ACCA Books: Which is Better - KAPLAN or BPP?

BPP or KAPLAN: Which ACCA Books Should You Choose?

Choosing between BPP and KAPLAN ACCA books is one of the most common dilemmas for students preparing for ACCA exams. Both publishers are ACCA-approved learning providers and offer study materials aligned with the ACCA syllabus. However, students often ask:

• Which is better, BPP or KAPLAN?
• Should I use KAPLAN for theory subjects and BPP for technical subjects?
• Does BPP provide more in-depth explanations than KAPLAN?
• Which book is best for self-study?

In this guide, we break down BPP vs. KAPLAN based on:

• Student feedback from 12,000+ purchases
• Subject-wise analysis for Knowledge, Skills, and Strategic levels
• ACCA study techniques for self-learners vs. students with tutors

By the end, you'll have a clear answer to BPP or KAPLAN – which is better for ACCA?

ACCA Books: Your Passport to Acing the Exams and Outsmarting the Competition

BPP vs. KAPLAN – What Students Prefer

General Student Feedback on BPP and KAPLAN ACCA Books

✅ Students who prefer BPP:

• Want detailed explanations, technical depth, and case studies
• Are self-studying for ACCA exams
• Need BPP online training, which is available at a lower cost (INR 4,800 / £50)
• Prefer exam-focused practice kits like BPP’s interactive revision kit

✅ Students who prefer KAPLAN:

• Want more straightforward language with concise explanations
• Are you attending ACCA coaching classes or tuition
• Have little to no work experience and need easy-to-understand material
• I prefer a faster reading experience with less wordy content

Now, let’s analyze which books students prefer at different ACCA levels.

We list down estimated purchases made by students in the past two years through our site for each level. 

Knowledge Level or Applied Knowledge Papers - BPP vs KAPLAN

The Knowledge Level introduces students to fundamental accounting and finance principles. Here’s how student purchases are split:

 Key Takeaways for Knowledge Level:

• KAPLAN is preferred (67% of sales) due to simpler language.
• BPP is more detailed, making it better for students who want deeper technical clarity.
• Students who struggle with technical concepts find KAPLAN easier, while those with a strong academic background prefer BPP.

Verdict for Knowledge Level

• Choose KAPLAN if you want an easier-to-understand textbook.
• Choose BPP if you plan to self-study and want in-depth explanations.

Skills Level or Applied Skills Papers BPP vs. KAPLAN

The Applied Skills Level builds on the knowledge level and develops practical finance and accounting skills. Here's the preference breakdown:

 Key Takeaways for Skills Level:

• BPP is preferred for technical subjects like FR, FM, and TX because of its depth and case studies.
• KAPLAN is chosen for theory-based subjects like LW and PM, where more straightforward explanations are helpful.
• BPP's revision kits and interactive online training are major reasons students prefer it for more challenging subjects.

Verdict for Skills Level

• Use KAPLAN if you're attending coaching classes.
• Use BPP if you are self-studying or need more practice with complex topics.

Also with BPP Training options available at INR 4800 (50 GBP), students prefer BPP as it gives them a fall back option

Strategic Professional Level - BPP vs KAPLAN

The Strategic Professional Level includes two compulsory and four optional papers. At this stage, BPP is the preferred choice for most students.

Key Takeaways for Strategic Professional Level:

• BPP dominates in technical subjects like SBR, AFM, and ATX due to its detailed analysis and case study approach.
• KAPLAN is preferred for SBL and AAA, where exam technique and concise explanations are more important.
• Students benefit from BPP’s professional-level online training, which includes CBE mocks, recorded lectures, and technical guidance.

Verdict for Strategic Level

• Choose BPP if you need detailed technical explanations and are studying independently.
• Choose KAPLAN if you need more straightforward explanations and exam technique-focused materials.

Final Verdict – Which is BPP or KAPLAN better?

Choose BPP if:

✔️ You are self-studying ACCA and need detailed conceptual clarity.

✔️ You want more case studies, technical depth, and practical examples.

✔️ You prefer structured learning with BPP’s interactive revision kits and BPP online training.

✔️ You are preparing for technical subjects like Taxation, Financial Reporting, or Strategic Business Reporting.

Choose KAPLAN if:

✔️ You are attending coaching classes and need a more straightforward textbook.

✔️ You prefer concise explanations and exam-focused study techniques.

✔️ You are studying law, business strategy, or audit subjects, where theory is more important than numbers.

Most Popular Student Choices Based on Sales:

• Knowledge Level → KAPLAN (67%)
• Skills Level → BPP for FR, FM, and TX (60-70%)
• Strategic Level → BPP for technical papers (70-80%)

Conclusion – BPP vs. KAPLAN for ACCA

There is no single "best" ACCA book—it depends on your learning style, experience, and subject choice.

However, if you're still unsure, BPP is preferred for most ACCA students, especially for self-study and technical subjects. KAPLAN is excellent for students who want a more straightforward language and attend tuition classes.

Let us know in the comments which you prefer—BPP or KAPLAN? 🚀