# Code Blue vs AHA ACLS

The clearest difference is price: AHA ACLS at Free against Code Blue's $9.99. AHA ACLS also leads on update cadence (every 2 months vs every 9 months) and chart position (#50 vs unranked). Code Blue's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and review sentiment (50% vs 26%). On ads and device support there is nothing between them.

AHA ACLS is free to download; Code Blue costs $9.99 up front. AHA ACLS sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $3.99 per year. Code Blue asks for nothing beyond the download.

Code Blue ships an update every 9 months, AHA ACLS every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 22, 2026 and October 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Code Blue | AHA ACLS |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $9.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | — | **[4.9 (377 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aha-acls/id1506944443/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **377** |
| Positive reviews | **50.0% of reviews** | 26.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 9 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | **Paid** | Subscription |
| Best chart rank | — | **#50** |
| Size | 22 MB | 48 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Erik Santana](https://appshunter.io/developer/949304380) | [Massachusetts General Hospital](https://appshunter.io/developer/376928206) |

## What reviewers say

### Code Blue

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-blue-cpr-event-timer/id1004299858)

This specialized stopwatch helps medical professionals meticulously record events during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Designed for first responders and healthcare staff, it aids in managing cardiac arrest scenarios by tracking key actions.

**Highlights:** CPR event recording, Cardiac arrest management, Time key events, For medical professionals, Used by first responders

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### AHA ACLS

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aha-acls/id1506944443)

**Currently charting:** #50 Top Grossing · Medical (US App Store)

This app provides clinicians with a digital tool to assist in running cardiac arrest codes and delivering advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) at the bedside. It features the latest AHA recommendations and includes intuitive access to algorithms, drug dosing, and timers for efficient patient care.

**Highlights:** 4 ACLS algorithms (cardiac arrest, tachycardia, bradycardia, post-arrest), Latest 2025 AHA ACLS content, Drug therapy and dosing, Easy-to-read timers, CPR and epinephrine logging, Rapid transition to post-arrest care

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ACLS Pro | $3.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- ✅ Accurate, up-to-date AHA ACLS algorithms
- ⏱️ Built-in timers and counters for code management
- 👍 User-friendly, intuitive interface
- 🏥 Trusted by Harvard/MGH and American Heart Association
- 📋 Helpful for documentation and PCR completion

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Subscription paywall on previously free app
- 🚨 Dangerous surprise paywall during active codes
- ⚠️ No warning before transition to paid model
- 🔐 Requires payment even for basic ACLS information
- 😤 Perceived greed from wealthy organizations (MGH/AHA)

**Reported bugs**

- App fails to load information despite subscription payment
- Users locked out of app mid-code
- Unexpected app crashes during critical moments

**Requested features**

- Multiple log storage with dates
- More detailed code logging with event documentation (IO access, medications, rhythms)
- End code button and pause compressions feature
- Real-time log tracking for back-charting
- LVAD algorithm inclusion


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Code Blue free?

Code Blue costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is AHA ACLS free?

AHA ACLS is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do Code Blue or AHA ACLS have ads?

Neither Code Blue nor AHA ACLS shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Code Blue or AHA ACLS?

Code Blue ships an update every 9 months, and AHA ACLS every 2 months. Most recently, Code Blue was updated on October 22, 2026 and AHA ACLS on October 29, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*