Chegg Study Review: Don’t Sign Up Until You Read This!

As a student navigating academia, finding reliable resources to master coursework can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Fortunately, platforms like Chegg Study have been helping reduce academic stress by providing tailored study tools and resources for students in various disciplines.

But here’s what changed in the last two years. ChatGPT launched in late 2022 and completely disrupted the homework help industry. Chegg’s stock dropped 99%. The company laid off 45% of its workforce. Over half a million subscribers left.

Today, Chegg Study has grown to become one of the most established homework help services on the market. It offers 24/7 support across many different fields and topics. But it’s also fighting for survival against free AI alternatives that do much of what Chegg does.

As an online learning service based on a membership strategy, it has hundreds of textbook answers and expert Q&A sessions. However, like every other platform, it has its own strengths and weaknesses. And in 2026, those strengths and weaknesses look very different than they did three years ago.

In this Chegg Study review, I’ll delve into my experience using Chegg Study, shedding light on how it works, what happened with the AI disruption, its pros and cons in the current landscape, and ultimately whether it’s worth the investment for students seeking academic support when free alternatives exist.

Introduction to Chegg Study

Chegg Study is a subscription-based service offered by Chegg, an American education technology company founded in 2005. It’s designed to provide students with all sorts of homework help.

Chegg Study Pack is a broader package that offers access to a vast database of study materials, including textbook solutions, expert Q&A, practice problems, and more. The platform covers a wide range of subjects – from mathematics and science to humanities and business.

The key features of Chegg Study Pack include:

1. Homework Help
2. Expert Q&A
3. Textbook solutions
4. Maths Solver
5. Citations
6. Plagiarism Checker
7. Grammar Checker
8. Expert proofreading

In this article, Chegg Study and Chegg Study Pack are used simultaneously and both more or less represent the same product.

What Happened Between 2023-2026: The AI Disruption

Before we dive into how Chegg Study works, you need to understand what happened to this company over the last few years. Because it fundamentally changes whether this subscription makes sense for you.

November 2022: ChatGPT launches. Students immediately start using it for free homework help.

May 2023: Chegg admits publicly that ChatGPT is “having an impact on new customer growth.” Their stock drops 48% in a single day.

First quarter 2025: Subscribers down 31% to 3.2 million. Revenue down 30% to $121 million.

Third quarter 2025: Revenue down 40% year-over-year. Stock price hits $0.81, down from a $113 peak in February 2021. That’s a 99% collapse.

The company laid off 22% of its workforce in May 2025. Then another 45% in October. That’s 636 employees gone in six months.

Why does this matter for your decision? Because 89% of students now use ChatGPT for homework help versus 30% using Chegg. You’re deciding whether to pay $19.95/month for something you can get mostly free elsewhere.

But here’s the thing. Chegg isn’t dead yet. They responded by integrating AI features into their platform. In February 2026, they launched new AI-powered tools designed to compete with ChatGPT:

Side-by-side AI comparison. Shows Chegg’s answer next to ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini responses. You pick which explanation works best.

Multi-LLM selection. Choose between ChatGPT, Gemini, Llama, and DeepSeek within Chegg’s interface. You’re essentially getting ChatGPT Plus functionality ($20/month) plus Chegg’s structured content for $19.95/month.

AI-generated practice questions. Takes complex material and creates practice problems automatically for exam prep.

Instant answers. Everything generates immediately now instead of waiting for expert responses.

These features help Chegg remain competitive. But the fundamental question remains: should you pay for this when free alternatives exist?

How Chegg Study Works

Upon signing up for Chegg Study, users gain access to a plethora of resources tailored to supplement their learning journey. Its fees are affordable enough for everyone to choose the best plan for them. When a user signs up for a free service, Chegg offers them a week-long trial.

Below is an overview of some key features of Chegg Study Pack and how they function:

Textbook Solutions

One of the flagship features of Chegg Study is its extensive collection of textbook solutions. Users can simply input the title, author, or ISBN of their textbook, and Chegg Study will present step-by-step solutions to problems found within the text.

This is where Chegg still maintains a real advantage over ChatGPT. They have step-by-step solutions for millions of textbook problems. Not AI-generated explanations. Actual worked solutions matching your exact textbook edition, page number, and problem number.

ChatGPT can solve textbook problems if you type them out. But that takes time. Chegg’s database lets you search by ISBN, find your book, and get solutions instantly. For courses using standard textbooks (especially older editions), this saves significant time.

The accuracy is higher too. These solutions were written by subject experts, not generated by an LLM that occasionally makes confident mistakes. This resource is invaluable for students struggling with homework assignments or seeking additional practice to reinforce concepts covered in class.

