# The BMJ vs Plabable for PLAB

The clearest difference is monetization model: Plabable for PLAB at free with in-app purchases against The BMJ's subscription. Plabable for PLAB also leads on review sentiment (89% vs 57%) and update cadence (weekly vs every 6 months). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. The BMJ sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $11.49 per month and Plabable for PLAB sells 5 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Plabable for PLAB holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Plabable for PLAB has 422 ratings behind it against 13, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 57% of The BMJ's written reviews are positive against 89% of Plabable for PLAB's.

The BMJ ships an update every 6 months, Plabable for PLAB weekly. Both last shipped on October 26, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | The BMJ | Plabable for PLAB |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.2 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-bmj/id1395295755/reviews) | **[4.6 (422 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/plabable-for-plab/id1446896709/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 13 | **422** |
| Positive reviews | 57.1% of reviews | **89.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 241 MB | 101 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.2** | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [BMJ Group](https://appshunter.io/developer/345548841) | [Plabable Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1446896708) |

## What reviewers say

### The BMJ

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-bmj/id1395295755)

Access a leading general medical journal for researchers, clinicians, and policymakers. Stay updated with practice-changing research, expert columns, and embedded video content. Enjoy offline access to downloaded issues and earn CME points.

**Highlights:** Read leading medical research, Apply practice-changing takeaways, Access trusted, data-supported news, Offline access to downloaded issues, Earn CME points, Read ahead of print, Embedded video content

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| The BMJ (1 month) | $11.49 | per month |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to navigate
- 👍 Easy access to BMJ
- 👍 Reliable app
- 👍 Indispensable source of information
- 👍 Given up paper version

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Not unbiased on strikes
- 🐛 Not as comprehensive as previously
- 🐛 Only 1 BMJ per month
- 🐛 Printed on cheap paper
- 🐛 Awful navigation

**Reported bugs**

- App won’t open on iPhone
- App always asks to restore purchase
- Account does not exist
- Often doesn’t allow access to most recent edition
- Poor updating of editions

**Requested features**

- Copy figures and tables to more apps directly
- Copy figures and tables to more apps directly eg Twitter lectures etc
- Would be nice to be able to export text/tables/flow charts with a click
- Would like a bit less subscription payment
- Please see title! (Dark mode)


### Plabable for PLAB

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/plabable-for-plab/id1446896709)

Prepare for the PLAB exam with a comprehensive resource. Access over 5000 high-yield questions, realistic OSCE scenarios, and revision notes. Stay updated with current NHS changes and evidence-based explanations to maximize your chances of passing.

**Highlights:** 5000+ high-yield questions, Questions by clinical categories, Timed mock exams, Revision notes, Question flagging, OSCE scenarios, Whatsapp discussion groups

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Gems | $14.99 | one-time |
| Extend 3 Months | $29.99 | one-time |
| 3 Months + Gems | $39.99 | one-time |
| Extend 5 Months | $39.99 | one-time |
| 5 Months + Gems | $49.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Excellent preparation material
- 👍 User-friendly interface
- 🤩 Comprehensive and detailed content
- 🎯 Highly relevant and exam-focused
- 💯 Sufficient to pass PLAB 1 exam

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔒 Strict screenshot policy
- 🔄 Offline access issues
- 🐛 Occasional app crashes
- ⏳ Slow data loading

**Reported bugs**

- Inability to update progress
- Frequent app crashes, especially in certain sections
- Landscape mode issues

**Requested features**

- Progress tracking and completion percentage
- Ability to reset questions and answers
- Dark mode option
- More detailed performance analytics


## Frequently asked questions

### Is The BMJ free?

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

### Is Plabable for PLAB free?

Plabable for PLAB is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, The BMJ or Plabable for PLAB?

Plabable for PLAB is rated higher. The BMJ averages 4.2 out of 5 from 13 ratings, while Plabable for PLAB averages 4.6 from 422 ratings.

### Do The BMJ or Plabable for PLAB have ads?

Neither The BMJ nor Plabable for PLAB shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, The BMJ or Plabable for PLAB?

The BMJ ships an update every 6 months, and Plabable for PLAB weekly. Most recently, The BMJ was updated on October 26, 2026 and Plabable for PLAB on October 26, 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.*