Comparison

EchoRef vs SonoSim

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

EchoRef

This educational reference app provides comprehensive information on point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), echocardiography, and cardiac measurements. It includes lessons on interventional procedures and hemodynamic calculations for medical professionals.

Highlights
  • Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS)
  • Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE)
  • Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE)
  • Cardiac dimensions and valve measurements
  • Hemodynamic and ultrasound calculations
  • Interventional procedure lessons
Features
Read full description

EchoRef is a free iOS ultrasonography educational reference covering point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Additionally, it contains cardiac dimensions, native/prosthetic valve measurements, hemodynamic/ultrasound calculations, and lessons ranging from interventional procedures to mechanical circulatory support. This app is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of information provided by this app. About Rishi Kumar, MD, FACC ("RK.MD") I'm an adult cardiothoracic anesthesiologist and cardiovascular ICU intensivist practicing in academic medicine. I'm passionate about teaching with free, open-access medical education. Learn more on my site: https://rk.md

About

SonoSim

This app provides members with quick access to ultrasound education, imaging protocols, and reference guides, usable both online and offline. It features a library of courses, concise summaries of key concepts, and helpful tips for bedside use.

Highlights
  • Access to 80+ peer-reviewed courses
  • Concise key concept summaries
  • Bedside reference guides
  • Offline access to content
  • Case-based ultrasound education
Read full description

The SonoSim App, available exclusively to SonoSim members, provides access to critical ultrasound knowledge quickly - both on- and offline. Get access to ultrasound education, imaging protocols, and sonographic reference guides, whether learning at home or needing a quick refresher at the bedside. Join over 120,000 members of the patented SonoSim Ecosystem of Case-Based Ultrasound Education, the easiest way to learn & teach ultrasonography (TM). SonoSim Course Library - Access 80+ peer-reviewed SonoSim Courses by leading ultrasound experts and educators. Key Concepts - Short on time or need a quick refresher on an ultrasound topic? Access concise summaries that highlight key elements of SonoSim Courses. Bedside Reference – Need ultrasound tips at the bedside? Quickly find helpful hints and key imaging criteria.

Screenshots

EchoRef4 screens
SonoSim4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: EchoRef at none against SonoSim's shown. EchoRef also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 67%) and rating (4.9 vs 4.5). SonoSim's advantage is iOS requirement (9.0 vs 26.0). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

EchoRef holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: EchoRef has 1.4K ratings behind it against 8, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of EchoRef's written reviews are positive against 67% of SonoSim's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 18, 2026 and September 7, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
EchoRef versus SonoSim: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterEchoRefSonoSim
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.9 (1.4K ratings) — better4.5 (8 ratings)
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews — better66.7% of reviews
Number of ratings1.4K — better8
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 2 months
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree — betterAd-supported
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS26.09.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size105 MB22 MB
Age rating17+12+
DeveloperRishi KumarSonoSim, Inc.

Customer experience

EchoRef

All ratings1,373 ratings
Positive97.2%
Neutral1.4%
Negative1.4%
Written reviews12 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

SonoSim

All ratings8 ratings
Positive87.5%
Neutral0.0%
Negative12.5%
Written reviews3 reviews
Positive66.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative33.3%

In-app purchases

None

EchoRef

No in-app purchases

None

SonoSim

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is EchoRef free?
EchoRef is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is SonoSim free?
SonoSim is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, EchoRef or SonoSim?
EchoRef is rated higher. EchoRef averages 4.9 out of 5 from 1.4K ratings, while SonoSim averages 4.5 from 8 ratings.
Do EchoRef or SonoSim have ads?
SonoSim shows ads; EchoRef does not.
Which is updated more often, EchoRef or SonoSim?
EchoRef ships an update every 2 months, and SonoSim every 2 months. Most recently, EchoRef was updated on September 18, 2026 and SonoSim on September 7, 2026.

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