# AHA ACLS vs ACLS Exam Prep 2026

AHA ACLS and ACLS Exam Prep 2026 both sit at 4.9 stars, but that hides the real split: 100% of ACLS Exam Prep 2026's written reviews are positive against 26% of AHA ACLS's. ACLS Exam Prep 2026 also leads on monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs subscription) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.1). AHA ACLS's advantage is update cadence (every 2 months vs every 13 months) and ratings volume (377 vs 28). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. AHA ACLS sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $3.99 per year and ACLS Exam Prep 2026 sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $8.49 per 3 months. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.9 for AHA ACLS against 4.8 for ACLS Exam Prep 2026. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: AHA ACLS has 377 ratings behind it against 28, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 26% of AHA ACLS's written reviews are positive against 100% of ACLS Exam Prep 2026's.

AHA ACLS ships an update every 2 months, ACLS Exam Prep 2026 every 13 months. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | AHA ACLS | ACLS Exam Prep 2026 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (377 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aha-acls/id1506944443/reviews)** | [4.8 (28 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/acls-exam-prep-2026/id1573430309/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **377** | 28 |
| Positive reviews | 26.3% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 13 months |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Best chart rank | **#43** | — |
| Size | 48 MB | 39 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.1 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Massachusetts General Hospital](https://appshunter.io/developer/376928206) | [Get Exam](https://appshunter.io/developer/1529117519) |

## What reviewers say

### AHA ACLS

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

**Currently charting:** #43 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


### ACLS Exam Prep 2026

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/acls-exam-prep-2026/id1573430309)

Prepare for your Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) exam with over 530 practice questions and 300 flashcards. Master clinical algorithms for critical emergencies and access over a dozen practice exams. Updated for the latest 2026 guidelines, this app offers realistic simulations to help you pass on your first try.

**Highlights:** 530+ exam-like questions, 300+ flashcards, 12+ practice exams, Master clinical algorithms, Updated to 2026 guidelines, Offline study available

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

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 3 - Months Premium | $8.49 | per 3 months |
| 1 Month Special Offer | $8.49 | per month |
| 1 - Month Premium | $8.99 | per month |
| 1 - Week Access | $8.99 | per 7 days |
| 3 - Months Premium | $16.99 | per 3 months |
| 1 Month Access | $16.99 | per month |
| 12 - Months Premium | $39.99 | per year |
| 3 Months Premium | $39.99 | per 3 months |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is AHA ACLS free?

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

### Is ACLS Exam Prep 2026 free?

ACLS Exam Prep 2026 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, AHA ACLS or ACLS Exam Prep 2026?

AHA ACLS is rated higher. AHA ACLS averages 4.9 out of 5 from 377 ratings, while ACLS Exam Prep 2026 averages 4.8 from 28 ratings.

### Do AHA ACLS or ACLS Exam Prep 2026 have ads?

Neither AHA ACLS nor ACLS Exam Prep 2026 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, AHA ACLS or ACLS Exam Prep 2026?

AHA ACLS ships an update every 2 months, and ACLS Exam Prep 2026 every 13 months. Most recently, AHA ACLS was updated on October 29, 2026 and ACLS Exam Prep 2026 on October 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.*