# AHA ACLS vs The Code Runner Pro

The clearest difference is update cadence: The Code Runner Pro at every 3 days against AHA ACLS's every 2 months. The Code Runner Pro also leads on iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.1). AHA ACLS's advantage is ratings volume (277 vs 1) and chart position (#49 vs unranked). 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 The Code Runner Pro sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. 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 5.0 for The Code Runner Pro. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: AHA ACLS has 277 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

AHA ACLS ships an update every 2 months, The Code Runner Pro every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | AHA ACLS | The Code Runner Pro |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.9 (277 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aha-acls/id1506944443/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-code-runner-pro/id1579118213/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **277** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 26.3% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | Subscription | Subscription |
| Best chart rank | **#49** | — |
| Size | 48 MB | 85 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) | [AMPS Education Training and Consulting Services, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1579118215) |

## What reviewers say

### AHA ACLS

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

**Currently charting:** #49 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


### The Code Runner Pro

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-code-runner-pro/id1579118213)

This app guides medical professionals through critical cardiac arrest situations for adults and children. It provides real-time support, eliminating the need to rely solely on memory from training. The app also captures event data and generates PDF reports for easy management.

**Highlights:** Advanced cardiac life support guidance, Adult and pediatric protocols, Real-time event tracking, Full documentation and data capture, PDF report generation, Reduces reliance on memory

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlimited Access | $3.99 | per month |
| Unlimited Access | $39.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is AHA ACLS free?

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

### Is The Code Runner Pro free?

The Code Runner Pro is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, AHA ACLS or The Code Runner Pro?

The Code Runner Pro is rated higher. AHA ACLS averages 4.9 out of 5 from 277 ratings, while The Code Runner Pro averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do AHA ACLS or The Code Runner Pro have ads?

Neither AHA ACLS nor The Code Runner Pro shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, AHA ACLS or The Code Runner Pro?

AHA ACLS ships an update every 2 months, and The Code Runner Pro every 3 days. Most recently, AHA ACLS was updated on October 7, 2026 and The Code Runner Pro on October 3, 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.*