# NurseBrain® Synapse vs Mosbys PDQ for RN

The clearest difference is rating: Mosbys PDQ for RN at 5.0 against NurseBrain® Synapse's 4.1. Mosbys PDQ for RN also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 85%) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.6). NurseBrain® Synapse's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (weekly vs every 4 months). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. NurseBrain® Synapse sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $29.99 per month and Mosbys PDQ for RN sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $18.99 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Mosbys PDQ for RN holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: NurseBrain® Synapse has 31 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 85% of NurseBrain® Synapse's written reviews are positive against 100% of Mosbys PDQ for RN's.

NurseBrain® Synapse ships an update weekly, Mosbys PDQ for RN every 4 months. Both last shipped on November 3, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | NurseBrain® Synapse | Mosbys PDQ for RN |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.1 (31 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nursebrain-synapse/id1528871626/reviews) | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mosbys-pdq-for-rn/id1578262449/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **31** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 85.1% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 4 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 158 MB | 149 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Nursebrain LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1528871628) | [Skyscape Medpresso Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/818609416) |

## What reviewers say

### NurseBrain® Synapse

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nursebrain-synapse/id1528871626)

Streamline your nursing workflow with a digital report sheet. Capture patient information, tasks, and notes efficiently throughout your shift. Generate organized reports and progress notes with ease, reducing manual rewriting and saving valuable time for patient care.

**Highlights:** Customizable digital brain sheets, Organized patient tracking, Efficient shift handoffs, Voice and quick note entry, PDF export for reports, HIPAA-compliant, SBAR format organization

**Features:** Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Premium Access | $29.99 | per month |
| Quarterly Student Access | $29.99 | per 3 months |
| Yearly Premium Access | $149.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Organizes patient info and shifts
- 👍 Improves time management
- 👍 Enhances patient care
- 👍 Minimizes charting time (AI suggestions)
- 👍 Centralized information reduces stress

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Cannot sign up/create account
- 🐛 Cannot log in after signing up
- 🐛 Annoying to not see app without paying
- 🐛 Expensive monthly/yearly fee
- 🐛 Glitches and doesn't load

**Reported bugs**

- App won't let users sign up and make an account
- Cannot log in after signing up
- App glitches and won't load
- Cannot edit active patient list
- Patient list duplicates entries

**Requested features**

- Include more specialties, specifically for outpatients
- Add a 'Return' button for new lines in text fields
- Ability to time medications
- 24-hour clock option


### Mosbys PDQ for RN

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mosbys-pdq-for-rn/id1578262449)

Access essential nursing facts, formulas, lab values, and procedures quickly. This guide offers concise information for clinical settings, including special populations and emergency care. It features updated content reflecting the latest developments and assessment tools.

**Highlights:** Quick access to essential nursing facts, Formulas, lab values, and procedures, Information for pediatric, maternity, and geriatric patients, Emergency care guidelines, Updated clinical developments and drug information, New assessment tools

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 25% Off Limited Period Offer | $18.99 | per year |
| 20% Off Limited Period Offer | $19.99 | per year |
| 15% Off Limited Period Offer | $21.49 | per year |
| Mosby's PDQ for RN 1/Y Sub | $24.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is NurseBrain® Synapse free?

NurseBrain® Synapse is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Mosbys PDQ for RN free?

Mosbys PDQ for RN is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, NurseBrain® Synapse or Mosbys PDQ for RN?

Mosbys PDQ for RN is rated higher. NurseBrain® Synapse averages 4.1 out of 5 from 31 ratings, while Mosbys PDQ for RN averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.

### Do NurseBrain® Synapse or Mosbys PDQ for RN have ads?

Mosbys PDQ for RN shows ads; NurseBrain® Synapse does not.

### Which is updated more often, NurseBrain® Synapse or Mosbys PDQ for RN?

NurseBrain® Synapse ships an update weekly, and Mosbys PDQ for RN every 4 months. Most recently, NurseBrain® Synapse was updated on November 3, 2026 and Mosbys PDQ for RN on November 3, 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.*