Than Prep Books?

It depends on how you learn best. Study websites offer interactive features, instant feedback, and regular updates that printed books can't match. That said, some students prefer the focused, distraction-free environment of a physical book. There's also something to be said for being able to scribble notes in margins and bookmark pages.

Most successful AP students use both. A good study website, like Save My Exams, provides structure, practice, and feedback, while a solid prep book serves as a comprehensive reference guide.

Can I Use the Same Website for All My AP Subjects?

Possibly, but it’s not guaranteed. Save My Exams covers major AP subjects including Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), Maths (Calculus AB/BC), English, History, Languages and more, with consistent quality across the board. 

The key is finding one reliable platform that covers most of your subjects well to help you hit a good AP score, then filling any gaps with specialised sites for your remaining courses.

Do I Need to Pay to Access the Best AP Study Tools?

Not necessarily. There are excellent free resources available. However, paid platforms typically offer deeper explanations, better-organised content, personalised feedback, and more comprehensive practice materials. If you're serious about scoring a 4 or 5, investing in a quality paid resource can absolutely be worth it.

When Should I Start Using Study Websites for AP Exams?

Ideally, from the beginning of your AP course. Using study websites throughout the year to reinforce classroom learning means you're building knowledge gradually rather than cramming everything in April.

Ace Your AP Study

The best AP study websites aren’t the ones with the flashiest marketing or the longest list of features. They’re the ones that match your subjects, fit your learning style, and help you achieve your specific goals.

Save My Exams was built specifically for AP students like you, with expert-written content, examiner feedback, and resources designed around how students actually learn. You could join over 2 million students and teachers using Save My Exams to master what matters—and boost your grades today.

Good luck with your AP exams!

References

College Board - AP Program (opens in a new tab)

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Emma Dow

Author: Emma Dow

Expertise: Content Writer

Emma is a former primary school teacher and Head of Year 6 and Maths, and later led the digital content writing team at Twinkl USA. She has also written for brands including Brother, Semrush, Blue Bay Travel and Vinterior.

Sam Evans

Reviewer: Sam Evans

Expertise: English Content Creator

Sam is a graduate in English Language and Literature, specialising in journalism and the history and varieties of English. Before teaching, Sam had a career in tourism in South Africa and Europe. After training to become a teacher, Sam taught English Language and Literature and Communication and Culture in three outstanding secondary schools across England. Her teaching experience began in nursery schools, where she achieved a qualification in Early Years Foundation education. Sam went on to train in the SEN department of a secondary school, working closely with visually impaired students. From there, she went on to manage KS3 and GCSE English language and literature, as well as leading the Sixth Form curriculum. During this time, Sam trained as an examiner in AQA and iGCSE and has marked GCSE English examinations across a range of specifications. She went on to tutor Business English, English as a Second Language and international GCSE English to students around the world, as well as tutoring A level, GCSE and KS3 students for educational provisions in England. Sam freelances as a ghostwriter on novels, business articles and reports, academic resources and non-fiction books.

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