# AHA ACLS vs Code Companion

The clearest difference is price: AHA ACLS at Free against Code Companion's $2.99. AHA ACLS also leads on ratings volume (277 vs 1) and chart position (#62 vs #193). Code Companion's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1). On rating, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

AHA ACLS is free to download; Code Companion costs $2.99 up front. AHA ACLS sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $3.99 per year. Code Companion asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.9 for AHA ACLS against 5.0 for Code Companion. 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, Code Companion every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and August 27, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | AHA ACLS | Code Companion |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $2.99 |
| Rating | [4.9 (277 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aha-acls/id1506944443/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-companion/id1660394885/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **277** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 26.3% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 5 weeks** |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Paid** |
| Best chart rank | **#62** | #193 |
| Size | 48 MB | 72 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.1 | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Massachusetts General Hospital](https://appshunter.io/developer/376928206) | [National Emergency Resource Group](https://appshunter.io/developer/1383458744) |

## What reviewers say

### AHA ACLS

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

**Currently charting:** #62 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


### Code Companion

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-companion/id1660394885)

**Currently charting:** #193 Top Paid · Medical (US App Store)

This medical reference app provides EMS professionals with quick access to cardiac arrest protocols, algorithms, and medication guidance. It features color-coded information and real-time tracking to streamline critical care during emergencies. Designed by professionals for professionals, it aims to enhance patient care efficiency.

**Highlights:** Cardiac arrest algorithms, Medication administration guidance, Real-time tracking, Color-coded information, Weight conversion, Medical calculations

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is AHA ACLS free?

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

### Is Code Companion free?

Code Companion costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, AHA ACLS or Code Companion?

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

### Do AHA ACLS or Code Companion have ads?

Neither AHA ACLS nor Code Companion shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, AHA ACLS or Code Companion?

AHA ACLS ships an update every 2 months, and Code Companion every 5 weeks. Most recently, AHA ACLS was updated on September 24, 2026 and Code Companion on August 27, 2026.

### Which is more popular, AHA ACLS or Code Companion?

AHA ACLS currently peaks at #62 in the App Store charts, and Code Companion at #193. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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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.*