# Pacemaker vs AHA ACLS

The clearest difference is rating: AHA ACLS at 4.9 against Pacemaker's 3.5. AHA ACLS also leads on chart position (#55 vs unranked) and ratings volume (277 vs 54). Pacemaker's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and update cadence (every 4 days vs every 2 months). 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. Pacemaker asks for nothing beyond the download.

AHA ACLS holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 3.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: AHA ACLS has 277 ratings behind it against 54, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 40% of Pacemaker's written reviews are positive against 26% of AHA ACLS's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Pacemaker ships an update every 4 days, AHA ACLS every 2 months. Both last shipped on September 29, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Pacemaker | AHA ACLS |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.5 (54 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pacemaker-id/id1455009191/reviews) | **[4.9 (277 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aha-acls/id1506944443/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 54 | **277** |
| Positive reviews | **40.0% of reviews** | 26.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 days** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Subscription |
| Best chart rank | — | **#55** |
| Size | 20 MB | 48 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.1** | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [THE UNSUNG LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1472090130) | [Massachusetts General Hospital](https://appshunter.io/developer/376928206) |

## What reviewers say

### Pacemaker

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pacemaker-id/id1455009191)

This application uses advanced deep learning to identify the manufacturer of pacemakers and defibrillators from X-ray images. It currently supports major brands like Boston Scientific, Biotronik, Medtronic, and St. Jude.

**Highlights:** AI-powered device identification, X-ray image analysis, Pacemaker and defibrillator detection, Supports major manufacturers, Deep-learning model

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### AHA ACLS

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

**Currently charting:** #55 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 Pacemaker free?

Pacemaker 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, Pacemaker or AHA ACLS?

AHA ACLS is rated higher. Pacemaker averages 3.5 out of 5 from 54 ratings, while AHA ACLS averages 4.9 from 277 ratings.

### Do Pacemaker or AHA ACLS have ads?

Neither Pacemaker nor AHA ACLS shows ads.

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

Pacemaker ships an update every 4 days, and AHA ACLS every 2 months. Most recently, Pacemaker was updated on September 29, 2026 and AHA ACLS on September 29, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*