# NACSELD vs AHA ACLS

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: NACSELD at none against AHA ACLS's 1. NACSELD also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.1). AHA ACLS's advantage is update cadence (every 2 months vs every 40 months) and chart position (#52 vs unranked). 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. NACSELD asks for nothing beyond the download.

NACSELD ships an update every 40 months, AHA ACLS every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and October 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | NACSELD | AHA ACLS |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.9 (277 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aha-acls/id1506944443/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **277** |
| Positive reviews | — | 26.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 40 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | — | Subscription |
| Best chart rank | — | **#52** |
| Size | 28 MB | 48 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 12+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Jasmohan Bajaj](https://appshunter.io/developer/589478724) | [Massachusetts General Hospital](https://appshunter.io/developer/376928206) |

## What reviewers say

### NACSELD

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nacseld/id1377826955)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### AHA ACLS

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

**Currently charting:** #52 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 NACSELD free?

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

### Is AHA ACLS free?

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

### Do NACSELD or AHA ACLS have ads?

Neither NACSELD nor AHA ACLS shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, NACSELD or AHA ACLS?

NACSELD ships an update every 40 months, and AHA ACLS every 2 months. Most recently, NACSELD was updated on October 3, 2026 and AHA ACLS on October 20, 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.*
