# Bedside EM vs iCU Notes

The clearest difference is rating: iCU Notes at 4.8 against Bedside EM's 4.2. iCU Notes also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 2) and review sentiment (100% vs 85%). Bedside EM's advantage is ratings volume (60 vs 12). On price, update cadence, ads 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. iCU Notes asks for nothing beyond the download.

iCU Notes holds the better App Store score, 4.8 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 point the same way: 85% of Bedside EM's written reviews are positive against 100% of iCU Notes's.

Bedside EM ships an update every 5 months, iCU Notes every 10 months. The most recent releases landed on October 10, 2026 and September 17, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Bedside EM | iCU Notes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.2 (60 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bedside-em/id413192645/reviews) | **[4.8 (12 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/icu-notes/id487637612/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **60** | 12 |
| Positive reviews | 84.9% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 months** | Every 10 months |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free** |
| Size | 39 MB | 48 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.4 | **8.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Dark Medical Apps LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1046115244) | [DocNotes Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/487637615) |

## What reviewers say

### Bedside EM

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

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


### iCU Notes

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/icu-notes/id487637612)

A comprehensive pocket guide for critical care professionals, offering quick access to essential concepts, algorithms, and management strategies. Features include detailed modules, smart search, and evidence-based recommendations.

**Highlights:** 11 modules on critical care concepts, Alphabetized and smart search functionality, Over 80 color illustrations, 30+ clinical ICU guideline overviews, 18 emergency algorithms, Differential diagnoses and management strategies, Evidence-based recommendations

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Bedside EM free?

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

### Is iCU Notes free?

iCU Notes is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

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

iCU Notes is rated higher. Bedside EM averages 4.2 out of 5 from 60 ratings, while iCU Notes averages 4.8 from 12 ratings.

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

Neither Bedside EM nor iCU Notes shows ads.

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

Bedside EM ships an update every 5 months, and iCU Notes every 10 months. Most recently, Bedside EM was updated on October 10, 2026 and iCU Notes on September 17, 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.*