# ClinicalKey vs Embolus

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Embolus at 71% against ClinicalKey's 9%. ClinicalKey's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 8) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 18.0). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Embolus sells 8 one-off in-app purchases. ClinicalKey asks for nothing beyond the download.

ClinicalKey ships an update every 5 weeks, Embolus every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ClinicalKey | Embolus |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.7 (16 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/embolus/id1483032289/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **16** |
| Positive reviews | 8.8% of reviews | **71.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 55 MB | 43 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 12+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Elsevier Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/367031326) | [Sang Medicine Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1483032288) |

## What reviewers say

### ClinicalKey

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/clinicalkey/id1041998175)

This app provides medical professionals with instant access to a vast library of clinical knowledge, including synoptic content and in-depth reference materials. It helps users stay updated on medical advancements, confirm diagnoses, and advance their research skills, all while offering CME/MOC/CE credits.

**Highlights:** Access to 30+ medical specialties, Synoptic content for quick answers, Full-text reference books and journals, Mobile-optimized medical calculators, Earn CME/MOC/CE credits, Intuitive search functionality

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 📚 High-quality, evidence-based clinical content
- 🎯 Intuitive interface and quick reference format
- 🔍 Similar functionality to website version
- 👍 Browse feature restoration appreciated by users

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔓 Constant forced logout issues
- 🔐 Institutional login authentication failures
- ⏳ App freezes and perpetual loading screens
- 🚫 Missing textbook access in app vs website
- 📵 Frequent crashes and force closures

**Reported bugs**

- App stuck on loading screen after initial login
- Forced logout when closing or minimizing app
- Institutional login not working despite web access
- App crashes during search queries
- OpenAthens authentication failures

**Requested features**

- PDF download capability within the app
- Favorite/bookmark textbooks and articles
- Landscape mode support for iPad
- Find-on-page text search function
- Automatic session persistence and page memory


### Embolus

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/embolus/id1483032289)

This app provides clinical case studies and data interpretation exercises focused on laboratory haemostasis. It's designed to test and improve your knowledge for postgraduate Haematology exams and offers realistic patient and lab data.

**Highlights:** 70 clinical cases, 6 key haemostasis areas, Realistic patient data, Lab data interpretation, Exam question familiarization, Progress tracking

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Screening Tests | $1.99 | one-time |
| Factor Assays | $1.99 | one-time |
| Platelet Function Tests | $1.99 | one-time |
| Genetic Tests | $1.99 | one-time |
| Thrombophilia Tests | $1.99 | one-time |
| Miscellaneous Tests | $1.99 | one-time |
| Cloud Sync | $1.99 | one-time |
| Haemostasis | $9.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ClinicalKey free?

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

### Is Embolus free?

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

### Do ClinicalKey or Embolus have ads?

Neither ClinicalKey nor Embolus shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ClinicalKey or Embolus?

ClinicalKey ships an update every 5 weeks, and Embolus every 2 months. Most recently, ClinicalKey was updated on October 16, 2026 and Embolus on October 8, 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.*