# USMLE vs CLA NBME

The clearest difference is review sentiment: USMLE at 49% against CLA NBME's 0%. USMLE also leads on rating (4.7 vs 2.8) and ratings volume (5K vs 6). CLA NBME's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

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

USMLE holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 2.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: USMLE has 5K ratings behind it against 6, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 49% of USMLE's written reviews are positive against 0% of CLA NBME's.

USMLE ships an update every 6 weeks, CLA NBME monthly. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and November 4, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | USMLE | CLA NBME |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/usmle-rx/id1222119266/reviews)** | [2.8 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cla-nbme/id6504320667/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **5K** | 6 |
| Positive reviews | **48.9% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | **#193** | — |
| Size | 40 MB | 69 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) | [National Board of Medical Examiners](https://appshunter.io/developer/1243038873) |

## What reviewers say

### USMLE

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

**Currently charting:** #193 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 |


### CLA NBME

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cla-nbme/id6504320667)

This tool helps healthcare providers enhance their communication skills through video-based learning. It requires a username and password for access and features actor portrayals of patients.

**Highlights:** Communication skills improvement, Video patient simulations, Healthcare provider focused, Requires login credentials, Actor portrayals

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is USMLE free?

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

### Is CLA NBME free?

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

### Which has better reviews, USMLE or CLA NBME?

USMLE is rated higher. USMLE averages 4.7 out of 5 from 5K ratings, while CLA NBME averages 2.8 from 6 ratings.

### Do USMLE or CLA NBME have ads?

Neither USMLE nor CLA NBME shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, USMLE or CLA NBME?

USMLE ships an update every 6 weeks, and CLA NBME monthly. Most recently, USMLE was updated on November 2, 2026 and CLA NBME on November 4, 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.*