Comparison

Acu vs TcmNote

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Acu

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AcuAssistant is an AI-powered intelligent acupuncture assistant that provides on-demand measurement of acupuncture manipulations, assistance with acupuncture knowledge, and case-based acupoint prescription recommendations, supporting your acupuncture teaching and research work!

About

TcmNote

Features
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◆ App Introduction Shanghan Notes is a deep learning tool and utility app designed for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) enthusiasts, practitioners, and students. Built upon core classics like the Treatise on Cold Damage (Shanghan Lun) and the Synopsis of the Golden Chamber (Jingui Yaolue), it integrates study notes on formulas, Chinese herbs, and medical cases. Our goal is to assist users in studying, understanding, reviewing, and applying classic theories effectively during their TCM learning journey. ◆ Core Features • Classic Medical Library Includes foundational TCM works such as the Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon (Huangdi Neijing), the Classic of Difficult Issues (Nan Jing), and Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica. It serves not only as a reading tool but also as a source of wisdom for exploring human physiology, pathology, and the art of health preservation. • Intensive Reading of Original Clauses Contains the complete original clauses of the Shanghan Lun and Jingui Yaolue. Supports quick search and comparison, helping you repeatedly contemplate the logic of pattern differentiation and treatment by the Medical Sage, Zhang Zhongjing, and master the core essence of Six Meridian Pattern Differentiation. • Detailed Explanation of Formulas & Pharmacology Covers all formulas and Chinese herbs found in the Shanghan and Jingui texts, complete with relevant study notes to help users better understand the usage and efficacy of these formulas and herbs. • Medical Case Studies Features a selection of common clinical cases applying classical formulas. These cases reconstruct the authentic diagnosis and treatment process, helping users cultivate practical skills in TCM inquiry, prescription, and medication. ◆ Usage Scenarios • A clinical reference tool for TCM students and licensed practitioners • Classical formula study notes for TCM enthusiasts • A reference manual for health-conscious individuals focusing on family wellness • A research platform for exploring the logic of TCM inquiry and the wisdom of health management Let's revisit the classics together, appreciate the profound depth of TCM through Shanghan Notes, and become the guardians of our own and our family's health. ◆ Disclaimer All medical information, medical text content, formulas, and herbal information provided by this App are for learning, reference, and academic exchange purposes only. They do not constitute any form of medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment plan. Before making any medical decisions based on information from this App, please be sure to visit a legitimate medical institution and consult a professional doctor. ◆ Terms and Privacy • Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ • Privacy Policy: https://yangguang2009.github.io/docs/manuals/tcmnote/privacy-policy/privacy-policy-english

Screenshots

Acu3 screens
TcmNote4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Acu at none against TcmNote's 2. Acu also leads on ads (none vs shown). TcmNote's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 5 weeks) and iOS requirement (14.0 vs 16.4). On price and device support 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. TcmNote sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Acu asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Acu ships an update every 5 weeks, TcmNote weekly. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

Scorecard4 real differences · 4 level
Acu versus TcmNote: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAcuTcmNote
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 5 weeksWeekly — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS16.414.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size1.7 GB88 MB
Age rating17+17+
DeveloperShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineYangguang Ma

In-app purchases

None

Acu

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

TcmNote

Subscriptions2
  • $1.99 / Month$1.991 Month
  • $19.99 / Year$19.991 Year

Questions

Is Acu free?
Acu is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is TcmNote free?
TcmNote is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Acu or TcmNote have ads?
TcmNote shows ads; Acu does not.
Which is updated more often, Acu or TcmNote?
Acu ships an update every 5 weeks, and TcmNote weekly. Most recently, Acu was updated on October 24, 2026 and TcmNote on October 24, 2026.

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