# WikEM vs AHA ACLS

The clearest difference is monetization model: WikEM at free with in-app purchases against AHA ACLS's subscription. WikEM also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs every 2 months) and review sentiment (54% vs 26%). AHA ACLS's advantage is chart position (#63 vs unranked). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. WikEM sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month and AHA ACLS sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $3.99 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for WikEM against 4.9 for AHA ACLS. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: WikEM has 4.7K ratings behind it against 277, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 54% of WikEM's written reviews are positive against 26% of AHA ACLS's.

WikEM ships an update every 5 days, AHA ACLS every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | WikEM | AHA ACLS |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (4.7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/wikem/id576405449/reviews) | **[4.9 (277 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aha-acls/id1506944443/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **4.7K** | 277 |
| Positive reviews | **54.1% of reviews** | 26.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 days** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Best chart rank | — | **#63** |
| Size | 157 MB | 48 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.1 | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [OpenEM Foundation](https://appshunter.io/developer/766470023) | [Massachusetts General Hospital](https://appshunter.io/developer/376928206) |

## What reviewers say

### WikEM

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/wikem/id576405449)

This app provides a continuously updated wiki and database of emergency medicine knowledge for physicians. Access key information offline for rapid reference during daily practice. An in-app subscription unlocks advanced AI-powered questions, favorites, and history features.

**Highlights:** Emergency medicine knowledge database, Continuously updated content, Offline access, AI-powered questions (subscription), Favorites and history (subscription)

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

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| WikEM AI Search | $1.99 | per month |
| Premium Features | $4.99 | per year |
| Personal Notes | $0.99 | one-time |
| Favorites and Lists | $5.99 | one-time |
| History and Favorites | $9.99 | one-time |
| WikEM Russian Content | $29.99 | one-time |
| WikEM Italian Content | $29.99 | one-time |
| WikEM Polish Content | $29.99 | one-time |
| WikEM Hindi Content | $29.99 | one-time |
| WikEM Turkish Content | $29.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 💡 Useful and concise information
- 🚀 Great resource for quick reference
- 👍 Helpful for medical professionals

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent login and account issues
- 🐛 App crashes and database loading problems
- 🐛 Compatibility issues with newer devices
- 🔋 High battery consumption

**Reported bugs**

- Login screen freezes
- Incompatible with older devices
- Broken hyperlinks and charts
- Search function not working as expected

**Requested features**

- Dark mode support
- Ability to save favorites and customize the app
- Improved search functionality
- Regular content updates


### AHA ACLS

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

**Currently charting:** #63 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 WikEM free?

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

### Is AHA ACLS free?

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

### Which has better reviews, WikEM or AHA ACLS?

AHA ACLS is rated higher. WikEM averages 4.8 out of 5 from 4.7K ratings, while AHA ACLS averages 4.9 from 277 ratings.

### Do WikEM or AHA ACLS have ads?

Neither WikEM nor AHA ACLS shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, WikEM or AHA ACLS?

WikEM ships an update every 5 days, and AHA ACLS every 2 months. Most recently, WikEM was updated on September 23, 2026 and AHA ACLS on September 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.*