# AHA ACLS vs PASS CEN!

The clearest difference is monetization model: PASS CEN! at free with in-app purchases against AHA ACLS's subscription. PASS CEN! also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.1). AHA ACLS's advantage is rating (4.9 vs 4.4) and ads (none vs shown). On price, in-app purchases 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 and PASS CEN! sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $44.99 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

AHA ACLS holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: AHA ACLS has 277 ratings behind it against 8, so its average is the more settled of the two.

AHA ACLS ships an update every 2 months, PASS CEN! every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | AHA ACLS | PASS CEN! |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (277 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aha-acls/id1506944443/reviews)** | [4.4 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pass-cen/id1550094737/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **277** | 8 |
| Positive reviews | 26.3% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 4 months |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Best chart rank | **#48** | — |
| Size | 48 MB | 147 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.1 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Massachusetts General Hospital](https://appshunter.io/developer/376928206) | [Skyscape Medpresso Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/818609416) |

## What reviewers say

### AHA ACLS

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

**Currently charting:** #48 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


### PASS CEN!

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pass-cen/id1550094737)

Prepare for the Certification for Emergency Nurses exam with this comprehensive reference. It covers all exam content areas with interactive learning activities and realistic practice questions. Features include an outline format, case studies, and integrated pharmacology and anatomy content.

**Highlights:** Covers current CEN exam blueprint, Interactive learning activities, Realistic practice questions, Case studies with clinical reasoning, Outline format for clarity, Integrated pharmacology and A&P

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 25% Off - Limited Period Offer | $44.99 | per year |
| 20% Off - Limited Period Offer | $47.99 | per year |
| 15% Off - Limited Period Offer | $50.99 | per year |
| PASS CCRN®! 1Y Sub. | $59.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is AHA ACLS free?

AHA ACLS is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is PASS CEN! free?

PASS CEN! is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, AHA ACLS or PASS CEN!?

AHA ACLS is rated higher. AHA ACLS averages 4.9 out of 5 from 277 ratings, while PASS CEN! averages 4.4 from 8 ratings.

### Do AHA ACLS or PASS CEN! have ads?

PASS CEN! shows ads; AHA ACLS does not.

### Which is updated more often, AHA ACLS or PASS CEN!?

AHA ACLS ships an update every 2 months, and PASS CEN! every 4 months. Most recently, AHA ACLS was updated on October 20, 2026 and PASS CEN! on October 7, 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.*