Preparing for the AP Biology exam requires more than just your class notes. A high-quality review book can make the difference between a 3 and a 5. At RevisionDojo, we’ve ranked the best AP Biology review books for 2025 based on clarity, accuracy, practice quality, and test alignment.
1. Princeton Review – AP Biology Premium Prep, 2025
Why it’s #1:
- Clear explanations, easy to digest
- Covers all 8 AP Bio units in the College Board CED
- Includes 6 full-length practice tests (with online access)
Best for: Students who want a comprehensive yet student-friendly approach.
Pros:
- Accessible language
- Great diagrams & visuals
- Strong review of lab investigations
Cons:
- Less depth for high-level competitive students
2. Barron’s – AP Biology, 2025
Why it’s #2:
- Very in-depth, perfect for students aiming for a 5
- Includes 5 full-length practice exams
- Excellent review quizzes at the end of each chapter
Best for: Students who don’t mind extra detail and want deep mastery.
Pros:
- Advanced content coverage
- Strong data analysis questions
- Detailed answer explanations
Cons:
- Dense text, can be overwhelming for beginners
3. 5 Steps to a 5 – AP Biology, 2025
Why it’s #3:
- Balanced between clarity and thoroughness
- Organized in a clear, 5-step plan
- 2 full-length practice exams + online flashcards
Best for: Students who need a structured, timeline-based study plan.
Pros:
- Great pacing guides
- Good FRQ practice integration
- Mobile-friendly online tools
Cons:
- Not as deep in experimental design review
4. Campbell Biology – AP Edition
Why it’s #4:
- This is essentially the college-level textbook AP Bio is based on
- Unmatched depth and scientific accuracy
Best for: Students who want to go beyond the AP exam and prepare for college-level biology.
Pros:
- Rich, detailed explanations
- Best resource for understanding big-picture biology connections
Cons:
- Very heavy reading load
- No built-in practice tests
5. Crash Course – AP Biology
Why it’s #5:
- Great for last-minute review
- Strips content down to essential concepts
Best for: Students with limited time before the exam who need to consolidate.
Pros:
- Quick summaries
- Affordable price
- Portable
Cons:
- Not enough practice for long-term prep
How to Use These Books Effectively
- Start early – Begin with a full-length review book 3–4 months before exam day
- Mix resources – Use one in-depth book (like Barron’s) and one fast-review option (like Crash Course)
- Practice FRQs weekly – Pull from the College Board AP Biology Past FRQs to apply what you learn
- Simulate test day – Use full-length exams under timed conditions
Final Recommendation
If you have 3+ months, combine Princeton Review for clarity with Barron’s for depth. If you’re cramming in the last month, use Crash Course and hit as many past College Board FRQs as possible. And no matter which book you choose, always pair it with official AP Biology practice for best results.
