# USMLE vs ARO 2026

The clearest difference is rating: USMLE at 4.7 against ARO 2026's 2.6. USMLE also leads on ratings volume (5K vs 7) and chart position (#171 vs unranked). ARO 2026's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and update cadence (every 4 days vs every 6 weeks). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. USMLE sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $49.99 per month. ARO 2026 asks for nothing beyond the download.

USMLE holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 2.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: USMLE has 5K ratings behind it against 7, so its average is the more settled of the two.

USMLE ships an update every 6 weeks, ARO 2026 every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | USMLE | ARO 2026 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/usmle-rx/id1222119266/reviews)** | [2.6 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aro-2026/id6475390637/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **5K** | 7 |
| Positive reviews | 48.9% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | **#171** | — |
| Size | 40 MB | 96 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [MedIQ Learning, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/344457828) | [THANIGAIVELAN MUTHU](https://appshunter.io/developer/1001157303) |

## What reviewers say

### USMLE

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/usmle-rx/id1222119266)

**Currently charting:** #171 Top Grossing · Medical (US App Store)

Master medical school and the USMLE with a comprehensive resource app. Access board-style questions, interactive learning modules, flashcards, and videos. Study anytime, anywhere with cloud syncing and personalized study tools.

**Highlights:** Thousands of USMLE board-style questions, Nearly 800 eLearning modules, Over 14,000 flashcards, Over 80 hours of high-yield videos, Cloud syncing across devices, Spaced repetition study tool

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| RX360+ | $49.99 | per month |


### ARO 2026

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aro-2026/id6475390637)

This app facilitates the sharing of scientific knowledge and expertise within the global brain research community. It provides access to event programs, real-time updates, and networking opportunities for attendees of its annual meeting.

**Highlights:** Scientific knowledge sharing, Networking opportunities, Career advancement, Event program navigation, Real-time updates, Interactive engagement

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is USMLE free?

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

### Is ARO 2026 free?

ARO 2026 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, USMLE or ARO 2026?

USMLE is rated higher. USMLE averages 4.7 out of 5 from 5K ratings, while ARO 2026 averages 2.6 from 7 ratings.

### Do USMLE or ARO 2026 have ads?

Neither USMLE nor ARO 2026 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, USMLE or ARO 2026?

USMLE ships an update every 6 weeks, and ARO 2026 every 4 days. Most recently, USMLE was updated on November 2, 2026 and ARO 2026 on October 24, 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.*