Related: 10 Best Places to Sell Textbooks Online for Extra Cash

Expert Q&A

Chegg Study also offers a platform for students to ask questions and receive answers from subject matter experts. Whether it’s clarifying a difficult concept, tackling a particularly challenging problem, or seeking guidance on a study topic, users can post their queries and expect prompt responses from knowledgeable individuals.

In 2026, most responses are now AI-generated instantly rather than waiting for human experts. This was necessary to compete with ChatGPT’s speed. The quality is generally good, but understand you’re mostly getting AI assistance now, not human expertise.

This real-time interaction fosters a sense of academic community and provides students with the support they need to succeed. For complex STEM problems – calculus, chemistry, physics, advanced statistics – Chegg’s expert-written solutions show every step with proper notation that ChatGPT sometimes skips.

Practice Problems

In addition to textbook solutions and expert Q&A, Chegg Study provides users with a repository of practice problems to hone their skills and test their understanding of course material. These problems cover a range of difficulty levels and are accompanied by detailed solutions to help users pinpoint areas for improvement and track their progress over time.

The new AI features generate additional practice questions automatically, which is legitimately useful for exam prep. ChatGPT can do this too, but Chegg’s version is pre-integrated with textbook content.

Study Guides

For students seeking a more structured approach to their learning, Chegg Study offers a selection of study guides tailored to popular textbooks and course syllabi. These guides break down key concepts, provide tips for effective studying, and offer additional resources to supplement classroom instruction.

Chegg organizes content by textbook chapter and section. You can work through problem sets systematically. ChatGPT is conversational and reactive – great for specific questions but less useful for structured review. Whether preparing for exams or simply seeking a deeper understanding of course material, these guides serve as valuable companions to traditional textbooks.

Chegg Study vs ChatGPT: The Honest Comparison

This is the section you really came for. When does Chegg make sense versus free ChatGPT?

Where Chegg Still Wins

Textbook solutions database. This is Chegg’s only remaining moat. Millions of problems with step-by-step solutions matching exact textbook editions. If you’re in STEM courses using standard textbooks, this alone might justify the subscription.

Complex STEM problem methodology. Chegg’s solutions show every step with proper notation. ChatGPT can solve these problems but often jumps steps or uses inconsistent notation. For physics, chemistry, and advanced math, this matters.

Structured learning paths. If you’re preparing for a physics midterm covering chapters 4-7, Chegg lets you work through all chapter problems in order. ChatGPT requires you to manually input each problem.

Reliability for graded work. ChatGPT hallucinates occasionally. For homework you’re submitting, Chegg’s expert-verified solutions have higher accuracy rates.

Where ChatGPT Destroys Chegg

Price. ChatGPT’s free tier handles 80% of undergraduate homework. The paid tier ($20/month) costs the same as Chegg Study Pack but offers more versatility.

Writing assignments. Brainstorming essays, outlining arguments, editing drafts. ChatGPT excels at this. Chegg’s Writing Tool is basic grammar checking. Not even close.

Conceptual explanations. “Explain X concept in simple terms” or “Why does Y work this way?” ChatGPT’s conversational interface is perfect for this. Chegg’s Q&A takes longer (even with AI).

Cross-subject flexibility. ChatGPT handles everything. History, philosophy, computer science, economics, literature. Chegg is strongest in math and science. Their humanities content is weaker.

Accessibility. Some universities now provide ChatGPT accounts free to students. If yours does, paying $20/month for Chegg makes no financial sense unless you need specific textbook solutions.

Pros of Chegg Study

Chegg Study remains a valuable resource for specific types of students. In this section, I’ll describe the salient advantages of the platform in the current landscape.

Comprehensive Resource Library

Chegg Study boasts an extensive collection of study materials, including textbook solutions, expert Q&A, practice problems, and study guides, covering a wide range of subjects and topics. The addition of multi-LLM AI comparison means you’re getting ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini access alongside Chegg’s database.

Convenience and Accessibility

With its online platform and mobile app, Chegg Study offers users the flexibility to study anytime, anywhere, making it an ideal companion for students with busy schedules or on-the-go lifestyles.

Real-Time AI Assistance

The ability to get instant AI-generated responses provides users with immediate support and guidance, enhancing their learning experience and promoting academic success. The side-by-side comparison feature lets you evaluate multiple AI explanations to find what clicks for you.

Step-by-Step Solutions

The detailed, step-by-step solutions provided for textbook problems offer users a deeper understanding of core concepts and serve as valuable learning aids for homework assignments and exam preparation. These are expert-written, not AI-generated, which means higher reliability.

Personalized Learning Experience

Chegg Study allows users to tailor their study experience to their individual needs and preferences, whether they’re seeking additional practice problems, expert guidance, or supplemental study materials.

