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An IT training publisher selling ExSim-Max practice exams, the NetSim network simulator, virtual labs, courseware and video training. Below is a like-for-like comparison with CertStud on how each one charges, what you commit to, coverage, and what you get beyond questions — including where Boson is genuinely the better choice.
Boson works on a annual access per practice exam product — not a monthly subscription. CertStud is a subscription at $19.99/month for one certification (3 full-length practice exams + 300 practice questions), or Everything from $59.99/month or $249/year (~$20.75/mo).
If you are preparing for one AWS exam and want a single payment with nothing recurring, Boson is a reasonable choice. If you are preparing for several exams or want flashcards, full-length timed exams and analytics in the same place, CertStud is usually the better fit.
Check Boson's current price on their product pages , and CertStud's on our pricing page.
| Dimension | CertStud | Boson |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Subscription — $19.99/month for one certification (3 full-length practice exams + 300 practice questions), or Everything from $59.99/month or $249/year (~$20.75/mo) | Annual access per practice exam product — no monthly subscription |
| What you commit to | Subscription covering full-length exams, practice questions, and flashcards — cancel anytime | Annual access to the specific practice exam product you buy |
| Free access | 10 practice questions free, no signup required | Free demo on ExSim-Max practice exams; free networking tools |
| Vendor coverage | 91 certifications across AWS, Microsoft, CompTIA, Google Cloud, ISC2, ISACA, PMI, Cisco, Linux Foundation and more | Cisco, CompTIA, Microsoft, AWS, ISC2, ISACA, PMI and ethical hacking |
| Explanations | Every practice question includes a detailed written explanation | Detailed explanations with references are a stated feature |
| Beyond questions | Timed exam simulator (Simulation Mode), domain-level weakness analytics, flashcards, study notes and study guides | NetSim network simulator, virtual practice labs, courseware, video and instructor-led training |
| Where they win | One subscription across many vendors, with a free entry point and integrated notes | Cisco/network depth, a network simulator, hands-on labs and an advertised No Pass, No Pay guarantee |
Source: Boson's own page , Boson's own page .
Cisco and networking candidates who want a network simulator and hands-on labs alongside an annual practice-exam product with a free demo.
Their own site: boson.com
Multi-vendor learners who want a monthly subscription, a free start across many certifications, and integrated study notes and flashcards.
Start with 10 practice questions free, no signup required at certstud.com/try-free.
The right alternative depends on whether you are preparing for one exam or several. Boson works on a annual access per practice exam product — not a monthly subscription, which suits someone sitting a single exam. CertStud is a subscription: $19.99/month for one certification (3 full-length practice exams + 300 practice questions), or Everything from $59.99/month or $249/year (~$20.75/mo), covering 91 certifications across AWS, Microsoft, CompTIA, Google Cloud, ISC2, ISACA, PMI, Cisco, Linux Foundation and more.
With CertStud you can try 10 practice questions free, no signup required across any of its certifications, so you can judge the question quality before paying anything. Boson advertises free AWS courses, but its practice exam sets are paid products.
CertStud costs $19.99/month for one certification (3 full-length practice exams + 300 practice questions), or Everything from $59.99/month or $249/year (~$20.75/mo) for the full catalogue. Boson charges annual access per practice exam product — not a monthly subscription, so you pay per exam rather than on a recurring plan.
Boson's practice exams are concentrated in AWS, and it also publishes Azure and GCP materials. CertStud covers 91 certifications across AWS, Microsoft, CompTIA, Google Cloud, ISC2, ISACA, PMI, Cisco, Linux Foundation and more, with 3 full-length practice exams + 300 practice questions + 50 flashcards per certification.
Every practice question includes a detailed written explanation. CertStud also provides timed exam simulator (simulation mode), domain-level weakness analytics, flashcards, study notes and study guides.
Choose Boson if you are sitting a single AWS exam, want a once-off purchase with no subscription, or want bundled eBooks and hands-on labs. Choose CertStud if you are preparing across multiple certifications, want flashcards and full-length timed exams alongside practice questions, or want to try questions free first.