# VisualDx vs Dermatology First Derm

The clearest difference is monetization model: Dermatology First Derm at free with in-app purchases against VisualDx's subscription. Dermatology First Derm also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.4). VisualDx's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 4 months). On price, ratings volume, 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 Dermatology First Derm sells 9 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

VisualDx holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 4.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 186 and 409 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 84% of VisualDx's written reviews are positive against 63% of Dermatology First Derm's.

VisualDx ships an update fortnightly, Dermatology First Derm every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | VisualDx | Dermatology First Derm |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.4 (186 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/visualdx/id348177521/reviews)** | [4.2 (409 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dermatology-first-derm/id564481892/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 186 | **409** |
| Positive reviews | **84.3% of reviews** | 63.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 4 months |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Best chart rank | **#13** | — |
| Size | 226 MB | 36 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.4 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Logical Images](https://appshunter.io/developer/348177524) | [iDoc24 Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/969804193) |

## What reviewers say

### VisualDx

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

**Currently charting:** #13 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


### Dermatology First Derm

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dermatology-first-derm/id564481892)

Connect with board-certified dermatologists for anonymous consultations on skin concerns. Get expert advice and treatment recommendations within hours, skipping long wait times for in-person appointments. Available globally and in multiple languages.

**Highlights:** Anonymous skin consultations, Board-certified dermatologists, Consultations within hours, Skin condition identification, Treatment recommendations, Global availability

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Firstderm Opinion | $19.99 | one-time |
| Firstderm Opinion | $22.99 | one-time |
| First Derm | $23.99 | one-time |
| Firstderm Opinion Low-tier price | $23.99 | one-time |
| First Derm | $25.99 | one-time |
| First Derm | $29.99 | one-time |
| First Derm | $39.99 | one-time |
| Firstderm Opinion Express | $47.99 | one-time |
| First Derm | $59.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast & easy to use
- 👍 Convenient for getting professional opinions
- 🔒 Reviewed by medical experts
- 💡 Helpful during COVID-19 pandemic

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Incorrect diagnoses
- 💰 Expensive for the service provided
- 🔍 Limited ability to follow up or ask questions
- 🕰️ Delayed responses beyond promised timeframe

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes or fails to load
- Payment issues and trouble getting refunds

**Requested features**

- Ability to ask follow-up questions
- Option to chat with the dermatologist directly
- More transparency on the qualifications of the reviewing doctors


## Frequently asked questions

### Is VisualDx free?

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

### Is Dermatology First Derm free?

Dermatology First Derm is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, VisualDx or Dermatology First Derm?

VisualDx is rated higher. VisualDx averages 4.4 out of 5 from 186 ratings, while Dermatology First Derm averages 4.2 from 409 ratings.

### Do VisualDx or Dermatology First Derm have ads?

Dermatology First Derm shows ads; VisualDx does not.

### Which is updated more often, VisualDx or Dermatology First Derm?

VisualDx ships an update fortnightly, and Dermatology First Derm every 4 months. Most recently, VisualDx was updated on September 23, 2026 and Dermatology First Derm on September 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.*