# MediCode vs AHA ACLS

MediCode and AHA ACLS both sit at 4.8 stars, but that hides the real split: 75% of MediCode's written reviews are positive against 26% of AHA ACLS's. MediCode also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months). AHA ACLS's advantage is chart position (#43 vs unranked). On price, rating, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. AHA ACLS sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $3.99 per year. MediCode asks for nothing beyond the download.

AHA ACLS holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: MediCode has 4.3K ratings behind it against 377, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 75% of MediCode's written reviews are positive against 26% of AHA ACLS's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

MediCode ships an update every 3 weeks, AHA ACLS every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and October 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | MediCode | AHA ACLS |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (4.3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/medicode-acls-pals-bls-cpr/id604382852/reviews) | **[4.9 (377 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aha-acls/id1506944443/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **4.3K** | 377 |
| Positive reviews | **75.4% of reviews** | 26.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Best chart rank | — | **#43** |
| Size | 46 MB | 48 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.1 | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Advanced Medical Certification Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/6787924535) | [Massachusetts General Hospital](https://appshunter.io/developer/376928206) |

## What reviewers say

### MediCode

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/medicode-acls-pals-bls-cpr/id604382852)

Access essential emergency medical algorithms and practice tests on your mobile device. This app provides quick access to ILCOR algorithms for ACLS, PALS, BLS, CPR, and more, helping healthcare professionals make critical decisions in emergency situations.

**Highlights:** Access ILCOR algorithms, ACLS, PALS, BLS, CPR, NR skills, ECG rhythms and interpretations, Multiple-choice practice tests, Downloadable ebooks, Easy navigation

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Simple and easy to use
- 🚀 Helpful for quick reference
- 💡 Useful for ACLS/PALS review
- 🚀 Convenient app for emergency situations

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Bugs and glitches in the app
- ⚠️ Outdated information not aligned with latest guidelines
- ⚠️ Lack of drug dosage information
- ⚠️ Errors in the decision trees and algorithms

**Reported bugs**

- Inability to progress through Mega Codes
- Crashes and freezes on newer devices
- Incorrect information in the algorithms

**Requested features**

- Update to 2020 AHA guidelines
- Add drug dosage information
- Improve stability and reduce crashes
- Provide more practice tests and scenarios


### AHA ACLS

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

**Currently charting:** #43 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 MediCode free?

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

### Is AHA ACLS free?

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

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

AHA ACLS is rated higher. MediCode averages 4.8 out of 5 from 4.3K ratings, while AHA ACLS averages 4.9 from 377 ratings.

### Do MediCode or AHA ACLS have ads?

Neither MediCode nor AHA ACLS shows ads.

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

MediCode ships an update every 3 weeks, and AHA ACLS every 2 months. Most recently, MediCode was updated on November 1, 2026 and AHA ACLS on October 29, 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.*