# MD Reference vs PharmOnline

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: PharmOnline at none against MD Reference's 4. PharmOnline also leads on ads (none vs shown). MD Reference's advantage is iOS requirement (10.0 vs 15.6). On price, update cadence 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. PharmOnline asks for nothing beyond the download.

MD Reference ships an update every 4 months, PharmOnline every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on July 16, 2026 and December 14, 2025 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | MD Reference | PharmOnline |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/md-reference/id1509330680/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **2** | — |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 3 months** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 14 MB | 40 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Uptodate In Medicine MMC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1428873400) | [Zeytun Pharmaceuticals, MMC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1546060767) |

## 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 |


### PharmOnline

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pharmonline/id6448838943)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is MD Reference free?

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

### Is PharmOnline free?

PharmOnline is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do MD Reference or PharmOnline have ads?

MD Reference shows ads; PharmOnline does not.

### Which is updated more often, MD Reference or PharmOnline?

MD Reference ships an update every 4 months, and PharmOnline every 3 months. Most recently, MD Reference was updated on July 16, 2026 and PharmOnline on December 14, 2025.

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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.*