LearnZapp vs Pocket Prep vs Boson vs TierOne: what each is best for
Each of these is a real option for cybersecurity certification prep, and each is built for a different kind of candidate. This page summarizes who each one suits and how pricing, free options and guarantees compare, then links to a full comparison for each. Every competitor fact links to the vendor page it came from.
What each is best for
LearnZapp
Candidates who want study content sourced from Wiley's Sybex study guides (source) in apps on iOS, Android and web, with progress synced across devices (source). Sold as separate apps for ISC2, CompTIA and ISACA.
Pocket Prep
Candidates working through several IT exams, not only security: one Premium subscription covers 27 IT and cybersecurity exams (source). Platforms: App Store and Play Store apps, plus studying on the web (source).
Boson ExSim-Max
Candidates who want a dedicated practice exam simulator as a final check. For CISSP it includes 6 full-length practice exams with 900 questions designed to mirror the format, difficulty and domain coverage of the live exam (source).
TierOne Defense Academy
Candidates focused on cybersecurity certifications (9 on one plan) who want every explanation to cite a public source, a readiness score that shows its evidence, mocks paced to the real exam, and a pass guarantee with a refund option.
Side by side
Prices in USD as published by each vendor. “Not published” means we did not find it on the vendor's pages, not that the product lacks it.
| TierOne | Pocket Prep | LearnZapp | Boson ExSim-Max | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly price | $14.99, all 9 certs | $20.99, covers 27 IT and cybersecurity exams source | ISC2 app: $16.99 sourceCompTIA app: $19.99 sourceISACA app: $14.99 source | Not published source |
| Annual price | $99, all 9 certs | $124.99, covers 27 IT and cybersecurity exams source | ISC2 app: $139.99 sourceCompTIA app: $99.99 sourceISACA app: $89.99 source | $99 per year for CISSP (6 practice exams, 900 questions) source$99 per year for Security+ (3 practice exams, 270 questions) source |
| Lifetime or one-time purchase | $299 lifetime | Not published source | One-time purchases of up to 1 year of access; no lifetime tier listed source | Not published source |
| Pass guarantee | 3 free months or a full refund, your choice | 3 more months of Premium (no refund) source | Keep studying free for up to 6 months (no refund) source | Refund of the price you paid (prorated if bought in a kit) source |
| Free option | 25 practice questions spread across every exam domain, per cert | 55 free questions (CISSP) source | Free with limited content, plus a free diagnostic test with no account needed source | Free demo source |
Full comparisons
- LearnZapp alternative Per-app pricing for LearnZapp's ISC2, CompTIA and ISACA apps, its pass guarantee terms and features, next to TierOne.
- Pocket Prep alternative Pocket Prep's IT and cybersecurity subscription, its guarantee conditions and features, next to a cybersecurity-only platform.
- Boson ExSim-Max alternative ExSim-Max practice exams for Security+ and CISSP, its No Pass, No Pay guarantee, and how a simulator differs from a study platform.
- Pass guarantees compared What five cert prep pass guarantees pay out and the conditions you must meet to claim each one.
Longer reads: Security+ exam prep tools compared and CISSP prep tools compared.
Try it before you decide
Take a 10-question diagnostic with no account on any certification page. If it is useful, a free account gives you 25 practice questions spread across every exam domain, per cert. No credit card.
FAQ
What is the main difference between LearnZapp, Pocket Prep and Boson?
How they are sold and what they are built around. LearnZapp sells separate apps per certification body, such as an ISC2 app covering CISSP, CCSP and SSCP. Pocket Prep sells one Premium subscription covering 27 IT and cybersecurity exams. Boson sells ExSim-Max practice exams one exam at a time, each a 1-year subscription. TierOne covers 9 cybersecurity certifications on one plan.
Which of these pass guarantees refunds money?
As published on each vendor's site: Boson's No Pass, No Pay offers a refund of the price you paid (prorated if bought in a kit). Pocket Prep offers 3 more months of Premium (no refund). LearnZapp offers "Keep studying free for up to 6 months (no refund)". TierOne offers 3 free months or a full refund, your choice. Each has its own conditions, compared in full on our pass guarantee page.
Can I try TierOne before paying?
Yes. Every certification page has a 10-question diagnostic you can take without an account. A free account then gives you 25 practice questions spread across every exam domain, per cert, with no credit card.
Is TierOne affiliated with LearnZapp, Pocket Prep, Boson or the exam bodies?
No. TierOne Defense Academy is independent, and is not affiliated with or endorsed by LearnZapp, Pocket Prep, Boson Software, ISC2, CompTIA or ISACA.
Last verified September 15, 2026. Competitor facts are summarized in good faith from each vendor's public pages, which are authoritative and can change at any time. If you spot something out of date, tell us and we will fix it.
Not affiliated with or endorsed by LearnZapp, Pocket Prep, Boson Software, ISC2, CompTIA or ISACA. All product names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.