# MediCode vs AHA PALS

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: MediCode at none against AHA PALS's 1. MediCode also leads on ratings volume (4.3K vs 54) and review sentiment (75% vs 55%). AHA PALS's advantage is chart position (#194 vs unranked). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

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

MediCode holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: MediCode has 4.3K ratings behind it against 54, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 75% of MediCode's written reviews are positive against 55% of AHA PALS's.

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

## The numbers

| Metric | MediCode | AHA PALS |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (4.3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/medicode-acls-pals-bls-cpr/id604382852/reviews)** | [4.5 (54 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aha-pals/id1577470913/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **4.3K** | 54 |
| Positive reviews | **75.4% of reviews** | 54.5% 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 | — | **#194** |
| 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 PALS

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aha-pals/id1577470913)

**Currently charting:** #194 Top Grossing · Medical (US App Store)

This app provides pediatric advanced life support (PALS) protocols and tools for healthcare professionals at the point-of-care. Developed by physicians and vetted by the American Heart Association, it offers intuitive access to algorithms, drug information, and timers for critical care situations.

**Highlights:** PALS pathways and algorithms, Drug therapy and dosing, CPR and intervention timers, Metronome for compression accuracy, Critical care references, Vetted by AHA and physicians

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| PALS | $3.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is MediCode free?

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

### Is AHA PALS free?

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

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

MediCode is rated higher. MediCode averages 4.8 out of 5 from 4.3K ratings, while AHA PALS averages 4.5 from 54 ratings.

### Do MediCode or AHA PALS have ads?

Neither MediCode nor AHA PALS shows ads.

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

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