PassMedicine vs Pastest (2025): The Community Standard vs The Professional Q-Bank
At a Glance
Who is it for?
PassMedicine:Students / MRCP / GP Trainees
Pastest:Students / MRCP Candidates
Why choose PassMedicine?
- The 'Comment Section' is a legendary learning resource
- Integrated, high-quality online textbook
- Generally cheaper subscription models
Why choose Pastest?
- Superior mobile app with offline mode
- Includes actual 'Past Papers' for MRCP
- Huge library of video lectures and podcasts
Feature Comparison
| Capability | PassMedicine | Pastest |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Low cost / Best value | Mid-to-High tier pricing |
| Access | Web-first (app is basic) | Excellent native mobile apps |
| Primary Strength | Knowledge consolidation & community | Exam simulation & volume |
| Question Style | Textbook-learning focused | Exam-difficulty focused (often harder) |
| Media | Text & Image based | Extensive video library |
In-Depth Analysis
Overview
PassMedicine has achieved cult status among UK medics, largely due to its "Knowledge Tutor" textbook and the vibrant comments section where users share mnemonics and debate guidelines. It feels like a community-driven learning platform where the goal is deep understanding of the core syllabus.
Pastest feels like a polished, professional exam simulator. It often features questions that are slightly harder than the real exam (especially for MRCP), aimed at over-preparing candidates. Its "Past Papers" feature is unique, allowing candidates to attempt reconstructed papers from previous years to gauge their readiness accurately.
Key Differences
Choose PassMedicine if you are in the early stages of revision and need to build your knowledge base; the link between questions and the revision notes is seamless. Choose Pastest if you are in the final weeks before a high-stakes exam like MRCP Part 1 and want to grind through high-volume, difficult questions on a slick mobile app to build stamina and speed.
Looking for a faster way?
While PassMedicine and Pastest are powerful tools, iatroX offers a free, AI-driven alternative focused specifically on rapid UK guideline retrieval and exam prep.
Use-Cases
MRCP Part 1 Revision
When to choose PassMedicine
- The 'Textbook' feature makes it easy to learn topics from scratch alongside questions.
When to choose Pastest
- The 'Past Papers' feature allows you to simulate the exact pressure of the real exam.
Commuting / Offline Study
When to choose PassMedicine
- Requires data connection; mobile interface is functional but web-wrapper style.
When to choose Pastest
- Best-in-class app allows downloading thousands of questions for tube/train journeys.