Competitive Pricing for What You Get

Compared to traditional tutoring services, Chegg Study at $19.95/month offers reasonable value if you’re using textbook solutions regularly. The multi-LLM access essentially gives you ChatGPT Plus functionality at the same price point.

Bonus: Calm App Subscription

Chegg Study subscription comes with free subscription to Calm Premium, to help students manage study stress with tips on meditation and sleep.

Cons of Chegg Study

Like every other platform, Chegg Study has its own flaws. I’ll shed light upon them in this section so you can consider them before making a purchase.

Subscription Cost When Alternatives Are Free

While Chegg Study’s subscription model offers users access to a wealth of study resources, the recurring cost is harder to justify now that ChatGPT provides free homework help. At $19.95/month or $239.40/year, it’s a significant expense when you can get 80% of the functionality free.

Dependency Risk

Relying too heavily on Chegg Study as a crutch for academic challenges may hinder students’ ability to develop critical thinking skills and independently solve problems, potentially leading to academic stagnation in the long run.

I’ve tutored students who can’t solve basic calculus without Chegg. They’ve trained themselves to look up every problem instead of attempting it first. This destroys your ability to perform on exams where Chegg isn’t available.

Quality Control Issues

While Chegg Study strives to maintain high standards of accuracy and reliability in its study materials, there may be instances where errors or inaccuracies slip through the cracks, leading to confusion or misinformation for users.

I found errors in approximately 1 in 30 solutions when spot-checking calculus and chemistry problems. Not terrible, but not perfect either. The bigger issue: outdated solutions for textbooks that have updated editions.

Academic Integrity Concerns

The use of Chegg Study to obtain answers to homework assignments or exams raises ethical questions regarding academic integrity and plagiarism, as some students may be tempted to misuse the platform as a shortcut rather than a legitimate learning tool.

Universities track Chegg usage. Multiple students at the same school accessing the same Chegg solution at the same time raises red flags. This tracking issue doesn’t exist with ChatGPT because it generates unique responses.

Limited Subject Coverage Outside STEM

Although Chegg Study covers a wide range of subjects and topics, there may be niche or specialized areas where the available resources are more limited. Humanities and social sciences are particularly weak compared to math and science coverage.

Company Survival Uncertainty

With a 99% stock collapse, massive layoffs, and 40% revenue decline, there’s legitimate concern about whether Chegg will survive long-term. Subscribing to a service that might not exist in two years is a risk worth considering.

Recommended: The Best Chegg Alternatives in 2026

Chegg Study Prices

It’s time to discuss one of the most common queries that students have – how much does a Chegg Study subscription cost? Is it possible to cancel later? When must you pay?

The basic version of Chegg Study, which includes textbook answers and Q&A with AI assistance, costs $14.95/month or $74.95/year.

In contrast, the $19.95/month Chegg Study Pack or $119.95/year has several additional features including Math Solver, Homework help, Writing Tool, multi-LLM AI comparison, and many video guides. It also allows students to ask up to twenty questions per day, while the basic plan limits them to five daily. The membership kicks off the day you pay for it and renews automatically.

Chegg offers a seven-day free trial for new users. Use this to verify your textbooks are in their database before committing to a paid subscription.

Comparison to alternatives:

• ChatGPT: Free (basic) or $20/month (Plus with GPT-4o)
• Course Hero: $39.95/month (includes study documents)
• Numerade: $9.99/month (STEM-focused)

Speaking of cancellation, despite some students finding the process difficult, I personally found it pretty straightforward. The seven-day trial gives you enough time to test if the service matches your coursework needs.

It’s worth noting that the multi-LLM comparison feature launched in February 2026 significantly improved the value proposition. You’re essentially getting access to ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and DeepSeek alongside Chegg’s textbook database for $19.95/month.

However, you should always have the possibility of hidden fees in mind and ensure you’re not caught off-guard by the fine print. Do your own research thoroughly before making any commitments.

Is Chegg Study Worth It in 2026?

That’s the critical question for students in the post-ChatGPT era. Although membership fees and features are important, what matters most is whether this subscription provides value you can’t get elsewhere.

In that regard, the answer depends entirely on what you’re studying and how you learn.

Chegg Study makes sense if:

• You’re in STEM-heavy courses using standard textbooks (engineering, chemistry, physics, advanced math)
• Your textbooks are verified to be in Chegg’s database (check during free trial)
• You need reliable, step-by-step solutions for graded assignments where accuracy matters
• You can afford both Chegg and ChatGPT Plus ($40/month total) to get benefits of each

ChatGPT makes more sense if:

• You’re in humanities, social sciences, or business with lots of writing
• Budget limits you to one $20/month subscription
• Your courses don’t use standard textbooks or professors create custom problem sets
• You want a versatile learning tool for concepts and writing, not just answer lookup

Neither makes sense if:

• Budget is tight and $20/month matters financially
• Your courses are discussion-based or experiential (art history, creative writing, lab sciences)
• You have strong self-discipline to use free ChatGPT as a learning tool
• Your university provides ChatGPT accounts free to students

Do I feel that Chegg Study is perfect? Honestly, I can’t say so. There isn’t really any perfect thing in the world, and Chegg Study is no different. Although its best features for students are truly worth appreciating – particularly that textbook solutions database – I’ve also noticed the limitations I’ve discussed throughout this review.

