The "Dion vs Messer" decision is the most asked question in CompTIA prep communities. Both instructors have legitimate followings, both produce passes, and both have specific weaknesses the other compensates for. This page is written for the candidate who has already decided to use one (or both) and needs a clear decision framework based on learning style, budget, timeline, and target certification. We'll cover Security+, A+, Network+, and CySA+ specifically since those are the four certs where both instructors overlap.
Neither is universally better—they suit different candidate profiles. Choose Jason Dion ($15-25 Udemy package) if you want a single bundled course with structured lectures, six practice exams, and PBQ prep included. Choose Professor Messer (free YouTube) if you want maximum depth on individual exam objectives, a strict $0 budget, and you're willing to buy practice exams separately ($25). Most first-time passers use both: Messer for objective deep-dives, Dion for practice exams and PBQ format.
Format and Teaching Style Differences
Messer's format is objective-by-objective: he releases one short (5-15 min) video per CompTIA exam objective on YouTube. The strength is precision—you can find any objective in 30 seconds. The weakness is fragmentation; concepts that span objectives can feel disconnected. Dion's format is narrative chunks: he groups related objectives into 30-60 min lectures with real-world scenarios threading them together. The strength is retention; the weakness is harder to spot-check a specific objective without scrubbing through video.
Practice Exams Head-to-Head
Dion includes six 90-question practice exams in his main course at no extra cost. They're calibrated 5-10 points harder than the real exam and include thorough answer explanations. Messer's practice exams are a separate $25 purchase—three exams per certification, multiple-choice only, no PBQ format. Dion's practice exam quality is widely considered superior, especially for PBQ prep. If you only want practice exams (skipping lectures), Dion at $15 on sale beats Messer's $25 add-on on value.
Decision Framework: Which Instructor for You
Pick Messer if: (1) you have a $0 budget, (2) you prefer self-paced objective-by-objective study, (3) you already have IT experience and want a free refresher, or (4) you want unlimited rewatches without Udemy account issues. Pick Dion if: (1) you want everything in one bundle for $15-25, (2) you need PBQ prep included, (3) you struggle with self-direction and want a "follow the playlist" experience, or (4) you specifically want narrative-style teaching with real-world examples. Pick both if: budget allows—use Messer for deep objective study, Dion for practice exams. This is the most common winning combination.
Pro Tips
Buy Dion only during Udemy sales ($15-25). Never at the $89 list price—sales happen every 2-3 weeks.
Watch Messer first if Dion's lecture pace feels too slow—Messer is denser per minute.
Use Dion's practice exams even if you primarily study with Messer; they're the best on the market.
For A+, Messer's depth on hardware is unmatched. For Security+, Dion's scenario framing wins.
For CySA+ and PenTest+, Dion is the clear choice—Messer's coverage of those certs is limited.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Picking one instructor purely because they're cheaper or more popular—learning-style fit matters more.
Watching all of both. You'll burn out. Pick one as primary, use the other for weak spots only.
Skipping Messer because "he doesn't do PBQs"—his free objective videos are still the best objective-by-objective coverage.
Buying Dion at full price. Wait 1-3 weeks for the Udemy sale; it always comes.
Ignoring Dion's downloadable notes—they're among the best free study artifacts in his course.
Frequently Asked Questions
Neither is universally better. Dion is better for bundled value and PBQ prep ($15-25 for everything). Messer is better for free objective-by-objective depth. Most first-time passers use both.
Yes, if budget allows. Use Messer's free videos for objective deep-dives and Dion's practice exams ($15) for measurement and PBQ prep. This combination has the highest first-attempt pass rate in r/CompTIA self-reports.
Messer's videos are free; his practice exams cost $25 separately. Dion costs $15-25 on Udemy sale for everything bundled. If you want practice exams, Dion is cheaper overall.
Dion clearly wins for PBQ prep. His course includes a PBQ simulator module and his practice exams use PBQ-style questions. Messer's practice exams are multiple-choice only.
Messer's free videos cover every exam objective conceptually, but you'll want practice exams from somewhere. Buy either his $25 practice exams or Dion's $15-25 bundle—Dion is better value if you only need one supplement.
Dion is the clear choice for CySA+ and PenTest+. Messer's coverage of those certifications is limited. Dion has full courses with practice exams for both.
Related Resources
Jason Dion Honest Review Jason Dion Practice Exams Professor Messer vs Jason Dion Is Jason Dion Enough for Security+? Is Professor Messer Enough for Security+? Free Security+ PracticePractice for 25+ Certifications—Free
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