# Bedside EM vs ECG Notes

The clearest difference is monetization model: ECG Notes at free with in-app purchases against Bedside EM's subscription. ECG Notes also leads on rating (4.7 vs 4.2) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.4). Bedside EM's advantage is review sentiment (85% vs 50%) and ads (none vs shown). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Bedside EM sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per year and ECG Notes sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ECG Notes holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Bedside EM has 60 ratings behind it against 12, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 85% of Bedside EM's written reviews are positive against 50% of ECG Notes's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Bedside EM ships an update every 5 months, ECG Notes every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and August 12, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Bedside EM | ECG Notes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.2 (60 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bedside-em/id413192645/reviews) | **[4.7 (12 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ecg-notes-quick-look-up-ref/id1146393355/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **60** | 12 |
| Positive reviews | **85.0% of reviews** | 50.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Every 3 months** |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Best chart rank | **#157** | — |
| Size | 39 MB | 46 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.4 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Dark Medical Apps LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1046115244) | [Skyscape Medpresso Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/818609416) |

## What reviewers say

### Bedside EM

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bedside-em/id413192645)

**Currently charting:** #157 Top Grossing · Medical (US App Store)

This comprehensive medical reference app provides evidence-based, peer-reviewed information for emergency medicine providers and those caring for acutely ill patients. It features a searchable, offline database with continuously updated content and a user-friendly interface.

**Highlights:** Offline access, Searchable database, Evidence-based content, Peer-reviewed updates, Pediatric tape, Clinical decision rules

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Annual Subscription | $9.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Access | $199.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great quick reference
- 👍 Easy to use and navigate
- 👍 Useful for residents and attendings
- 👍 High-yield information
- 👍 Well-organized content

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Lost notes and bookmarks
- 🐛 Missing dental portion
- 🐛 New upgrade is lacking
- 🐛 Incomplete toxicology information
- 🐛 Basic information

**Reported bugs**

- Lost notes and bookmarks since update
- Categories reorganized and hard to find
- Temporarily lost access after rebranding
- EKG illustrations covered by back task bar

**Requested features**

- Update privacy label
- Add settings button to enlarge print
- Add an 'update' option for newest information
- Support French language
- Add more categories


### ECG Notes

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ecg-notes-quick-look-up-ref/id1146393355)

This pocket guide offers a quick reference for ECG interpretation and management, covering basics, 12-lead ECGs, ACLS, CPR, and emergency medications. It includes over 100 ECG strips and practice questions, with content updated to the latest guidelines. No internet connection is needed after initial download.

**Highlights:** 125 ECG rhythm strips, Comprehensive coverage: basics, ECG, ACLS, PALS, meds, CPR, CPR algorithms in tabular format, Test Yourself ECG strips with real-life arrhythmias, Clinical Tips and PALS coverage, SmartSearch technology for quick look-up, Offline content access

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ECG Notes-Ed.4 | $34.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Bedside EM free?

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

### Is ECG Notes free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Bedside EM or ECG Notes?

ECG Notes is rated higher. Bedside EM averages 4.2 out of 5 from 60 ratings, while ECG Notes averages 4.7 from 12 ratings.

### Do Bedside EM or ECG Notes have ads?

ECG Notes shows ads; Bedside EM does not.

### Which is updated more often, Bedside EM or ECG Notes?

Bedside EM ships an update every 5 months, and ECG Notes every 3 months. Most recently, Bedside EM was updated on September 23, 2026 and ECG Notes on August 12, 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.*