# MuscleMap vs Cortex

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: MuscleMap at none against Cortex's 3. MuscleMap also leads on device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.0). Cortex's advantage is update cadence (daily vs fortnightly). On price and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Cortex sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. MuscleMap asks for nothing beyond the download.

MuscleMap ships an update fortnightly, Cortex daily. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | MuscleMap | Cortex |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Daily** |
| Size | 22 MB | 11 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Altos Engineering OU](https://appshunter.io/developer/1734619628) | [Hendrik Alastair Kung](https://appshunter.io/developer/6793638181) |

## What reviewers say

### MuscleMap

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/musclemap-workout-planner/id6478964908)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Cortex

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cortex-attention-lab/id6806795452)

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Cortex Pro Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Cortex Pro Annual | $34.99 | per year |
| Cortex Pro Lifetime | $79.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is MuscleMap free?

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

### Is Cortex free?

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

### Do MuscleMap or Cortex have ads?

Neither MuscleMap nor Cortex shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, MuscleMap or Cortex?

MuscleMap ships an update fortnightly, and Cortex daily. Most recently, MuscleMap was updated on October 7, 2026 and Cortex on October 6, 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.*