Comparison

NbN3 vs Beacon

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

Head to head
About

NbN3

This app provides a neuroscience-based nomenclature for psychotropic medications, reflecting current knowledge and aiding clinicians in making informed prescription decisions. It includes detailed information on pharmacology, mode of action, indications, efficacy, side effects, practical notes, and neurobiology.

Highlights
  • Neuroscience-based nomenclature
  • Pharmacology and mode of action
  • Approved indications
  • Efficacy and side effects
  • Practical clinical notes
  • Neurobiology details
  • Links to IUPHAR
Features
Read full description

It has become clear that the current pharmacological nomenclature of psychotropic medications does not reflect our contemporary knowledge, nor does it inform properly the clinician of neuroscience-based prescriptions. Very often we prescribe “antidepressants” for “anxiety” disorders or “second-generation antipsychotics” to depressed patients. This practice is confusing. • Five international organizations ECNP, ACNP, AsCNP, CINP & IUPHAR decided five years ago to establish a taskforce and gave it the mission to embed our current neuroscience advances in the nomenclature. • The scope is to include all the medications with CNS indications and to harness this new nomenclature to help clinicians when they are trying to figure out what would be the next rational “neuropsychopharmacological step”. • In this second edition 22 new medications were added so NbN includes now 130 medications. This proposed nomenclature aims to reflect the current pharmacological knowledge base and cannot necessarily represent the ultimate scientific truth. The taskforce that assembled could have taken the stand that our current knowledge base is not enough to define the primary target or the correct mechanisms of action. But as a taskforce, we feel that it’s better to present a cutting-edge scientific interpretation than to wait for the definitive conclusion. We need to treat our patients now, and we cannot postpone treatment until all the facts are known.   Therefore this nomenclature is based on: 1. The need to treat now. 2. Updated neuroscience insights. 3. The judgment of the members of the taskforce. Along these lines, we have come up with the following proposal: The Nomenclature: Pharmacology and Mode of Action – reflects the current knowledge and understanding about the targeted neurotransmitter/ molecule/system being modified and the mode/mechanism of action. We also added 4 additional dimensions 4 Additional Dimensions: Approved Indications – based on the recommendations of major regulatory bodies (e.g. FDA, EMA, etc.) Efficacy and Side Effects – Driven from positive single, large, RCT and/or “heavy solid weight” clinical data. Only prevalent or life-threatening side effects were included  Practical Note – Summarizes the clinical knowledge that has been "filtered" through the taskforce's "sieve" Neurobiology – This dimension is focused on the biology. It is divided into preclinical and clinical sections, with the emphasis on the latter For those who would like to know more abo derived from empirical data.ut the pharmacology, there is a direct link to the relevant site of IUPHAR – our collaborator in this endeavour.   As this is on-going process, we recognize that the product is imperfect. Based on your feedback (and taking into account the feedback of other colleges) new reports and findings, appropriate updates (e.g. later editions) will be undertaken.

About

Beacon

This app provides confidential, trauma-informed support for survivors of domestic violence, homelessness, and those needing emergency assistance in Ghana. It offers instant access to emergency services, a directory of resources, and safety planning tools, prioritizing user privacy and empowerment.

Highlights
  • Instant access to Ghana emergency services
  • 24/7 crisis hotline connections
  • Quick exit feature for immediate safety
  • Anonymous emergency communication
  • Resource directory for shelters, legal, and medical aid
  • Safety planning tools
Features
Read full description

SAFETY, HEALING, AND EMPOWERMENT Beacon of New Beginnings is a specialized crisis support application designed to help survivors of domestic violence, individuals experiencing homelessness, and those in need of emergency assistance in Ghana. We provide confidential, trauma-informed support with your safety as our top priority. EMERGENCY FEATURES: • Instant access to Ghana emergency services (191, 192, 193) • 24/7 crisis hotline connections • Quick exit feature for immediate safety • Anonymous emergency communication • Location sharing with emergency services (optional) • Safety planning tools and resources RESOURCE DIRECTORY: • Emergency shelters and safe houses • Legal aid and advocacy services • Medical care and trauma support • Counseling and mental health resources • Job training and financial assistance • Food, clothing, and basic needs support PRIVACY & ANONYMITY: • Complete anonymous usage - no registration required • Encrypted communications and data • No tracking or data retention in anonymous mode • Quick data deletion options • Location privacy controls • Secure exit features SUPPORT SERVICES: • Peer support groups and communities • Professional counseling connections • Legal advocacy and representation • Medical and healthcare referrals • Educational and empowerment resources • Crisis intervention and safety planning IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: • This app connects you with resources and professionals • Not a substitute for emergency services or professional care • In immediate danger, contact Ghana emergency services first • Trained professionals available through our partner network TRAUMA-INFORMED APPROACH: • Designed with safety, trust, and empowerment principles • Culturally sensitive to Ghanaian communities • Professional staff trained in trauma-informed care • Confidential and judgment-free support GHANA-WIDE COVERAGE: Serving all regions of Ghana with local resources, emergency contacts, and culturally appropriate support services. YOUR JOURNEY TO HEALING: We believe in your strength and resilience. You are not alone. Together, we walk the path from pain to power, hand in hand. REMEMBER: If you are in immediate danger, contact emergency services first (191, 192, 193). Your safety matters. Your healing matters. You matter

Screenshots

NbN34 screens
Beacon4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Beacon at 5.0 against NbN3's 4.1. Beacon also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.1). NbN3's advantage is ratings volume (7 vs 2). On price, update cadence, 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Beacon holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.1. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 7 and 2 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

NbN3 ships an update every 2 months, Beacon every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 5, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
NbN3 versus Beacon: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterNbN3Beacon
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.1 (7 ratings)5.0 (2 ratings) — better
Positive reviews42.1% of reviews—
Number of ratings7 — better2
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 6 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS15.113.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size24 MB148 MB
Age rating17+12+
DeveloperEuropean College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP)DOXA & CO. LLC

In-app purchases

None

NbN3

No in-app purchases

None

Beacon

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is NbN3 free?
NbN3 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Beacon free?
Beacon is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, NbN3 or Beacon?
Beacon is rated higher. NbN3 averages 4.1 out of 5 from 7 ratings, while Beacon averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.
Do NbN3 or Beacon have ads?
Neither NbN3 nor Beacon shows ads.
Which is updated more often, NbN3 or Beacon?
NbN3 ships an update every 2 months, and Beacon every 6 weeks. Most recently, NbN3 was updated on October 7, 2026 and Beacon on October 5, 2026.

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