The company’s financial struggles and mass layoffs raise legitimate concerns about long-term viability. But the core product still works today if it matches your specific needs.

Overall, taking these pros and cons into account, I’d say that Chegg Study remains a useful tool for STEM students who want to perform better in school, without compromising their own efforts to achieve excellence. For everyone else, free or alternative options likely provide better value.

Best Chegg Study Alternatives

If Chegg doesn’t fit your budget or study style, these alternatives cover similar ground. Some are free, some are cheaper, and some handle specific subjects better.

Khan Academy (Free)

Khan Academy is 100% free with no premium tier. It covers math (arithmetic through calculus), science, economics, and computing with video lessons, practice problems, and progress tracking. It won’t give you textbook-specific solutions like Chegg, but it teaches the underlying concepts so you can solve problems yourself. Best for building foundational understanding in math and science.

Wolfram Alpha (Free / $7.25/month)

Wolfram Alpha is the best math-specific alternative. Type any equation and it shows every solution step with explanations. The free version handles most queries. Pro ($7.25/month for students) adds step-by-step solutions for complex problems and image input. For pure math and science calculations, it’s more reliable than both Chegg and ChatGPT.

Quizlet (Free / $35.99/year)

Quizlet has 300+ million study sets covering every subject. It’s built around active recall and spaced repetition, the most evidence-backed study methods. After acquiring Slader, Quizlet also includes textbook solutions. The free tier is generous. Quizlet Plus removes ads and adds AI study tools. Best for: exam prep, vocabulary, concept review.

Course Hero ($9.95-$39.95/month)

Course Hero has 30+ million course-specific resources: lecture notes, study guides, and past exams organized by university and course. More expensive than Chegg on the monthly plan, but the course-specific content is hard to find elsewhere. Best for finding study materials for your exact course at your university.

Coursera (Free to audit / $59/month Plus)

If you’re struggling with an entire subject (not just individual problems), a focused Coursera course can fill knowledge gaps that no amount of answer-looking-up will fix. Most courses are free to audit. Coursera Plus gives unlimited access. Best for students who need to rebuild foundational understanding in a subject.

Numerade ($9.99/month)

Numerade focuses specifically on STEM with video solutions for textbook problems. At half the price of Chegg Study Pack, it’s worth considering if video explanations match your learning style better than text-based solutions. Their AI tutor “Ace” can also answer follow-up questions about solutions.

For a more detailed comparison, check out my full guide on the best Chegg alternatives.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Chegg Study offers a comprehensive suite of study tools and resources designed to empower students on their academic journey. From textbook solutions and AI-assisted Q&A to practice problems and study guides, the platform caters to a diverse range of learning styles and preferences.

However, the landscape has fundamentally changed since ChatGPT launched. Chegg lost 99% of its stock value, laid off nearly half its workforce, and watched 500,000+ subscribers leave for free alternatives. The company responded by integrating AI features – side-by-side LLM comparison, instant AI answers, and multi-model access – that help them remain competitive.

The textbook solutions database is Chegg’s only remaining moat. If you’re in STEM courses using standard textbooks in their database, $19.95/month might be worth it. The multi-LLM feature essentially gives you ChatGPT Plus functionality alongside those textbook solutions.

But for most students – particularly those in humanities, social sciences, or writing-heavy majors – ChatGPT (free or Plus at $20/month) provides better value. More versatile, more powerful for writing and conceptual understanding, and no company survival concerns.

I must stress that it’s crucial for students to approach Chegg Study as a supplement rather than a substitute for traditional studying methods, maintaining a balance between leveraging its resources and developing essential critical thinking skills. While the platform has its drawbacks – subscription costs, ethical considerations, dependency risks – its benefits may outweigh the drawbacks for STEM students seeking textbook solution support.

Ultimately, whether Chegg Study is worth the investment depends on your individual needs, preferences, and academic goals.

Fortunately, the seven-day free trial allows new users to try out its service and see if it meets their needs. Use this trial to verify your textbooks are in their database before committing. There are occasional discounts available on special events like Black Friday.

I hope this Chegg Study review helps you properly understand all the pros and cons of the platform in 2026’s AI-disrupted landscape and make an informed decision regarding how to use it – if at all.

Frequently Asked Questions

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