# STAT!Ref vs ClinicalKey

The clearest difference is monetization model: STAT!Ref at free against ClinicalKey's subscription. STAT!Ref also leads on review sentiment (36% vs 9%). ClinicalKey's advantage is update cadence (every 5 weeks vs every 3 months). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

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

STAT!Ref ships an update every 3 months, ClinicalKey every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 1, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | STAT!Ref | ClinicalKey |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[2.8 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/statref/id474559171/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **5** | — |
| Positive reviews | **36.4% of reviews** | 8.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 5 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Subscription |
| Size | 8 MB | 55 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.5 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Teton Data Systems](https://appshunter.io/developer/474559174) | [Elsevier Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/367031326) |

## What reviewers say

### STAT!Ref

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/statref/id474559171)

Access a vast library of evidence-based medical resources on your mobile device. Search across hundreds of titles, bookmark key information, and define medical terms instantly. Features text-to-speech and news alerts for the latest healthcare updates.

**Highlights:** Cross-searchable medical resources, Bookmark specific paragraphs, Instant medical term definitions, Text-to-Speech functionality, Evidence Alerts and news feeds, Customizable content access

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### ClinicalKey

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/clinicalkey/id1041998175)

This app provides medical professionals with instant access to a vast library of clinical knowledge, including synoptic content and in-depth reference materials. It helps users stay updated on medical advancements, confirm diagnoses, and advance their research skills, all while offering CME/MOC/CE credits.

**Highlights:** Access to 30+ medical specialties, Synoptic content for quick answers, Full-text reference books and journals, Mobile-optimized medical calculators, Earn CME/MOC/CE credits, Intuitive search functionality

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 📚 High-quality, evidence-based clinical content
- 🎯 Intuitive interface and quick reference format
- 🔍 Similar functionality to website version
- 👍 Browse feature restoration appreciated by users

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔓 Constant forced logout issues
- 🔐 Institutional login authentication failures
- ⏳ App freezes and perpetual loading screens
- 🚫 Missing textbook access in app vs website
- 📵 Frequent crashes and force closures

**Reported bugs**

- App stuck on loading screen after initial login
- Forced logout when closing or minimizing app
- Institutional login not working despite web access
- App crashes during search queries
- OpenAthens authentication failures

**Requested features**

- PDF download capability within the app
- Favorite/bookmark textbooks and articles
- Landscape mode support for iPad
- Find-on-page text search function
- Automatic session persistence and page memory


## Frequently asked questions

### Is STAT!Ref free?

STAT!Ref is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is ClinicalKey free?

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

### Do STAT!Ref or ClinicalKey have ads?

Neither STAT!Ref nor ClinicalKey shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, STAT!Ref or ClinicalKey?

STAT!Ref ships an update every 3 months, and ClinicalKey every 5 weeks. Most recently, STAT!Ref was updated on October 1, 2026 and ClinicalKey on October 11, 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.*