# AHA ACLS vs PASS PCCN®!

The clearest difference is monetization model: PASS PCCN®! at free with in-app purchases against AHA ACLS's subscription. PASS PCCN®! also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.1). AHA ACLS's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and rating (4.9 vs 4.6). 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 PCCN®! sells 5 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 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: AHA ACLS has 277 ratings behind it against 10, so its average is the more settled of the two.

AHA ACLS ships an update every 2 months, PASS PCCN®! every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and October 4, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | AHA ACLS | PASS PCCN®! |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (277 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aha-acls/id1506944443/reviews)** | [4.6 (10 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pass-pccn/id1551621241/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **277** | 10 |
| Positive reviews | 26.3% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Best chart rank | **#37** | — |
| 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:** #37 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 PCCN®!

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pass-pccn/id1551621241)

Prepare for the Progressive Care Nursing Certification exam with comprehensive review materials. This app offers a narrative review, over 900 practice questions, and interactive learning activities to help you master the PCCN exam content.

**Highlights:** Comprehensive PCCN exam review, Over 900 practice questions, Study and Exam Modes, Interactive Learning Activities, Case studies for critical thinking, Appendices with essential references

**In-app purchases (5)**

| 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 PCCN! 1Y Sub. | $59.99 | per year |
| Pass PCCN! | $59.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is AHA ACLS free?

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

### Is PASS PCCN®! free?

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

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

AHA ACLS is rated higher. AHA ACLS averages 4.9 out of 5 from 277 ratings, while PASS PCCN®! averages 4.6 from 10 ratings.

### Do AHA ACLS or PASS PCCN®! have ads?

PASS PCCN®! shows ads; AHA ACLS does not.

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

AHA ACLS ships an update every 2 months, and PASS PCCN®! every 3 months. Most recently, AHA ACLS was updated on October 15, 2026 and PASS PCCN®! on October 4, 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.*