# DSM vs BrainExplain

The clearest difference is rating: DSM at 4.6 against BrainExplain's 3.0. DSM also leads on ratings volume (1.6K vs 2) and chart position (#112 vs unranked). BrainExplain's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and update cadence (weekly vs every 5 months). On price and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. DSM sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. BrainExplain asks for nothing beyond the download.

DSM holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: DSM has 1.6K ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

DSM ships an update every 5 months, BrainExplain weekly. The most recent releases landed on November 10, 2026 and November 2, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | DSM | BrainExplain |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (1.6K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dsm-5-tr-diagnosis-handbook/id1008319988/reviews)** | [3.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brainexplain/id1104442847/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.6K** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 33.9% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | **#112** | — |
| Size | 16 MB | 289 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **6.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Unbound Medicine, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/300420400) | [Cheryl Montgomery](https://appshunter.io/developer/611176285) |

## What reviewers say

### DSM

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dsm-5-tr-diagnosis-handbook/id1008319988)

**Currently charting:** #112 Top Grossing · Medical (US App Store)

This app assists clinicians in making accurate psychiatric diagnoses using the latest DSM-5-TR® classifications. It features interactive decision trees and algorithms to guide users through a 6-step diagnostic process, offering differential diagnoses and detailed condition entries.

**Highlights:** Interactive decision trees for diagnosis, Review selected diagnostic paths, Algorithms for enhanced assessment, Latest DSM-5-TR classifications, Differential diagnosis tables, Detailed psychiatric condition entries, Advanced search and favorites

**Features:** Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| DSM-5™ Differential Dx HB | $69.99 | one-time |
| DSM-5-TR | $79.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Quick lookup
- 💡 Helpful decision trees
- 🙌 Great app for therapists

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Spelling errors
- ⚠️ Lacks full diagnostic criteria
- 💰 Overpriced for the content
- 🤔 Misleading or incomplete information

**Reported bugs**

- Login issues
- Subscription confusion
- Compatibility problems

**Requested features**

- Update to latest DSM edition
- Include DSM-5 codes
- Add dark mode
- Expand content coverage


### BrainExplain

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brainexplain/id1104442847)

Explore a 3D model of the human brain, highlighting specific regions and their functions. Gain insights into emotions, mental health, and treatment by viewing the brain from multiple perspectives.

**Highlights:** 3D human brain model, Highlighting of specific brain regions, Descriptions of region functions, Multiple viewing perspectives, Understanding emotions and mental health

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is DSM free?

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

### Is BrainExplain free?

BrainExplain is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, DSM or BrainExplain?

DSM is rated higher. DSM averages 4.6 out of 5 from 1.6K ratings, while BrainExplain averages 3.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do DSM or BrainExplain have ads?

Neither DSM nor BrainExplain shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, DSM or BrainExplain?

DSM ships an update every 5 months, and BrainExplain weekly. Most recently, DSM was updated on November 10, 2026 and BrainExplain on November 2, 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.*