# AHA ACLS vs Pocket Flight Surgeon

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Pocket Flight Surgeon at none against AHA ACLS's 1. AHA ACLS's advantage is ratings volume (391 vs 2) and chart position (#54 vs unranked). On price, rating and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. AHA ACLS sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $3.99 per year. Pocket Flight Surgeon 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 Pocket Flight Surgeon. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: AHA ACLS has 391 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

## The numbers

| Metric | AHA ACLS | Pocket Flight Surgeon |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.9 (391 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aha-acls/id1506944443/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pocket-flight-surgeon/id6670773855/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **391** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 26.3% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | — |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | **#54** | — |
| Size | 48 MB | 14 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.1** | 26.4 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Massachusetts General Hospital](https://appshunter.io/developer/376928206) | [Paul Chappell](https://appshunter.io/developer/1767142980) |

## What reviewers say

### AHA ACLS

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

**Currently charting:** #54 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


### Pocket Flight Surgeon

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pocket-flight-surgeon/id6670773855)

This mobile reference tool organizes U.S. Army aeromedical policy into a searchable, offline format for trained professionals. It helps locate policy language, search medication references, and calculate flight physical due dates. Bookmark frequently used conditions for quick access.

**Highlights:** Searchable aeromedical policy, Offline access, Medication reference categories, Flight physical due date calculator, Bookmarking, Access to source documents

**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 Pocket Flight Surgeon free?

Pocket Flight Surgeon is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, AHA ACLS or Pocket Flight Surgeon?

Pocket Flight Surgeon is rated higher. AHA ACLS averages 4.9 out of 5 from 391 ratings, while Pocket Flight Surgeon averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do AHA ACLS or Pocket Flight Surgeon have ads?

Neither AHA ACLS nor Pocket Flight Surgeon shows ads.

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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.*