# CATALYST for Learning vs TrueLearn SmartBanks

The clearest difference is update cadence: TrueLearn SmartBanks at every 3 weeks against CATALYST for Learning's every 48 months. CATALYST for Learning's advantage is iOS requirement (10.0 vs 15.1). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

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

CATALYST for Learning ships an update every 48 months, TrueLearn SmartBanks every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 10, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | CATALYST for Learning | TrueLearn SmartBanks |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.9 (1.7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/truelearn-smartbanks/id1504512677/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1.7K** |
| Positive reviews | — | 27.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 48 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Size | 4 MB | 48 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Internet Testing Systems (ITS)](https://appshunter.io/developer/546817214) | [TrueLearn, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1770147541) |

## What reviewers say

### CATALYST for Learning

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### TrueLearn SmartBanks

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/truelearn-smartbanks/id1504512677)

This app provides exam-style practice questions and detailed explanations to improve test-taking skills. It offers custom quizzes, performance dashboards, and a wide variety of question types for standardized tests.

**Highlights:** Exam-style practice questions, Rich answer explanations, Custom quizzes by topic, Performance dashboards, Multiple question types, Computer-simulated testing environment

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Great for test prep
- 👍 Clean and visually appealing UI
- ✨ Impressive with new updates
- 💯 Helpful for exam preparation

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and bugs
- 🔍 Missing crucial features like highlighting
- 🔒 Difficult login process
- 🔧 Needs optimization and stability improvements
- 📱 Limited functionality on mobile devices

**Reported bugs**

- Inability to access previous tests and quizzes
- Inconsistent data between app and website
- Crashing when opening images or lab references
- Unreliable question submission and tracking

**Requested features**

- Landscape mode support
- Ability to highlight and annotate questions
- Offline question access
- Feedback mechanism for questions
- Password/biometric login options


## Frequently asked questions

### Is CATALYST for Learning free?

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

### Is TrueLearn SmartBanks free?

TrueLearn SmartBanks is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do CATALYST for Learning or TrueLearn SmartBanks have ads?

Neither CATALYST for Learning nor TrueLearn SmartBanks shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, CATALYST for Learning or TrueLearn SmartBanks?

CATALYST for Learning ships an update every 48 months, and TrueLearn SmartBanks every 3 weeks. Most recently, CATALYST for Learning was updated on September 10, 2026 and TrueLearn SmartBanks on September 24, 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.*