# USMLE Boards Academy vs Core Step Prep

The clearest difference is rating: USMLE Boards Academy at 5.0 against Core Step Prep's 4.0. USMLE Boards Academy also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 6) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 26.0). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Core Step Prep sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per 7 days. USMLE Boards Academy asks for nothing beyond the download.

USMLE Boards Academy holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 2 respectively.

USMLE Boards Academy ships an update every 10 days, Core Step Prep every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on October 25, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | USMLE Boards Academy | Core Step Prep |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/usmle-boards-academy/id6664066166/reviews)** | [4.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/core-step-prep/id6752342447/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **2** |
| Positive reviews | — | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 10 days | **Every 6 days** |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 204 MB | 19 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 26.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Mac |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Testpress Tech Labs LLP](https://appshunter.io/developer/1235683817) | [Terry Trent](https://appshunter.io/developer/1838959049) |

## What reviewers say

### USMLE Boards Academy

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/usmle-boards-academy/id6664066166)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Core Step Prep

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/core-step-prep/id6752342447)

This platform offers a high-yield question bank and study tools designed for USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK preparation. It focuses on recurring exam concepts with expert-crafted questions, actionable analytics, and realistic practice interfaces. Enhance your board prep with targeted study blocks and detailed explanations.

**Highlights:** High-yield USMLE-style questions, Step 1 + Step 2 CK coverage, Expert-crafted questions, Actionable analytics, Customizable quizzes, Realistic exam interface, Detailed explanations, Flashcards with spaced repetition

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USMLE Step 1 Qbank - 1 wk access | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| USMLE Step 2 CK Qbank - 1 wk access | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| USMLE Step 1 Qbank - 1 mo. access | $29.99 | per month |
| USMLE Step 2 CK Qbank - 1 mo access | $29.99 | per month |
| USMLE Step 2 CK Qbank - 6 mo access | $99.99 | per 6 months |
| USMLE Step 1 Qbank - 6 mo access | $99.99 | per 6 months |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is USMLE Boards Academy free?

USMLE Boards Academy is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Core Step Prep free?

Core Step Prep is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, USMLE Boards Academy or Core Step Prep?

USMLE Boards Academy is rated higher. USMLE Boards Academy averages 5.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Core Step Prep averages 4.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do USMLE Boards Academy or Core Step Prep have ads?

Neither USMLE Boards Academy nor Core Step Prep shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, USMLE Boards Academy or Core Step Prep?

USMLE Boards Academy ships an update every 10 days, and Core Step Prep every 6 days. Most recently, USMLE Boards Academy was updated on October 25, 2026 and Core Step Prep on October 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.*