Your choice of pilot theory should reflect the flying you want to do and your possible future ambitions. Talk through your route before committing so that the theory supports your next steps.
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Read the transcript
Which pilot theory course do I actually need?
If you're flying recreationally, you need a Private Pilot Licence. It can also be a stepping stone towards higher qualifications through a modular programme.
You could study CPL theory towards a Commercial Pilot Licence. In this video, I mainly discuss that option for people considering a career in flight instruction. CPL theory also gives credit towards PPL theory requirements, although on this route you normally already hold your PPL before sitting the CPL examinations.
If you want to move towards airline flying, it's usually better to consider ATPL theory. The distinction matters because CPL theory alone may not support the later qualifications you want. It is useful for people who know they won't need an ATPL, and it's also used in helicopter training.
Most people aiming for airline flying study ATPL theory. They complete their ATPL exams after obtaining a PPL, then may hold a CPL while retaining ATPL theory credit for a later upgrade once they meet the requirements. That's the idea behind the informal expression “frozen ATPL”.
To summarise the route discussed here: PPL for recreational flying, CPL theory for certain professional goals such as instruction, and ATPL theory for people aiming towards airline or similar flying careers.
If you need any of those theory courses, the link is below.
