Comparison

AnesBuddy vs CAA Board Prep

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

Head to head
About

AnesBuddy

This educational reference app helps anesthesiology residents and students master core concepts and prepare for exams. It provides detailed explanations of formulas, case-based scenarios for practice, and quick access to essential guidelines and protocols.

Highlights
  • Pharmacology and toxicology review
  • Step-by-step formula derivations
  • Oral boards case simulator
  • Guideline and algorithm library
  • Gastric ultrasound reference
Features
Read full description

Master the Fundamentals of Anesthesiology AnesBuddy is the all-in-one educational reference and study companion designed for anesthesiology residents and students preparing for the ITE, BASIC/ADVANCED exams, and Oral Boards. Developed by Synaptic Collaborations, AnesBuddy consolidates high-yield textbook data and society guidelines into a single interface for rapid review and self-assessment. Core Educational Modules: Pharmacology & Toxicology Review: Study toxic dose thresholds for local anesthetics (LAST) and verify your memorization of maximums. Review opioid classifications and equianalgesic tables essential for exam pharmacology sections. "Show Your Work" Transparency: This app does not just provide answers; it teaches the math. Tap into any value—from local anesthetic limits to gastric volume models—to see the formulaic derivation and step-by-step logic, helping you internalize the equations required for board exams. Oral Boards Simulator: Test your clinical logic with case-based scenarios. "Check Your Work" features allow you to compare your proposed airway plans and equipment selection against standardized case stems to identify knowledge gaps before exam day. Guideline Library: Instant access to the industry-standard algorithms you need to memorize, including ACLS, Malignant Hyperthermia protocols, Difficult Airway algorithms, and ASRA Neuraxial Anticoagulation guidelines. Gastric Ultrasound Reference: Review identifying anatomy, probe placement, and cross-sectional area (CSA) literature. Who is this for? AnesBuddy is designed for learners. Whether you are a CA-1 learning the basics of toxic limits or a CA-3 prepping for the Applied Exam, this tool keeps the essential facts and formulas at your fingertips. Disclaimer: This application is intended strictly for educational review and exam preparation. It compiles publicly available medical literature and guidelines for study purposes. It is NOT a medical device and should NOT be used for direct patient care, diagnosis, or dosing decisions. All clinical decisions must be made by a qualified professional based on their own judgment and the specific patient context.

About

CAA Board Prep

Features
Read full description

MACPrep is independent board review built for Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants and student anesthesiologist assistants. STUDY WITH PURPOSE • Work through more than 1,500 published questions by domain and topic • Review source citations and answer choice rationales after grading • Follow Recommended sessions and a study plan tied to your exam date • Use Quick 5, timed practice, missed question review, and flashcards • Prepare by supported Rotation Prep topic • Practice timed certification sessions modeled on NCCAA's publicly stated CERT format • Track educational progress by domain • Keep progress with the same signed in MACPrep account across the website, iPhone, and iPad FREE TO START Create an account and complete one 25 question Recommended session at no charge. Premium is a one time App Store purchase at the localized price. It adds Premium to the signed in MACPrep account with no recurring Premium charge. Restore Purchases is available. Access is governed by the MACPrep Terms. MACPrep does not reproduce an NCCAA examination or predict a passing result. Confirm current exam rules directly with NCCAA. MACPrep is independent and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or approved by NCCAA or any examination provider. NCCAA and exam names identify the educational subject only. Educational and exam preparation use only. Not medical advice, patient specific guidance, or an emergency resource. Do not enter patient information. Support: support@macprep.org Privacy: https://www.macprep.org/privacy Terms: https://www.macprep.org/terms

Screenshots

AnesBuddy4 screens
CAA Board Prep2 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: AnesBuddy at none against CAA Board Prep's 1. AnesBuddy also leads on update cadence (every 3 days vs every 2 weeks). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement 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. CAA Board Prep sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. AnesBuddy asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

AnesBuddy ships an update every 3 days, CAA Board Prep every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 5, 2026 and September 30, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 7 level
AnesBuddy versus CAA Board Prep: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAnesBuddyCAA Board Prep
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 days — betterEvery 2 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.115.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size28 MB2 MB
Age rating17+17+
DeveloperSynaptic Collaborations LLCJake Karel

In-app purchases

None

AnesBuddy

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

CAA Board Prep

One-time1
  • CAA Board Prep Full Access$99.99

Questions

Is AnesBuddy free?
AnesBuddy is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is CAA Board Prep free?
CAA Board Prep is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do AnesBuddy or CAA Board Prep have ads?
Neither AnesBuddy nor CAA Board Prep shows ads.
Which is updated more often, AnesBuddy or CAA Board Prep?
AnesBuddy ships an update every 3 days, and CAA Board Prep every 2 weeks. Most recently, AnesBuddy was updated on October 5, 2026 and CAA Board Prep on September 30, 2026.

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