ACLS Fast vs PALS Fast
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
ACLS Fast
This app provides rapid guidance for ACLS 2020 guidelines, helping users quickly determine appropriate therapies through a question-based system. It includes information on rhythms, arrhythmias, acute coronary and stroke syndromes, and features a two-minute timer for code management.
- Question-based therapy guidance
- Rhythms and arrhythmias management
- Acute coronary and stroke syndrome protocols
- Two-minute code timer with alarm
- Interactive multiple-choice exams
- Rapid diagnosis and treatment support
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This is the fastest utility for managing and preparing for the ACLS 2020 guidelines. Unlike other apps that present algorithm sheets, this smart utility guides you to the pertinent therapy by asking one to two questions. ACLS Fast gives you all the rhythms and arrhythmias along with the specific treatments. You also have acute coronary and stroke syndrome management. In addition, there is a two minute timer to assist you with time management during a code. Now you don't have to second guess when two minutes pass and it is time to recheck vitals and shock. Every two minutes a loud alarm activates. The timer is resettable. Need to start inotropes, but you can't remember the right ones? This app has it and it is fast! Finally, you can take an interactive exam. There are many multiple-choice questions from which you can choose. Use this to test your knowledge or sharpen your ability to take care of patients. You can use the app in the field and hospital for rapid diagnosis and treatment. You can also use it as a quick, comprehensive study tool. Either way, nothing is this fast or simple. Also, check out PALS Fast for pediatrics.
PALS Fast
This medical app provides quick access to Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) treatment guidelines. It simplifies complex algorithms into an interactive, user-friendly interface for immediate use during pediatric emergencies or as a study aid.
- PALS systemic approach guide
- Pediatric arrest algorithm
- Drug dosage calculator
- Code timer with alarms
- Interactive response-based information
- Age-appropriate vitals reference
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PALS Fast is a highly efficient engine to get you the correct treatment during Pediatric Advanced Life Support, fast! Rather than comb through pages of algorithms you just click one or two buttons to guide you to the correct page. Each page contains the bare essentials *current* for 2017. Fast! The tab controller gives one access to the major topics covered in the PALS manual. These topics include the PALS systemic approach to the seriously ill child, age-appropriate vitals, the pediatric arrest algorithm, CPR summary, shock management and diagnosis, a Glascow calculator, the bradycardia and tachycardia algorithm, and the post-resuscitation algorithm. A comprehensive drug calculator has all the drugs listed in the PALS manual. Select the drug and patient weight and you get the correct dosing. There is also a code timer that alarms every two minutes to remind you to recheck vitals or give medications. This is a great study guide for the PALS exam. The topics are simplified to the essentials. Moreover, one can use this app during a pediatric code. This is because it does not just hash out information like a book: the app is interactive and will give out information based on your responses for the situation. Never before has this topic been easier to handle. Use the app for the PICU, ER, ICU or the floor; or, use the app as a study tool when you are nearing recertification. Either way, you will not be disappointed.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: ACLS Fast at 2.8 against PALS Fast's 2.3. ACLS Fast also leads on update cadence (every 3 months vs every 10 months) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.6). PALS Fast's advantage is price ($2.99 vs $3.99). On review sentiment, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
ACLS Fast costs $3.99 and PALS Fast $2.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
ACLS Fast holds the better App Store score, 2.8 against 2.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 4 and 3 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 76% of ACLS Fast's written reviews are positive against 70% of PALS Fast's.
ACLS Fast ships an update every 3 months, PALS Fast every 10 months. Both last shipped on September 24, 2026.
| Parameter | ACLS Fast | PALS Fast |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3.99 | $2.99 — better |
| Rating | 2.8 (4 ratings) — better | 2.3 (3 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 75.8% of reviews — better | 69.6% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 4 — better | 3 |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months — better | Every 10 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free — better | Paid |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 — better | 15.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 20 MB | 33 MB |
| Age rating | +17 | 17+ |
| Developer | Crystal Clear Solutions | Crystal Clear Solutions |
Customer experience
ACLS Fast
PALS Fast
In-app purchases
ACLS Fast
No in-app purchases
PALS Fast
No in-app purchases









