# RescueNet® CodeWriter vs AHA ACLS

RescueNet® CodeWriter and AHA ACLS both sit at 5.0 stars, but that hides the real split: 100% of RescueNet® CodeWriter's written reviews are positive against 26% of AHA ACLS's. RescueNet® CodeWriter also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1). AHA ACLS's advantage is ratings volume (277 vs 5) and chart position (#38 vs unranked). On price, rating, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

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

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for RescueNet® CodeWriter against 4.9 for AHA ACLS. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: AHA ACLS has 277 ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 100% of RescueNet® CodeWriter's written reviews are positive against 26% of AHA ACLS's.

RescueNet® CodeWriter ships an update every 6 weeks, AHA ACLS every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | RescueNet® CodeWriter | AHA ACLS |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rescuenet-codewriter/id1334767571/reviews)** | [4.9 (277 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aha-acls/id1506944443/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 5 | **277** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 26.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Subscription |
| Best chart rank | — | **#38** |
| Size | 132 MB | 48 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [ZOLL Data Systems, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/385812404) | [Massachusetts General Hospital](https://appshunter.io/developer/376928206) |

## What reviewers say

### RescueNet® CodeWriter

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rescuenet-codewriter/id1334767571)

This medical documentation tool simplifies code data capture for mobile devices. It integrates with a case review system to ensure accuracy, offering features like timers and vital sign buttons for efficient data entry.

**Highlights:** Code data documentation, Integration with RescueNet CaseReview, Timer functionality, Vitals tracking, Key event buttons, Easy-to-use interface

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### AHA ACLS

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

**Currently charting:** #38 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 RescueNet® CodeWriter free?

RescueNet® CodeWriter 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, RescueNet® CodeWriter or AHA ACLS?

RescueNet® CodeWriter is rated higher. RescueNet® CodeWriter averages 5.0 out of 5 from 5 ratings, while AHA ACLS averages 4.9 from 277 ratings.

### Do RescueNet® CodeWriter or AHA ACLS have ads?

Neither RescueNet® CodeWriter nor AHA ACLS shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, RescueNet® CodeWriter or AHA ACLS?

RescueNet® CodeWriter ships an update every 6 weeks, and AHA ACLS every 2 months. Most recently, RescueNet® CodeWriter was updated on October 13, 2026 and AHA ACLS on October 15, 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.*