# ClinicalKey vs TRACE Logbook

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: ClinicalKey at none against TRACE Logbook's 2. ClinicalKey also leads on iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). TRACE Logbook's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 5 weeks). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. TRACE Logbook sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. ClinicalKey asks for nothing beyond the download.

ClinicalKey ships an update every 5 weeks, TRACE Logbook every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ClinicalKey | TRACE Logbook |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | 8.8% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Subscription | — |
| Size | 55 MB | 6 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Mac |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Elsevier Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/367031326) | [TRACE LOGBOOK LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/6798126729) |

## 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


### TRACE Logbook

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/trace-logbook/id6798126487)

**Features:** Vision Pro support, iPhone Duo support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| TRACE Pro Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| TRACE Pro Yearly | $39.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ClinicalKey free?

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

### Is TRACE Logbook free?

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

### Do ClinicalKey or TRACE Logbook have ads?

Neither ClinicalKey nor TRACE Logbook shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ClinicalKey or TRACE Logbook?

ClinicalKey ships an update every 5 weeks, and TRACE Logbook every 2 weeks. Most recently, ClinicalKey was updated on October 20, 2026 and TRACE Logbook 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.*