# NephRef vs PROTECT

The clearest difference is update cadence: NephRef at every 10 days against PROTECT's every 6 months. NephRef also leads on iOS requirement (11.0 vs 15.0). 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.

NephRef ships an update every 10 days, PROTECT every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on September 18, 2026 and September 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | NephRef | PROTECT |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nephref/id1486749987/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **1** | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 10 days** | Every 6 months |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 44 MB | 39 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Media Foundations LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/589717539) | [NICST](https://appshunter.io/developer/1611317309) |

## What reviewers say

### NephRef

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nephref/id1486749987)

This medical reference tool aids physicians and advanced practitioners in managing patients with kidney disease. It provides quick access to educational resources and guidance on patient referral, urgency, and interval management.

**Highlights:** Kidney disease patient care guidance, Referral management, Urgency assessment, Interval management, Educational resources access

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### PROTECT

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/protect-icu/id1611317307)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is NephRef free?

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

### Is PROTECT free?

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

### Do NephRef or PROTECT have ads?

Neither NephRef nor PROTECT shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, NephRef or PROTECT?

NephRef ships an update every 10 days, and PROTECT every 6 months. Most recently, NephRef was updated on September 18, 2026 and PROTECT on September 19, 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.*