# ClinicalKey vs Plabable for PA

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Plabable for PA at 72% against ClinicalKey's 9%. Plabable for PA also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.5). ClinicalKey's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 7). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Plabable for PA sells 7 one-off in-app purchases. ClinicalKey asks for nothing beyond the download.

ClinicalKey ships an update every 5 weeks, Plabable for PA monthly. Both last shipped on October 29, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | ClinicalKey | Plabable for PA |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/plabable-for-pa/id1504080359/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1** |
| Positive reviews | 8.8% of reviews | **72.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 68 MB | 87 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.5 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | +12 | 17+ |
| Developer | [Elsevier Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/367031326) | [Plabable Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1446896708) |

## 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


### Plabable for PA

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/plabable-for-pa/id1504080359)

Prepare for the Physician Associate National Examination (PANE) with high-yield practice questions and comprehensive revision guides. This app offers timed mock exams and evidence-based explanations to help you pass the knowledge-based assessment.

**Highlights:** High-yield practice questions, Timed mock practices, Comprehensive revision guides, Evidence-based explanations, Practice by clinical categories, Flagging questions and guides

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Gems | $14.99 | one-time |
| Extend 3 Months | $29.99 | one-time |
| 3 Months | $39.99 | one-time |
| Extend 5 Months | $39.99 | one-time |
| 3 Months + Gems | $39.99 | one-time |
| 5 Months | $49.99 | one-time |
| 5 Months + Gems | $49.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ClinicalKey free?

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

### Is Plabable for PA free?

Plabable for PA is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do ClinicalKey or Plabable for PA have ads?

Neither ClinicalKey nor Plabable for PA shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ClinicalKey or Plabable for PA?

ClinicalKey ships an update every 5 weeks, and Plabable for PA monthly. Most recently, ClinicalKey was updated on October 29, 2026 and Plabable for PA 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.*