In your quest to ace your Security+ exam, you might need clarification on whether a Security+ reference book is better than another. Security+ exam preparation is a huge niche, so choosing from plenty of study guides can be overwhelming. How could you know which Security+ books are appropriate for you for the latest exam?
Fear not; we’ve got your back, and you no longer have to worry about buying the wrong books. We’ll cover the most popular CompTIA Security+ study guides for your Security+ self-study and compare their advantages and disadvantages.
When you’re ready, let’s begin with CompTIA’s official study guide, followed by other CompTIA Security+ books that apply to the Security+ certification exam code SY0-701. Due to Amazon’s dynamic pricing policy, the listed book prices are only accurate as of writing, and it’s always best to check the web pages yourself for the most recent price changes.
- The Official CompTIA Security+ Certification Self-Paced Study Guide (Exam SY0-701)
- CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 Certification Guide
- CompTIA Security+ Certification Kit: Exam SY0-701 (Sybex Study Guide)
- CompTIA Security+ Get Certified Get Ahead: SY0-701 Study Guide
- CompTIA Security+ STUDY GUIDE – Mastering Cybersecurity. The 3-in-1 Guide to the SY0-701 Exam
- CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 Exam Cram
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
The Official CompTIA Security+ Certification Self-Paced Study Guide (Exam SY0-701)
Authors
- James Pengelly is the Senior Manager of Product Development at CompTIA Learning.
- Gareth Marchant is an independent cyber security consultant and instructor certified by ISC2 and EC-Council. With over 25 years of professional experience in technology, he has held engineering and senior leadership roles in both private and public sector organizations.
Overview
Most Security+ students don’t reach for this book immediately, but we should mention it first because CompTIA, the organization behind the Security+ certification, created this study guide. It is a companion reference book to CompTIA’s online curriculum, CertMaster.
A buyer reported that the price of the paperback is “atrocious” given its formatting issues and poor editing. Another said its role is only supplementary. The official CompTIA website no longer sells the paperback; it only offers the eBook, which is available independently of Amazon. Last but not least, it has a bias for technical rather than legal and business management questions.
The primary selling point for the paperback version is that it’s “the only official CompTIA study guide for the CompTIA Security+ exam.” However, as you can see from the reviews, officiality has no bearing on quality.
Price
Paperback: $506.76 USD
Ebook: $169 USD under CompTIA > Security+ eBook. CompTIA offers bundles of these books, which include practice tests and other exam preparation materials, but these can be rather costly compared to the third-party titles below.
Amazon Link
CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 Certification Guide
Author
Ian Neil is a seasoned IT industry leader and British Army Medical Corps veteran who has been teaching CompTIA Security+ to the US Forces based in Europe, where he developed a ten-day course with a high pass rate.
Overview
Topping the charts on unofficial CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 study guides, this book has 100% coverage of the latest exam objectives, ensuring you focus on what you need to pass.
The book grants lifetime access to an interactive online platform featuring over 500 practice questions, 100 flashcards, three mock exams, and 200 key acronyms to enhance your preparation. Readers also receive an exclusive 12% discount voucher for the Security+ exam included with the book. (Note that StationX offers up to 30% discount on CompTIA vouchers).
It caters to readers aspiring to pass the CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 exam or pursue a career in certified security, with or without an IT background, including college students and government and US Department of Defense personnel seeking to achieve security certification.
Boasting an Amazon rating of 4.8/5 stars, this study guide has impressive reviews:
- It’s well-structured and easy to follow;
- It makes even complex Security+ concepts approachable;
- The content directly aligns with the exam objectives;
- It “encourages critical thinking,” making the reader reflect deeply on the material instead of rote memorization.
One reviewer said they were “very satisfied with the material the author presents in this ‘gem’ of a book,” and another even wished they’d bought this book “sooner.”
Price
Kindle: $13.29 USD
Paperback: $25.61 USD
Amazon Link
CompTIA Security+ Certification Kit: Exam SY0-701 (Sybex Study Guide)
Authors
- Mike Chapple teaches cyber security and business analytics at Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business. He holds BS, MS, and Ph.D. degrees in computer science and engineering, as well as an MBA. He’s a bestselling author of over 50 books and 100 cyber security certification video courses on his website.
- David Seidl is Vice President for Information Technology and CIO at Miami University of Ohio with over 20 years of IT security experience.
Overview
This Certification Kit (Amazon rating: 4.7/5) includes the CompTIA Security+ Study Guide: Exam SY0-701, 9th Edition, and the CompTIA Security+ Practice Tests: Exam SY0-701, 3rd Edition, both authored by the same authors. It includes full-length practice exams, complimentary access to online questions and flashcards, and a 10% discount voucher for the Security+ exam.
While the kit is generally very well received—earning high praise for its clarity, depth, and usefulness—some reviewers have noted a few points worth keeping in mind:
- One said this kit is “the tip of the iceberg,” necessitating further research, and another encouraged potential buyers to purchase Chapple’s Security+ study notes on his website in addition.
- Although most reviewers attest to the clarity and ease of comprehension of the writing, some say the book’s organization didn’t match up with the domains in the SY0-701 exam objectives, and another even said the writing reeks of ChatGPT.
- A critic pointed out that the book’s index is “incomplete,” making it hard to refer back to important concepts in the book.
- Most readers found the online resources referenced in this book, such as multiple-choice questions and practice exams, far more helpful, but a reviewer had login issues and had to use other resources to help them study.
