Comparison

SID by LayerJot vs CSTSetup

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

SID by LayerJot

Quickly identify surgical instruments using AI-powered scanning or a vast catalog. Access detailed information, including IFUs and descriptions, to enhance accuracy in medical settings.

Highlights
  • AI visual instrument identification
  • Barcode and SKU scanning
  • Extensive instrument catalog (3.5M+ items)
  • Detailed instrument descriptions
  • Integrated IFUs (Instructions for Use)
  • High-resolution images
Features
Read full description

SID simplifies surgical instrument identification and provides vital information such as IFUs, descriptions and notes. Use it anywhere to quickly get info on any instrument - by searching our catalog of over 3.5 million instruments and devices. Make instrument identification easier with our AI-powered SmartScanner to scan barcodes and SKUs, or by simply taking a picture of the instrument, and boost your accuracy to 99%. Know your instrument! * Enhanced instrument catalog with detailed photos and IFUs * Hi-res images and complete catalogs from major manufacturers * AI visual identification with any phone's camera

About

CSTSetup

This app provides surgical technologists, students, and educators with a comprehensive library of surgical setups, instrument details, and case log verification. Master hundreds of procedures, identify over 2,700 instruments, and ensure your clinical experience counts towards your logbook.

Highlights
  • Hundreds of surgical setups
  • 2,700+ instrument library
  • Instrument identification and details
  • Surgical case log evaluator
  • Procedural blueprints
  • Instrument handling cautions
Features
Read full description

Step into the operating room with absolute confidence. CSTSetup is the ultimate clinical companion designed exclusively for surgical technologists, students, and OR educators. Whether you are navigating your first clinical rotations, prepping for the CST exam, or preparing for an unfamiliar specialty, CSTSetup puts the entire back table right in your pocket. Key Features: 1. Master Hundreds of Surgical Setups Never walk into a case blind. Access step-by-step procedural blueprints and instrument lists for hundreds of surgical procedures. Explore our free General Surgery setups, or upgrade to Pro for Cardiac, ENT, Neurology, OB/GYN, Ophthalmology, and more. Each setup provides a detailed breakdown of the exact instruments and supplies you need so you can stay steps ahead of the surgeon. 2. The Ultimate 2,700+ Instrument Library Ditch the heavy textbooks. Utilize our smart global search to instantly identify over 2,700 surgical instruments featuring high-fidelity images, alternate names, and handling cautions. The database is intuitively organized by functional categories—such as Grasping & Holding, Retracting & Exposing, and Cutting & Dissecting—allowing you to quickly build visual recall and muscle memory. 3. Surgical Case Log Evaluator Stop second-guessing your clinical requirements. Use our free, built-in evaluator to instantly verify if a procedure will count toward your final logbook. Simply select your accreditation type (AST, NCCT, or CC4SA), input the procedure, and check off the specific tasks you performed in the OR. The app immediately evaluates your input and calculates whether your participation qualifies for a First Scrub, Second Scrub, or Observation role. It is the perfect, quick-reference verification tool to ensure you know exactly how a case counts before you submit it to your program director. Take control of your clinicals and your career. Download CSTSetup today and transform your device into the most powerful tool in your operating room.

Screenshots

SID by LayerJot4 screens
CSTSetup4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: SID by LayerJot at 80% against CSTSetup's 0%. SID by LayerJot also leads on rating (5.0 vs 3.0) and in-app purchases (none vs 2). CSTSetup's advantage is update cadence (every 5 days vs every 3 months). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. CSTSetup sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $12.99 per month. SID by LayerJot asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

SID by LayerJot holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SID by LayerJot has 92 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 80% of SID by LayerJot's written reviews are positive against 0% of CSTSetup's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

SID by LayerJot ships an update every 3 months, CSTSetup every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on June 6, 2026 and September 30, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
SID by LayerJot versus CSTSetup: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSID by LayerJotCSTSetup
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (92 ratings) — better3.0 (2 ratings)
Positive reviews80.0% of reviews — better0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings92 — better2
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 5 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFreemium
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.616.4 — better
Further details — not scored
Size302 MB58 MB
Age rating12+4+
DeveloperLayerJot IncCSTSetup

Customer experience

SID by LayerJot

All ratings83 ratings
Positive98.8%
Neutral1.2%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews5 reviews
Positive80.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative20.0%

CSTSetup

All ratings2 ratings
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

In-app purchases

None

SID by LayerJot

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

CSTSetup

Subscriptions2
  • CSTSetup Monthly Pro$12.991 Month
  • CSTSetup Yearly Pro$155.991 Year

Questions

Is SID by LayerJot free?
SID by LayerJot is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is CSTSetup free?
CSTSetup is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, SID by LayerJot or CSTSetup?
SID by LayerJot is rated higher. SID by LayerJot averages 5.0 out of 5 from 92 ratings, while CSTSetup averages 3.0 from 2 ratings.
Do SID by LayerJot or CSTSetup have ads?
Neither SID by LayerJot nor CSTSetup shows ads.
Which is updated more often, SID by LayerJot or CSTSetup?
SID by LayerJot ships an update every 3 months, and CSTSetup every 5 days. Most recently, SID by LayerJot was updated on June 6, 2026 and CSTSetup on September 30, 2026.

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