# MD Reference vs PubMed PMC Bookshelf Search

The clearest difference is rating: PubMed PMC Bookshelf Search at 4.2 against MD Reference's 3.0. PubMed PMC Bookshelf Search also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 4) and ratings volume (181 vs 2). MD Reference's advantage is review sentiment (50% vs 27%) and iOS requirement (10.0 vs 26.0). On price, ads, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. MD Reference sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. PubMed PMC Bookshelf Search asks for nothing beyond the download.

PubMed PMC Bookshelf Search holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: PubMed PMC Bookshelf Search has 181 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 50% of MD Reference's written reviews are positive against 27% of PubMed PMC Bookshelf Search's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

MD Reference ships an update every 4 months, PubMed PMC Bookshelf Search every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 4, 2026 and October 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | MD Reference | PubMed PMC Bookshelf Search |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/md-reference/id1509330680/reviews) | **[4.2 (181 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pubmed-pmc-bookshelf-search/id1523851247/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 2 | **181** |
| Positive reviews | **50.0% of reviews** | 27.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 6 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 14 MB | 10 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 26.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Uptodate In Medicine MMC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1428873400) | [FugaPiyo Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1497887610) |

## What reviewers say

### MD Reference

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/md-reference/id1509330680)

This medical reference app aims to improve healthcare quality by providing medical professionals with updated knowledge and modern technologies. It helps practitioners stay informed about advancements and apply them in their practice. The service operates on a subscription basis with various plans available.

**Highlights:** Enhances medical knowledge, Keeps users updated on new technologies, Facilitates practical application of knowledge, Subscription-based access, Personalized user accounts

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 month subscription | $2.99 | per month |
| 3 months subscription | $8.99 | per 3 months |
| 6 months subscription | $14.99 | per 6 months |
| 12 months subscription | $23.99 | per year |


### PubMed PMC Bookshelf Search

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pubmed-pmc-bookshelf-search/id1523851247)

Access a vast collection of biomedical and life science literature, including journal articles and book chapters. This app provides a simple interface to search and retrieve citations, often with links to full-text content from various sources.

**Highlights:** Biomedical literature search, Journal article citations, Book and chapter citations, Links to full-text content, MEDLINE database access, PubMed Central (PMC) access

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is MD Reference free?

MD Reference is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is PubMed PMC Bookshelf Search free?

PubMed PMC Bookshelf Search is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, MD Reference or PubMed PMC Bookshelf Search?

PubMed PMC Bookshelf Search is rated higher. MD Reference averages 3.0 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while PubMed PMC Bookshelf Search averages 4.2 from 181 ratings.

### Do MD Reference or PubMed PMC Bookshelf Search have ads?

Both MD Reference and PubMed PMC Bookshelf Search show ads.

### Which is updated more often, MD Reference or PubMed PMC Bookshelf Search?

MD Reference ships an update every 4 months, and PubMed PMC Bookshelf Search every 6 weeks. Most recently, MD Reference was updated on October 4, 2026 and PubMed PMC Bookshelf Search on October 22, 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.*