Independent methodology · DAT comparison · Research snapshot: October 27, 2026
Kaplan DAT vs DAT Bootcamp: Live Classes or Online Course?
Reviewed by Dr. Sangam Sanghera, DDS · DAT Expert Reviewer · Reviewed November 2026
DAT Bootcamp beats Kaplan, 8.7 to 7.7, with more questions, more full-lengths, far better PAT tools and a lower starting price. Kaplan suits students who need live classes or a printed lesson book.
- 5 equal-weight criteria
- 2024–2026 student sentiment
- All prices in USD
Editorial score · Equal-weight average
DAT Bootcamp
8.7
/10
Best for most students
Kaplan DAT
7.7
/10
Best for live classes
Scores are our evidence-based editorial assessment, not product claims. See the rubric.
Kaplan vs DAT Bootcamp is a choice between a traditional live-class course and the most structured online DAT program. DAT Bootcamp costs $599 for 90 days and includes 11,000+ questions, 10 full-length practice tests, an unlimited PAT generator and Dr. Mike's well-known chemistry videos. Kaplan DAT starts at $699 for On Demand and $1,699 for Live Online, with 7 full-length tests, 5,000+ questions, a 900+ page printed lesson book and 15 live sessions. DAT Bootcamp scores 8.7/10 on our rubric and Kaplan 7.7/10. This comparison covers price, practice tests, PAT prep, teaching, guarantees and who each one fits.
Quick verdict
Kaplan vs DAT Bootcamp: Quick Verdict
DAT Bootcamp is the better choice for most students: more practice, better PAT tools, stronger analytics and a lower price. Kaplan is worth it only if you need live classes with an instructor or a printed lesson book.
| Feature | DAT Bootcamp | Kaplan DAT |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 8.7/10 | 7.7/10 |
| Starting price | $599 (Pro, 90 days) | $699 (On Demand) |
| Questions | 11,000+, updated weekly | 5,000+ |
| Full-length practice tests | 10 | 7 |
| PAT tools | Unlimited generator for each question type, PAT trainer game | 1,000+ PAT questions |
| Lessons | 3,550+ videos, including Dr. Mike's chemistry | Video lessons and a 900+ page printed book |
| Live classes | No | 15 sessions of 2.5 hours (Live Online) |
| Guarantee | Free extension up to 180 days; no refund | Higher score or your money back |
| Payment plans | Klarna or Afterpay | Not listed |
Prices were checked on Bootcamp's and Kaplan's sites in October 2026.
Study plans
How We Rated Kaplan and DAT Bootcamp
DAT Bootcamp beats Kaplan on every criterion, with the biggest gaps in question bank quality and value.
| Criterion | DAT Bootcamp | Kaplan DAT |
|---|---|---|
| Question bank quality and accuracy | 8.8 | 7.4 |
| Platform and interface | 9.0 | 7.8 |
| Value for money | 8.2 | 6.8 |
| Content coverage and depth | 8.8 | 8.4 |
| Analytics and diagnostics | 8.8 | 8.0 |
| Overall | 8.7 | 7.7 |
Pricing & value
Price and Plans
DAT Bootcamp costs $599 for 90 days or $999 for 180 days. Kaplan starts at $699 for On Demand, $1,699 for Live Online and $2,499 for Live Online with tutoring.
| DAT Bootcamp | Price | Access | What's added |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pro | $599 (list $699) | 90 days | Full course |
| Plus | $999 (list $1,299) | 180 days | 30 extra tests |
| Kaplan DAT | Starting price | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| On Demand | $699 | Videos, full-lengths, questions, book |
| Live Online | $1,699 | On Demand plus 15 live sessions |
| Tutoring + Live Online | $2,499 | Live Online plus 10–40 tutoring hours |
Kaplan's main DAT page doesn't list prices, so confirm them at checkout. Full details are in our DAT Bootcamp review and Kaplan DAT review.
