# RxLocal vs athenaPatient

The clearest difference is review sentiment: athenaPatient at 73% against RxLocal's 28%. athenaPatient also leads on rating (4.9 vs 4.7) and chart position (#22 vs #111). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

athenaPatient holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 75K and 177K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 28% of RxLocal's written reviews are positive against 73% of athenaPatient's.

RxLocal ships an update every 5 weeks, athenaPatient every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on October 19, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | RxLocal | athenaPatient |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (75K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rxlocal/id437564871/reviews) | **[4.9 (177K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/athenapatient/id1644169294/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 75K | **177K** |
| Positive reviews | 28.0% of reviews | **72.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Best chart rank | #111 | **#22** |
| Size | 51 MB | 232 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 17.6 |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 12+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [PioneerRx, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1437197299) | [athenahealth](https://appshunter.io/developer/535158438) |

## What reviewers say

### RxLocal

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rxlocal/id437564871)

**Currently charting:** #111 Top Free · Medical (US App Store)

Easily manage your prescriptions and family's medications in one place. Order refills, view medication details, and set reminders to never miss a dose.

**Highlights:** Medication management, Family medication profiles, Prescription refill ordering, Medication reminders, Contact options

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Convenient app for managing prescriptions
- 📤 Easy to request refills
- 🔒 Secure communication with pharmacy
- 🖼️ Helpful medication photos and details

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and bugs
- 🔄 Constantly logging users out
- 💤 Slow and unresponsive at times
- 🤔 Confusing interface and navigation
- 📤 Unreliable notifications and messages

**Reported bugs**

- Login and registration issues
- Disappearing medication lists and reminders
- Inconsistent app behavior across updates
- Syncing problems between app and pharmacy

**Requested features**

- Allow deleting old/inactive prescriptions
- Display medication pricing information
- Add family member profiles and management
- Improve prescription refill workflow
- Provide better communication and support channels


### athenaPatient

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/athenapatient/id1644169294)

**Currently charting:** #22 Top Free · Medical (US App Store)

Access your health information and communicate securely with your care team. View test results, message providers, schedule appointments, and check in before visits. This app requires an existing athenahealth Patient Portal account.

**Highlights:** Secure login with facial recognition/touch ID, View medical test results, Message your care team, Self-schedule appointments, Pre-visit check-in, Attend virtual visits, Get directions to appointments

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 All medical information in one place
- 💡 Convenient communication with providers
- 🙌 Responsive app
- 🔒 Secure access to medical records

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent login issues
- 🤔 Confusing navigation
- ⚠️ Lack of notifications for new messages
- 🔍 Missing key features (e.g., printing, syncing with Apple Health)
- 🕰️ Slow app performance

**Reported bugs**

- Login screen freezes or shows errors
- App logs out users frequently
- Inconsistent functionality between app and website
- Inability to access medical information while traveling outside the US

**Requested features**

- Add push notifications for new messages and updates
- Improve integration with Apple Health and other health apps
- Allow printing and sharing of medical records
- Enhance customization options for a more personalized experience
- Provide better guidance and tutorials for new users


## Frequently asked questions

### Is RxLocal free?

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

### Is athenaPatient free?

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

### Which has better reviews, RxLocal or athenaPatient?

athenaPatient is rated higher. RxLocal averages 4.7 out of 5 from 75K ratings, while athenaPatient averages 4.9 from 177K ratings.

### Do RxLocal or athenaPatient have ads?

Neither RxLocal nor athenaPatient shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, RxLocal or athenaPatient?

RxLocal ships an update every 5 weeks, and athenaPatient every 3 weeks. Most recently, RxLocal was updated on October 19, 2026 and athenaPatient on October 19, 2026.

### Which is more popular, RxLocal or athenaPatient?

RxLocal currently peaks at #111 in the App Store charts, and athenaPatient at #22. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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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.*