# USMLE Step 2 Test Preparation vs CATALYST for Learning

The clearest difference is price: CATALYST for Learning at Free against USMLE Step 2 Test Preparation's $4.99. CATALYST for Learning also leads on iOS requirement (10.0 vs 12.0). USMLE Step 2 Test Preparation's advantage is chart position (#192 vs unranked). On update cadence, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

CATALYST for Learning is free to download; USMLE Step 2 Test Preparation costs $4.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

USMLE Step 2 Test Preparation ships an update every 37 months, CATALYST for Learning every 48 months. The most recent releases landed on September 15, 2026 and September 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | USMLE Step 2 Test Preparation | CATALYST for Learning |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $4.99 | **Free** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 37 months** | Every 48 months |
| Best chart rank | **#192** | — |
| Size | 16 MB | 4 MB |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 | **10.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Bhavinkumar Satashiya](https://appshunter.io/developer/1361485921) | [Internet Testing Systems (ITS)](https://appshunter.io/developer/546817214) |

## What reviewers say

### USMLE Step 2 Test Preparation

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/usmle-step-2-test-preparation/id1463390479)

**Currently charting:** #192 Top Paid · Education (US App Store)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### CATALYST for Learning

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/catalyst-for-learning/id1469065092)

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is USMLE Step 2 Test Preparation free?

USMLE Step 2 Test Preparation costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is CATALYST for Learning free?

CATALYST for Learning is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do USMLE Step 2 Test Preparation or CATALYST for Learning have ads?

Neither USMLE Step 2 Test Preparation nor CATALYST for Learning shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, USMLE Step 2 Test Preparation or CATALYST for Learning?

USMLE Step 2 Test Preparation ships an update every 37 months, and CATALYST for Learning every 48 months. Most recently, USMLE Step 2 Test Preparation was updated on September 15, 2026 and CATALYST for Learning on September 10, 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.*