Practice
Practice Tests and Questions
DAT Bootcamp has more than twice as many questions, 11,000+ to Kaplan's 5,000+, and more full-length tests, 10 to 7. Its tests copy the Prometric screen in Prometric Mode and end with a predicted score and video explanations.
Bootcamp says its practice tests run slightly harder than the real DAT, so its numbers are likely conservative. Kaplan's 7 full-lengths are useful practice but less often described as realistic. See how accurate DAT Booster and DAT Bootcamp practice tests are.
PAT
PAT Preparation
DAT Bootcamp is far stronger for the Perceptual Ability Test, with an unlimited generator for every PAT question type, including floating cube questions. Kaplan includes 1,000+ PAT questions but no unlimited generator. The PAT rewards high-volume, daily practice, so an unlimited generator is a real advantage. Our DAT sections breakdown explains each PAT subtest.
Head-to-head
Teaching Style: Videos vs Live Classes
DAT Bootcamp teaches through 3,550+ videos, led by Dr. Mike's general and organic chemistry lessons, plus notes, flashcards, Anki decks and a daily study schedule. Kaplan's DAT course is built around live classes: 15 sessions of 2.5 hours, about 37 hours of teaching.
Kaplan also includes a 900+ page printed lesson book and 12-page study sheets, which suit students who study best from paper. If you need a teacher and a class schedule to stay on track, Kaplan's Live Online course is its main reason to exist.
In detail
Guarantees
Kaplan's Higher Score Guarantee can refund your money or give you 12 weeks of free online access if your score doesn't improve, subject to completing assigned work. DAT Bootcamp's guarantee extends your membership free, up to 180 days, but never refunds. Bootcamp's guarantee also requires a previous official score, 8 practice tests per subject, 80% of content completed and a new test date, so it only helps retakers.
In detail
Which Should You Choose?
| If you... | Choose |
|---|---|
| Want the most practice for the money | DAT Bootcamp |
| Need strong PAT prep | DAT Bootcamp |
| Want a daily study plan and analytics | DAT Bootcamp |
| Need live classes with an instructor | Kaplan DAT |
| Prefer a printed lesson book | Kaplan DAT |
| Want a guarantee with a refund option | Kaplan DAT |
Plan your weeks with our 3-month DAT study schedule, and compare every option in Best DAT Prep Courses, including our top pick, DAT Booster.
TestPrep Advice verdict
Final Verdict
DAT Bootcamp beats Kaplan, 8.7 to 7.7, with more questions, more full-lengths, far better PAT tools and a lower starting price. Kaplan is the right choice for students who need live classes, a printed book or a guarantee that can refund them. For everyone else, Bootcamp, or our top-rated DAT Booster, offers more for less.
FAQ
Is Kaplan or DAT Bootcamp better?
DAT Bootcamp is better for most students, scoring 8.7/10 to Kaplan's 7.7/10, with more practice, better PAT tools and a lower price. Kaplan is better if you need live classes or a printed lesson book.
How much does DAT Bootcamp cost compared with Kaplan?
DAT Bootcamp costs $599 for 90 days or $999 for 180 days. Kaplan starts at $699 for On Demand, $1,699 for Live Online and $2,499 with tutoring, based on October 2026 prices.
Does Kaplan DAT have live classes?
Yes. Kaplan's Live Online course includes 15 sessions of 2.5 hours, about 37 hours of live teaching. DAT Bootcamp is fully self-paced, with videos and a daily study schedule but no live classes.
Which has better PAT practice?
DAT Bootcamp. It has an unlimited generator for every PAT question type, including floating cube questions, while Kaplan includes about 1,000 PAT questions without a generator.
Which DAT guarantee is better?
Kaplan's, if you want money back: it can refund you or give you 12 weeks of free online access. DAT Bootcamp's guarantee only extends your access, up to 180 days, and requires a previous official score.
How we reviewed
Sources
- DAT Bootcamp pricing, checked October 27, 2026
- Kaplan DAT courses and guarantee, checked October 27, 2026
- DAT Bootcamp: Is DAT Bootcamp Harder than the DAT?