Price
Paperback: $39.01 USD
Spiral-bound: $69.99 USD
Amazon Link
CompTIA Security+ Get Certified Get Ahead: SY0-701 Study Guide
Authors
- Joe Shelley, M.A., Security+, CIPP/US, CIPM, is a Chief Information Officer working in higher education. He oversees information security and privacy programs, IT infrastructure, IT risk management, business intelligence and analytics, data governance, and IT services.
- Darril Gibson spent 22 years in the Navy working with computers and electronics and has since authored, co-authored, or contributed to more than 40 books. He’s earned multiple certifications, including CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, and higher.
Overview
This updated study guide (Amazon rating: 4.6/5) is an essential resource designed to help you pass the Security+ SY0-701 exam on your first attempt. It covers all relevant exam objectives and makes complex topics easy to understand with real-world examples.
Each of the 11 chapters concisely has crucial concepts covered, ideal for exam review but not so much for someone new to IT. The book features a comprehensive Exam Topic Review at the end of each chapter, focusing your study efforts on what is most important for the exam.
Over 300 realistic practice test questions with in-depth explanations help assess how well you learn. The materials include a 50-question practice test, questions at the end of every chapter, and a full 90-question practice exam. Each question comes with detailed reasoning for both correct and incorrect answers, enhancing your understanding.
This study guide not only prepares you for the Security+ exam, but it also lays a solid foundation for advanced security certifications. It's an indispensable resource for any IT or security professional aiming to enhance their knowledge in system security.
Interestingly, almost all satisfied readers read this book alongside a Security+ video course instead of as a standalone resource.
Price
Kindle: $9.99 USD
Paperback: $37.00 USD and up
Amazon Link
CompTIA Security+ STUDY GUIDE – Mastering Cybersecurity. The 3-in-1 Guide to the SY0-701 Exam
Author
Robert Dantzler is a seasoned cyber security expert with practical experience in IT support, network administration, and security operations. YneCha Publishing is the independent press that published this book.
Overview
This new study guide (Amazon rating: 4.6/5) covers all exam domains and includes over 1,500 high-quality practice questions accompanied by thorough explanations. Real-world case studies, interactive exercises, and hands-on, scenario-based practice help readers strengthen their expertise beyond memorization.
Additional resources include six full-length practice exams, a companion eBook, flashcards, and a free “weekly tracker” app to monitor your study progress. You’ll also get exam prep tips, job interview strategies, and practical security audit templates.
This guide caters to a diverse audience, including students in IT training, first-time exam takers, active-duty military personnel, and IT professionals seeking to transition into cyber security. It serves as a robust roadmap for mastering the material, achieving certification, and forging a successful career in the cyber security field.
Reviewers praise this resource because it presents everything in a practical and straightforward manner and breaks down exam questions in detail. The first half of the book focuses on theoretical concepts, while the second half focuses on practice questions written in a way that makes you think and understand the material.
Price
Kindle: $9.99 USD (free on Kindle Unlimited)
Paperback: $37.90 USD
Amazon Link
CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 Exam Cram
Authors
- Rob Shimonski, CASP+, CySA+, PenTest+, Security+, is a technology executive specializing in healthcare IT with 25+ years of experience concurrently in the IT and publishing industries.
- Marty M. Weiss, CISSP, CISA, Security+, has 20+ years of experience in information security, risk management, and compliance. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in computer studies and an MBA. He has authored and co-authored books on IT.
Overview
This book (Amazon rating: 4.6/5) is an all-inclusive study guide designed to help you pass the updated versions of the CompTIA Security+ exam. It covers crucial security topics (such as security controls, security threats, access management, and public key infrastructure).
This book contains quizzes, Exam Alerts, and a last-minute review Cram Sheet on page 602. Once you have this book, you can access additional practice materials, including two full-length practice exams with real-time assessment and feedback, videos, challenges, and the Cram Sheet. It also contains detailed explanations of correct and incorrect answers.
Some reviewers are disappointed that the Practice Test access code promised in the book description didn’t come with their purchase. Neither does it emphasize acronyms as much as CompTIA exams do. However, most readers are delighted that this study guide “logically follows the exam objectives” and makes remembering information easy.
Price
Kindle: $31.75 USD
Paperback: $33.42+ USD
Amazon Link
Conclusion
As you can see, when it comes to acing your Security+ certification exam, you have a glut of information to absorb. You may celebrate your ability to take excellent notes, but having an appropriate study guide is invaluable.
If you have a limited budget, we recommend grabbing Ian Neil’s study guide owing to its comprehensiveness at a reasonable price. An alternative is Shelley and Gibson’s book, accompanied by a suitable video course, or Dantzer’s book, which includes a tracker app.
We hope our curated list of CompTIA Security+ Study Guides helps your learning or career journey. Check out our other articles on cyber security and learn how to pass Security+ on your first try.
To prepare adequately for your exam, get a sneak peek of our comprehensive CompTIA Security+ Training Bundle (SY0-701) on sale for $19 USD. For a one-time purchase, get access to 19 hours of video training, three full practice exams, over 300 flashcards, and more. Click the banner below.
Or join the StationX Master’s Program for access to over 30,000 courses and labs, covering everything you need for a career in IT, Network Administration, or Cyber Security.
You can also purchase your exam voucher through StationX at a discounted price. We offer savings of up to 30% on CompTIA exam vouchers. See our voucher page for more details.
No matter where you go next, we wish you all the best.
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