# Code CPR 5 vs AHA ACLS

The clearest difference is price: AHA ACLS at Free against Code CPR 5's $2.99. AHA ACLS also leads on rating (4.9 vs 3.7) and ratings volume (277 vs 3). Code CPR 5's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1). On review sentiment, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

AHA ACLS is free to download; Code CPR 5 costs $2.99 up front. AHA ACLS sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $3.99 per year. Code CPR 5 asks for nothing beyond the download.

AHA ACLS holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: AHA ACLS has 277 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 25% of Code CPR 5's written reviews are positive against 26% of AHA ACLS's.

Code CPR 5 ships an update every 3 months, AHA ACLS every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Code CPR 5 | AHA ACLS |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $2.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [3.7 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-cpr-5/id532882987/reviews) | **[4.9 (277 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aha-acls/id1506944443/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 3 | **277** |
| Positive reviews | 25.0% of reviews | **26.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | **Paid** | Subscription |
| Best chart rank | — | **#51** |
| Size | 3 MB | 48 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **15.1** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | +4 | 17+ |
| Developer | [Remarkable Edge, Lda](https://appshunter.io/developer/532882990) | [Massachusetts General Hospital](https://appshunter.io/developer/376928206) |

## What reviewers say

### Code CPR 5

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-cpr-5/id532882987)

This app helps medical professionals accurately time and log events during emergency procedures like CPR. It provides audio/visual alarms, a metronome, and a detailed logbook that can be exported. Optimized for iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch.

**Highlights:** Easy event logging with predefined and custom events, Elapsed time tracking, Audio and visual alarms, Exportable logbook, Metronome for cardiac massage, Apple Watch support, Live Activities and Dynamic Island integration

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### AHA ACLS

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aha-acls/id1506944443)

**Currently charting:** #51 Top Grossing · Medical (US App Store)

This app provides clinicians with a digital tool to assist in running cardiac arrest codes and delivering advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) at the bedside. It features the latest AHA recommendations and includes intuitive access to algorithms, drug dosing, and timers for efficient patient care.

**Highlights:** 4 ACLS algorithms (cardiac arrest, tachycardia, bradycardia, post-arrest), Latest 2025 AHA ACLS content, Drug therapy and dosing, Easy-to-read timers, CPR and epinephrine logging, Rapid transition to post-arrest care

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ACLS Pro | $3.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- ✅ Accurate, up-to-date AHA ACLS algorithms
- ⏱️ Built-in timers and counters for code management
- 👍 User-friendly, intuitive interface
- 🏥 Trusted by Harvard/MGH and American Heart Association
- 📋 Helpful for documentation and PCR completion

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Subscription paywall on previously free app
- 🚨 Dangerous surprise paywall during active codes
- ⚠️ No warning before transition to paid model
- 🔐 Requires payment even for basic ACLS information
- 😤 Perceived greed from wealthy organizations (MGH/AHA)

**Reported bugs**

- App fails to load information despite subscription payment
- Users locked out of app mid-code
- Unexpected app crashes during critical moments

**Requested features**

- Multiple log storage with dates
- More detailed code logging with event documentation (IO access, medications, rhythms)
- End code button and pause compressions feature
- Real-time log tracking for back-charting
- LVAD algorithm inclusion


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Code CPR 5 free?

Code CPR 5 costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is AHA ACLS free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Code CPR 5 or AHA ACLS?

AHA ACLS is rated higher. Code CPR 5 averages 3.7 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while AHA ACLS averages 4.9 from 277 ratings.

### Do Code CPR 5 or AHA ACLS have ads?

Neither Code CPR 5 nor AHA ACLS shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Code CPR 5 or AHA ACLS?

Code CPR 5 ships an update every 3 months, and AHA ACLS every 2 months. Most recently, Code CPR 5 was updated on October 3, 2026 and AHA ACLS 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.*