# Case Files vs USMLE Step 1 Mastery

The clearest difference is monetization model: Case Files at free with in-app purchases against USMLE Step 1 Mastery's subscription. USMLE Step 1 Mastery's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 19 months) and review sentiment (80% vs 71%). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Case Files sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per 7 days and USMLE Step 1 Mastery sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $11.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Case Files ships an update every 19 months, USMLE Step 1 Mastery every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 26, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Case Files | USMLE Step 1 Mastery |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.6 (216 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/usmle-step-1-mastery/id964613157/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **216** |
| Positive reviews | 70.6% of reviews | **80.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 19 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 28 MB | 166 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Expanded Apps](https://appshunter.io/developer/313709778) | [Higher Learning Technologies](https://appshunter.io/developer/571804544) |

## What reviewers say

### Case Files

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/case-files-physiology/id464681219)

This app helps medical students learn and review physiology by presenting 51 high-yield clinical cases. It reinforces the connection between basic science and clinical medicine, improving diagnostic skills and exam performance. A free sample case is included, with more available via subscription.

**Highlights:** 51 high-yield clinical cases, USMLE-style questions, Interactive learning system, Study, Exam, and Bookmark modes, Progress tracking, Notes section per case, iCloud support

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

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 Week | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Access | $11.99 | per 7 days |
| 1 Month | $18.99 | per month |
| Monthly Access | $19.99 | per month |
| 1 Year | $59.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Access | $39.99 | one-time |


### USMLE Step 1 Mastery

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/usmle-step-1-mastery/id964613157)

Prepare for the USMLE Step 1 exam with over 1,800 practice questions, including vignette-style and basic science items. Access extensive audio/video content, mnemonics, definitions, and drug flashcards. Track your performance with in-depth statistics to ensure you achieve your desired results.

**Highlights:** 1,800+ practice questions, Vignette-style questions, Basic science questions, Audio/video content, Mnemonics and definitions, Drug flashcards, Performance statistics

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USMLE Step 1 - 1 Month | $11.99 | per month |
| USMLE Step 1 - 3 Months | $24.99 | per 3 months |
| USMLE Step 1 - 12 Months | $35.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great explanations for answers
- 👍 Convenient for on-the-go studying
- 👍 Good breadth of material covered
- 👍 Detailed feedback on questions
- 👍 Useful mnemonics provided

**What reviewers complain about**

- 👎 Charged for unwanted renewals
- 👎 Unable to unlock purchased app
- 👎 App crashes and freezes
- 👎 Questions can be too easy/basic
- 👎 False sense of mastery from questions

**Reported bugs**

- App freezes and crashes during account creation
- App crashes while trying to create an account

**Requested features**

- Add more Q-bank questions
- Include a way to make notes
- Corrections on writing and punctuation
- Updates available?


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Case Files free?

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

### Is USMLE Step 1 Mastery free?

USMLE Step 1 Mastery is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do Case Files or USMLE Step 1 Mastery have ads?

Neither Case Files nor USMLE Step 1 Mastery shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Case Files or USMLE Step 1 Mastery?

Case Files ships an update every 19 months, and USMLE Step 1 Mastery every 2 weeks. Most recently, Case Files was updated on October 23, 2026 and USMLE Step 1 Mastery on October 26, 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.*