# USMLE Step 1 Mastery vs USMLE

The clearest difference is monetization model: USMLE at free with in-app purchases against USMLE Step 1 Mastery's subscription. USMLE also leads on ratings volume (5K vs 216). USMLE Step 1 Mastery's advantage is review sentiment (80% vs 49%) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 6 weeks). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. USMLE Step 1 Mastery sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $11.99 per month and USMLE sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $49.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for USMLE Step 1 Mastery against 4.7 for USMLE. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: USMLE has 5K ratings behind it against 216, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 80% of USMLE Step 1 Mastery's written reviews are positive against 49% of USMLE's.

USMLE Step 1 Mastery ships an update every 2 weeks, USMLE every 6 weeks. Both last shipped on November 11, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | USMLE Step 1 Mastery | USMLE |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (216 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/usmle-step-1-mastery/id964613157/reviews) | **[4.7 (5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/usmle-rx/id1222119266/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 216 | **5K** |
| Positive reviews | **80.0% of reviews** | 48.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 6 weeks |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 166 MB | 40 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Higher Learning Technologies](https://appshunter.io/developer/571804544) | [MedIQ Learning, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/344457828) |

## What reviewers say

### USMLE Step 1 Mastery

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/usmle-step-1-mastery/id964613157)

Prepare for the USMLE Step 1 exam with over 1,800 practice questions, including vignette-style and basic science items. Access extensive audio/video content, mnemonics, definitions, and drug flashcards. Track your performance with in-depth statistics to ensure you achieve your desired results.

**Highlights:** 1,800+ practice questions, Vignette-style questions, Basic science questions, Audio/video content, Mnemonics and definitions, Drug flashcards, Performance statistics

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USMLE Step 1 - 1 Month | $11.99 | per month |
| USMLE Step 1 - 3 Months | $24.99 | per 3 months |
| USMLE Step 1 - 12 Months | $35.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great explanations for answers
- 👍 Convenient for on-the-go studying
- 👍 Good breadth of material covered
- 👍 Detailed feedback on questions
- 👍 Useful mnemonics provided

**What reviewers complain about**

- 👎 Charged for unwanted renewals
- 👎 Unable to unlock purchased app
- 👎 App crashes and freezes
- 👎 Questions can be too easy/basic
- 👎 False sense of mastery from questions

**Reported bugs**

- App freezes and crashes during account creation
- App crashes while trying to create an account

**Requested features**

- Add more Q-bank questions
- Include a way to make notes
- Corrections on writing and punctuation
- Updates available?


### USMLE

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/usmle-rx/id1222119266)

Master medical school and the USMLE with a comprehensive resource app. Access board-style questions, interactive learning modules, flashcards, and videos. Study anytime, anywhere with cloud syncing and personalized study tools.

**Highlights:** Thousands of USMLE board-style questions, Nearly 800 eLearning modules, Over 14,000 flashcards, Over 80 hours of high-yield videos, Cloud syncing across devices, Spaced repetition study tool

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| RX360+ | $49.99 | per month |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is USMLE Step 1 Mastery free?

USMLE Step 1 Mastery is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is USMLE free?

USMLE is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, USMLE Step 1 Mastery or USMLE?

USMLE is rated higher. USMLE Step 1 Mastery averages 4.6 out of 5 from 216 ratings, while USMLE averages 4.7 from 5K ratings.

### Do USMLE Step 1 Mastery or USMLE have ads?

Neither USMLE Step 1 Mastery nor USMLE shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, USMLE Step 1 Mastery or USMLE?

USMLE Step 1 Mastery ships an update every 2 weeks, and USMLE every 6 weeks. Most recently, USMLE Step 1 Mastery was updated on November 11, 2026 and USMLE on November 11, 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.*