# RNotes vs NurseBrain

The clearest difference is rating: RNotes at 5.0 against NurseBrain's 4.3. RNotes also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.6). NurseBrain's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 5 days vs every 5 months). On price, ratings volume, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. RNotes sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $29.99 per year and NurseBrain sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $29.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

RNotes holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 26 and 31 respectively.

RNotes ships an update every 5 months, NurseBrain every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on September 2, 2026 and September 14, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | RNotes | NurseBrain |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (26 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rnotes-nurses-pocket-guide/id1145374210/reviews)** | [4.3 (31 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nursebrain/id1528871626/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 26 | **31** |
| Positive reviews | — | 87.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | **#195** |
| Size | 46 MB | 128 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 17.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Skyscape Medpresso Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/818609416) | [Nursebrain LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1528871628) |

## What reviewers say

### RNotes

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rnotes-nurses-pocket-guide/id1145374210)

This medical reference app provides essential nursing information for students and professionals. It offers quick access to clinical content, NCLEX tips, and safety alerts, with updated guidelines and laboratory values. An in-app purchase unlocks all features and ongoing updates.

**Highlights:** Nursing Alerts for critical safety information, HIPAA- and OSHA-compliant notes, Quick-access tabs for fast navigation, Highlighted critical laboratory values, Interventions and patient education, ACLS resuscitation procedures

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| RNotes 1/Y Sub | $29.99 | per year |
| RNotes®: Nurse's Clinical Pock | $29.99 | one-time |
| RNotes Ed.6 | $29.99 | one-time |


### NurseBrain

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nursebrain/id1528871626)

**Currently charting:** #195 Top Grossing · Medical (US App Store)

This app digitizes nursing report sheets, allowing nurses to manage their entire shift from a single, connected platform. It helps organize patient information, tasks, and notes, facilitating confident handoffs and efficient documentation.

**Highlights:** Customizable digital brain sheets, Real-time shift tracking, Organized patient handoff views, Voice and quick entry documentation, Generate progress notes and care plans, Cross-device compatibility (phone, watch)

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Premium Access | $29.99 | per month |
| Quarterly Student Access | $29.99 | per 3 months |
| Yearly Premium Access | $149.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Organizes patient info and shifts
- 👍 Improves time management
- 👍 Enhances patient care
- 👍 Minimizes charting time (AI suggestions)
- 👍 Centralized information reduces stress

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Cannot sign up/create account
- 🐛 Cannot log in after signing up
- 🐛 Annoying to not see app without paying
- 🐛 Expensive monthly/yearly fee
- 🐛 Glitches and doesn't load

**Reported bugs**

- App won't let users sign up and make an account
- Cannot log in after signing up
- App glitches and won't load
- Cannot edit active patient list
- Patient list duplicates entries

**Requested features**

- Include more specialties, specifically for outpatients
- Add a 'Return' button for new lines in text fields
- Ability to time medications
- 24-hour clock option


## Frequently asked questions

### Is RNotes free?

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

### Is NurseBrain free?

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

### Which has better reviews, RNotes or NurseBrain?

RNotes is rated higher. RNotes averages 5.0 out of 5 from 26 ratings, while NurseBrain averages 4.3 from 31 ratings.

### Do RNotes or NurseBrain have ads?

RNotes shows ads; NurseBrain does not.

### Which is updated more often, RNotes or NurseBrain?

RNotes ships an update every 5 months, and NurseBrain every 5 days. Most recently, RNotes was updated on September 2, 2026 and NurseBrain on September 14, 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.*