# Michigan MAGIC vs AHA ACLS

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Michigan MAGIC at 100% against AHA ACLS's 26%. Michigan MAGIC also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1) and iOS requirement (9.3 vs 15.1). AHA ACLS's advantage is ratings volume (369 vs 9) and rating (4.9 vs 4.7). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. AHA ACLS sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $3.99 per year. Michigan MAGIC asks for nothing beyond the download.

AHA ACLS holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: AHA ACLS has 369 ratings behind it against 9, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 100% of Michigan MAGIC's written reviews are positive against 26% of AHA ACLS's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Michigan MAGIC ships an update every 4 months, AHA ACLS every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Michigan MAGIC | AHA ACLS |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/michigan-magic/id1217459086/reviews) | **[4.9 (369 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aha-acls/id1506944443/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 9 | **369** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 26.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Subscription |
| Best chart rank | — | **#43** |
| Size | 9 MB | 48 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.3** | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [The University of Michigan](https://appshunter.io/developer/380339599) | [Massachusetts General Hospital](https://appshunter.io/developer/376928206) |

## What reviewers say

### Michigan MAGIC

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/michigan-magic/id1217459086)

This application provides guidance on the appropriate use of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs). It helps medical professionals balance the benefits of PICCs against potential complications like deep vein thrombosis and bloodstream infections.

**Highlights:** PICC use recommendations, Risk-benefit balancing, Guidance for medical professionals, Information on PICC complications, Bedside insertion convenience

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### AHA ACLS

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aha-acls/id1506944443)

**Currently charting:** #43 Top Grossing · Medical (US App Store)

This app provides clinicians with a digital tool to assist in running cardiac arrest codes and delivering advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) at the bedside. It features the latest AHA recommendations and includes intuitive access to algorithms, drug dosing, and timers for efficient patient care.

**Highlights:** 4 ACLS algorithms (cardiac arrest, tachycardia, bradycardia, post-arrest), Latest 2025 AHA ACLS content, Drug therapy and dosing, Easy-to-read timers, CPR and epinephrine logging, Rapid transition to post-arrest care

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ACLS Pro | $3.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- ✅ Accurate, up-to-date AHA ACLS algorithms
- ⏱️ Built-in timers and counters for code management
- 👍 User-friendly, intuitive interface
- 🏥 Trusted by Harvard/MGH and American Heart Association
- 📋 Helpful for documentation and PCR completion

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Subscription paywall on previously free app
- 🚨 Dangerous surprise paywall during active codes
- ⚠️ No warning before transition to paid model
- 🔐 Requires payment even for basic ACLS information
- 😤 Perceived greed from wealthy organizations (MGH/AHA)

**Reported bugs**

- App fails to load information despite subscription payment
- Users locked out of app mid-code
- Unexpected app crashes during critical moments

**Requested features**

- Multiple log storage with dates
- More detailed code logging with event documentation (IO access, medications, rhythms)
- End code button and pause compressions feature
- Real-time log tracking for back-charting
- LVAD algorithm inclusion


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Michigan MAGIC free?

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

### Is AHA ACLS free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Michigan MAGIC or AHA ACLS?

AHA ACLS is rated higher. Michigan MAGIC averages 4.7 out of 5 from 9 ratings, while AHA ACLS averages 4.9 from 369 ratings.

### Do Michigan MAGIC or AHA ACLS have ads?

Neither Michigan MAGIC nor AHA ACLS shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Michigan MAGIC or AHA ACLS?

Michigan MAGIC ships an update every 4 months, and AHA ACLS every 2 months. Most recently, Michigan MAGIC was updated on October 24, 2026 and AHA ACLS on October 25, 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.*