# TOXBASE vs The BMJ

The clearest difference is rating: The BMJ at 4.2 against TOXBASE's 1.0. The BMJ also leads on review sentiment (57% vs 21%) and ratings volume (13 vs 1). TOXBASE's advantage is monetization model (free vs subscription). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. TOXBASE sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and The BMJ sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $11.49 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

The BMJ holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 1.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: The BMJ has 13 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 21% of TOXBASE's written reviews are positive against 57% of The BMJ's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 6 months. Both last shipped on September 26, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | TOXBASE | The BMJ |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/toxbase/id519248940/reviews) | **[4.2 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-bmj/id1395295755/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **13** |
| Positive reviews | 20.5% of reviews | **57.1% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | Every 6 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Subscription |
| Size | 413 MB | 241 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.5 | **14.2** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [NHS Lothian](https://appshunter.io/developer/417219250) | [BMJ Group](https://appshunter.io/developer/345548841) |

## What reviewers say

### TOXBASE

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/toxbase/id519248940)

This clinical toxicology database offers healthcare professionals comprehensive advice on poisoning features and management. It provides detailed information on various toxins and clear, evidence-based treatment guidance. The app is designed for quick reference and can be used offline.

**Highlights:** Detailed poisons information, Traffic light triaging system, Point-by-point treatment advice, Evidence-based and peer-reviewed, Offline database access, 24/7 updated information

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 year subscription | $6.99 | one-time |


### The BMJ

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-bmj/id1395295755)

Access a leading general medical journal for researchers, clinicians, and policymakers. Stay updated with practice-changing research, expert columns, and embedded video content. Enjoy offline access to downloaded issues and earn CME points.

**Highlights:** Read leading medical research, Apply practice-changing takeaways, Access trusted, data-supported news, Offline access to downloaded issues, Earn CME points, Read ahead of print, Embedded video content

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| The BMJ (1 month) | $11.49 | per month |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to navigate
- 👍 Easy access to BMJ
- 👍 Reliable app
- 👍 Indispensable source of information
- 👍 Given up paper version

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Not unbiased on strikes
- 🐛 Not as comprehensive as previously
- 🐛 Only 1 BMJ per month
- 🐛 Printed on cheap paper
- 🐛 Awful navigation

**Reported bugs**

- App won’t open on iPhone
- App always asks to restore purchase
- Account does not exist
- Often doesn’t allow access to most recent edition
- Poor updating of editions

**Requested features**

- Copy figures and tables to more apps directly
- Copy figures and tables to more apps directly eg Twitter lectures etc
- Would be nice to be able to export text/tables/flow charts with a click
- Would like a bit less subscription payment
- Please see title! (Dark mode)


## Frequently asked questions

### Is TOXBASE free?

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

### Is The BMJ free?

The BMJ is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, TOXBASE or The BMJ?

The BMJ is rated higher. TOXBASE averages 1.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while The BMJ averages 4.2 from 13 ratings.

### Do TOXBASE or The BMJ have ads?

Neither TOXBASE nor The BMJ shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, TOXBASE or The BMJ?

TOXBASE ships an update every 6 months, and The BMJ every 6 months. Most recently, TOXBASE was updated on September 26, 2026 and The BMJ on September 26, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*