# EMS Guidebook vs Explain Medicine

The clearest difference is rating: EMS Guidebook at 4.9 against Explain Medicine's 4.2. EMS Guidebook also leads on ratings volume (115 vs 13). Explain Medicine's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 7). On price, review sentiment, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. EMS Guidebook sells 7 one-off in-app purchases. Explain Medicine asks for nothing beyond the download.

EMS Guidebook holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: EMS Guidebook has 115 ratings behind it against 13, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 33% and 33% positive.

EMS Guidebook ships an update every 6 months, Explain Medicine every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | EMS Guidebook | Explain Medicine |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (115 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ems-guidebook/id527102213/reviews)** | [4.2 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/explain-medicine/id1356577412/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **115** | 13 |
| Positive reviews | 33.3% of reviews | 33.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | **Every 3 months** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 3 MB | 89 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Larry Owens](https://appshunter.io/developer/496138296) | [Medical Joyworks LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/803816939) |

## What reviewers say

### EMS Guidebook

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ems-guidebook/id527102213)

This app provides a digital reference for emergency medical service protocols, replacing traditional physical guidebooks. It includes essential medical charts, guidelines, and rhythm examples, with agency-specific protocols accessible via password.

**Highlights:** Digital EMS agency protocols, Replacement for physical guidebooks, Pediatric vital signs charts, Burn and c-spine clearance guides, Cardiac rhythm examples, AHA guidelines

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2009 Utah EMS for Children Off-Line Protocols | $1.99 | one-time |
| District 2B Protocols | $2.99 | one-time |
| 2009 West Virginia EMT Basic Protocols | $3.99 | one-time |
| 2012 North Carolina EMS Protocols | $4.99 | one-time |
| 2009 North Carolina EMS Protocols | $4.99 | one-time |
| 2010 Hawaii EMS Standing Orders | $4.99 | one-time |
| 2011-2013 St John New Zealand Protocols | $4.99 | one-time |


### Explain Medicine

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/explain-medicine/id1356577412)

A quick medical reference for professionals and students, offering evidence-based explanations for over 700 diseases. Ideal for rapid information retrieval during rounds or exam preparation.

**Highlights:** Medical reference for professionals, Explanations for over 700 diseases, Evidence-based information, Fast and easy to use, Designed for students, Quick answers for rounds

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is EMS Guidebook free?

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

### Is Explain Medicine free?

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

### Which has better reviews, EMS Guidebook or Explain Medicine?

EMS Guidebook is rated higher. EMS Guidebook averages 4.9 out of 5 from 115 ratings, while Explain Medicine averages 4.2 from 13 ratings.

### Do EMS Guidebook or Explain Medicine have ads?

Neither EMS Guidebook nor Explain Medicine shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, EMS Guidebook or Explain Medicine?

EMS Guidebook ships an update every 6 months, and Explain Medicine every 3 months. Most recently, EMS Guidebook was updated on October 23, 2026 and Explain Medicine on October 24, 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.*