# NurseThink® NoteBook vs NurseBrain® Synapse

The clearest difference is ads: NurseBrain® Synapse at none against NurseThink® NoteBook's shown. NurseBrain® Synapse also leads on rating (4.1 vs 3.7) and update cadence (weekly vs every 7 months). NurseThink® NoteBook's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.6). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. NurseThink® NoteBook sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $47.99 per year and NurseBrain® Synapse sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $29.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

NurseBrain® Synapse holds the better App Store score, 4.1 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: NurseBrain® Synapse has 31 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two.

NurseThink® NoteBook ships an update every 7 months, NurseBrain® Synapse weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and October 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | NurseThink® NoteBook | NurseBrain® Synapse |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.7 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nursethink-notebook/id1429661212/reviews) | **[4.1 (31 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nursebrain-synapse/id1528871626/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 3 | **31** |
| Positive reviews | — | 85.1% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 7 months | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | **#143** |
| Size | 45 MB | 146 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 17.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Skyscape Medpresso Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/818609416) | [Nursebrain LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1528871628) |

## What reviewers say

### NurseThink® NoteBook

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nursethink-notebook/id1429661212)

This app helps nursing students enhance critical thinking and clinical judgment through structured note-taking. It organizes information conceptually, aids in patient care application, and prepares users for exams like the NCLEX®.

**Highlights:** Conceptual organization, Searchable diagnosis index, High-frequency patient alerts, NCLEX® test plan alignment, Quality and safety competencies, Backup and restore notes, Grade tracker

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Nurse Think Notes 1 Y sub | $47.99 | per year |
| Nurse Think Notes | $29.99 | one-time |


### NurseBrain® Synapse

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nursebrain-synapse/id1528871626)

**Currently charting:** #143 Top Grossing · Medical (US App Store)

This app digitizes nursing report sheets, allowing nurses to manage their entire shift from a single, connected platform. It helps organize patient information, tasks, and notes, facilitating confident handoffs and efficient documentation.

**Highlights:** Customizable digital brain sheets, Real-time shift tracking, Organized patient handoff views, Voice and quick entry documentation, Generate progress notes and care plans, Cross-device compatibility (phone, watch)

**Features:** Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Premium Access | $29.99 | per month |
| Quarterly Student Access | $29.99 | per 3 months |
| Yearly Premium Access | $149.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Organizes patient info and shifts
- 👍 Improves time management
- 👍 Enhances patient care
- 👍 Minimizes charting time (AI suggestions)
- 👍 Centralized information reduces stress

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Cannot sign up/create account
- 🐛 Cannot log in after signing up
- 🐛 Annoying to not see app without paying
- 🐛 Expensive monthly/yearly fee
- 🐛 Glitches and doesn't load

**Reported bugs**

- App won't let users sign up and make an account
- Cannot log in after signing up
- App glitches and won't load
- Cannot edit active patient list
- Patient list duplicates entries

**Requested features**

- Include more specialties, specifically for outpatients
- Add a 'Return' button for new lines in text fields
- Ability to time medications
- 24-hour clock option


## Frequently asked questions

### Is NurseThink® NoteBook free?

NurseThink® NoteBook is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is NurseBrain® Synapse free?

NurseBrain® Synapse is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, NurseThink® NoteBook or NurseBrain® Synapse?

NurseBrain® Synapse is rated higher. NurseThink® NoteBook averages 3.7 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while NurseBrain® Synapse averages 4.1 from 31 ratings.

### Do NurseThink® NoteBook or NurseBrain® Synapse have ads?

NurseThink® NoteBook shows ads; NurseBrain® Synapse does not.

### Which is updated more often, NurseThink® NoteBook or NurseBrain® Synapse?

NurseThink® NoteBook ships an update every 7 months, and NurseBrain® Synapse weekly. Most recently, NurseThink® NoteBook was updated on October 3, 2026 and NurseBrain® Synapse 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.*