# ClinicalKey vs Concise Surgery

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: ClinicalKey at none against Concise Surgery's 4. ClinicalKey also leads on review sentiment (9% vs 0%). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Concise Surgery sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. ClinicalKey asks for nothing beyond the download.

## The numbers

| Metric | ClinicalKey | Concise Surgery |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | **8.8% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | — |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 55 MB | 51 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 12+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Elsevier Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/367031326) | [RER MedApps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1720150558) |

## 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


### Concise Surgery

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/concise-surgery/id6738857038)

A case-based learning tool for surgery students and junior doctors. It simplifies complex surgical concepts with high-yield scenarios, focusing on clinical reasoning and exam preparation. Designed for rapid revision and confident performance in assessments.

**Highlights:** Concise case-based learning, Core general surgery topics, Applied clinical reasoning, Exam-oriented structure, OSCE and university exam preparation, Rapid revision

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| Premium Yearly | $24.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Access - 50% Off | $24.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime Access | $49.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ClinicalKey free?

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

### Is Concise Surgery free?

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

### Do ClinicalKey or Concise Surgery have ads?

Neither ClinicalKey nor Concise Surgery shows ads.

---

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