# VisualDx vs USMLE

The clearest difference is monetization model: USMLE at free with in-app purchases against VisualDx's subscription. USMLE also leads on rating (4.7 vs 4.4) and ratings volume (5K vs 186). VisualDx's advantage is review sentiment (84% vs 49%) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 6 weeks). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. VisualDx sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $39.99 per month and USMLE sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $49.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

USMLE holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: USMLE has 5K ratings behind it against 186, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 84% of VisualDx's written reviews are positive against 49% of USMLE's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

VisualDx ships an update fortnightly, USMLE every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 17, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | VisualDx | USMLE |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.4 (186 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/visualdx/id348177521/reviews) | **[4.7 (5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/usmle-rx/id1222119266/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 186 | **5K** |
| Positive reviews | **84.3% of reviews** | 48.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 6 weeks |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Best chart rank | **#15** | #167 |
| Size | 220 MB | 40 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.4 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Logical Images](https://appshunter.io/developer/348177524) | [MedIQ Learning, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/344457828) |

## What reviewers say

### VisualDx

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/visualdx/id348177521)

**Currently charting:** #15 Top Grossing · Medical (US App Store)

This visual reference tool aids medical professionals in improving patient engagement and diagnostic accuracy. It utilizes AI and a vast image atlas to help build custom differentials, share patient-specific images, and access comprehensive diagnostic information. Earn continuing education credits while making better medical decisions.

**Highlights:** Build custom differentials, Engage patients with visual aids, Improve diagnostic accuracy, Access therapy and test options, Recognize infectious diseases, Earn CME credits

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Complete (1 Month) | $39.99 | per month |
| VisualDx Core Monthly | $39.99 | per month |
| Complete+DermExpert (1 Month) | $49.99 | per month |
| VisualDx Elite Monthly | $49.99 | per month |
| Add DermExpert (1 Year) | $99.99 | per year |
| Complete (1 Year) | $149.99 | per year |
| VisualDx Core Annual | $249.99 | per year |
| VisualDx Elite Annual | $299.99 | per year |
| Complete+DermExpert (1 Year) | $499.99 | per year |
| Add DermExpert (1 yr) | $99.99 | one-time |
| Complete (1 yr) | $399.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 📸 Excellent clinical images and kodachromes
- 👍 User-friendly interface and easy navigation
- 🎓 Comprehensive differential diagnosis tool
- 📚 Detailed disease summaries and treatment information
- 🌍 Inclusive representation of skin of color

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Expensive subscription cost
- ❌ Difficult subscription cancellation process
- 🐛 App crashes and performance issues
- 📱 Quiz feature laggy and unreliable
- 😤 Poor customer service responsiveness

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes when using quiz feature
- CME credit claiming functionality fails
- Subscription cancellation not processed
- Renewal charges despite cancellation requests
- Quiz unable to load properly

**Requested features**

- Make app free again (previously free)
- Simplify subscription cancellation in-app
- Improve quiz functionality for mobile
- Add quiz feature to desktop version
- Expand patient information handouts


### USMLE

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/usmle-rx/id1222119266)

**Currently charting:** #167 Top Grossing · Medical (US App Store)

Master medical school and the USMLE with a comprehensive resource app. Access board-style questions, interactive learning modules, flashcards, and videos. Study anytime, anywhere with cloud syncing and personalized study tools.

**Highlights:** Thousands of USMLE board-style questions, Nearly 800 eLearning modules, Over 14,000 flashcards, Over 80 hours of high-yield videos, Cloud syncing across devices, Spaced repetition study tool

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| RX360+ | $49.99 | per month |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is VisualDx free?

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

### Is USMLE free?

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

### Which has better reviews, VisualDx or USMLE?

USMLE is rated higher. VisualDx averages 4.4 out of 5 from 186 ratings, while USMLE averages 4.7 from 5K ratings.

### Do VisualDx or USMLE have ads?

Neither VisualDx nor USMLE shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, VisualDx or USMLE?

VisualDx ships an update fortnightly, and USMLE every 6 weeks. Most recently, VisualDx was updated on October 16, 2026 and USMLE on October 17, 2026.

### Which is more popular, VisualDx or USMLE?

VisualDx currently peaks at #15 in the App Store charts, and USMLE at #167. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*