# AHA ACLS vs Code Timer

The clearest difference is price: AHA ACLS at Free against Code Timer's $3.99. AHA ACLS also leads on update cadence (every 2 months vs every 16 months) and ratings volume (277 vs 2). Code Timer's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1). On rating, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

AHA ACLS is free to download; Code Timer costs $3.99 up front. AHA ACLS sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $3.99 per year. Code Timer 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 Timer. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: AHA ACLS has 277 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

AHA ACLS ships an update every 2 months, Code Timer every 16 months. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | AHA ACLS | Code Timer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $3.99 |
| Rating | [4.9 (277 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aha-acls/id1506944443/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-timer-cpr-recorder/id6445837129/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **277** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 26.3% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 16 months |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Paid** |
| Best chart rank | **#39** | — |
| Size | 48 MB | 4 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.1** | 26.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Massachusetts General Hospital](https://appshunter.io/developer/376928206) | [Zachery Gentry](https://appshunter.io/developer/1638986232) |

## What reviewers say

### AHA ACLS

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

**Currently charting:** #39 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 Timer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-timer-cpr-recorder/id6445837129)

This application helps first responders track time-sensitive events during emergencies. It offers intuitive timing, event logging, and offline functionality for enhanced coordination and post-operation review. Designed for reliability when every second counts.

**Highlights:** Intuitive event timing, Event logging and history, User-friendly interface, Offline functionality, Enhanced team coordination, No personal data collection

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is AHA ACLS free?

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

### Is Code Timer free?

Code Timer costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.

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

Code Timer is rated higher. AHA ACLS averages 4.9 out of 5 from 277 ratings, while Code Timer averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.

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

Neither AHA ACLS nor Code Timer shows ads.

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

AHA ACLS ships an update every 2 months, and Code Timer every 16 months. Most recently, AHA ACLS was updated on October 15, 2026 and Code Timer on October 6, 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.*