Zanki vs Lightyear
Trying to decide between Zanki or Lightyear? Both are Step 1 Anki decks built against the same exam, so they cover most of the same ground. This page is about the differences — how their high-yield core, breadth, and depth compare, and where one covers more ground at the area level — so you can pick the fit, not a “winner.”
At a glance
| Zanki | Lightyear | |
|---|---|---|
| High-yield core | Strong | Strong |
| Breadth | Broad | Broad |
| Depth | Moderate ~22 cards/concept | Moderate ~16 cards/concept |
| Step 1 cards | ~18k | ~14k |
| Best for | Classic full coverage | Comprehensive, curated |
Quality axes are shapes, not exact figures — the card-to-concept mapping is probabilistic. Depth is study style (cards per concept), not a quality score. How we audit decks →
How they differ
Both decks cover essentially the same Step 1 concepts — heavy overlap is the norm. The differences that actually matter:
- Depth & volume. Zanki is moderate (~22 cards/concept, ~18k cards); Lightyear is moderate (~16 cards/concept, ~14k cards). More cards per concept means harder drilling on each point; fewer means a faster single pass.
- Coverage. Essentially the same concepts across every area — neither covers meaningful ground the other lacks.
Coverage differences are reported at the area level — our card-to-concept mapping is reliable in aggregate but not precise enough to name individual missing topics.
Should you use Zanki or Lightyear?
Pick Zanki if you want classic full coverage; pick Lightyear if you want comprehensive, curated. Either way, the only thing that moves your score is what you've actually reviewed — not which deck ships a few more cards. Full Zanki audit · Full Lightyear audit
Frequently asked questions
Is Zanki or Lightyear better for Step 1?
Neither is strictly better — they overlap heavily because both cover the same Step 1 content. Zanki is classic full coverage; Lightyear is comprehensive, curated. The practical difference is depth and volume — how many cards each spends per concept — not which concepts are covered. Pick the one that fits how you study.
Should I use Zanki or Lightyear for Step 1?
Use Zanki if you want classic full coverage; use Lightyear if you want comprehensive, curated. They cover the same Step 1 content, so the decision is about depth, volume, and style — not missing topics. Whichever you pick, what moves your score is what you've actually reviewed, not which deck ships a few more cards.
Can I use Zanki and Lightyear together?
You can, but because they overlap so heavily, running both is mostly redundant — you'd review the same concepts twice. Most students pick one as their primary deck. The reason to choose one over the other is its depth, volume, and style, not chasing missing content.