PassMedicine vs Quesmed (2025): The Incumbent vs The Modern Challenger
At a Glance
Who is it for?
PassMedicine:Medical Students (UKMLA)
Quesmed:Medical Students (UKMLA/OSCE)
Why choose PassMedicine?
- Massive, time-tested question bank
- Used by 90%+ of UK students (peer comparison)
- Extensive, detailed revision notes
Why choose Quesmed?
- Modern, fast UI with 'Dark Mode'
- Integrated Spaced Repetition (Anki-style)
- Built-in OSCE station practice mode
Feature Comparison
| Capability | PassMedicine | Quesmed |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Very affordable / Frequent discounts | Competitive subscription model |
| Access | Web-heavy workflow | Excellent mobile app & slick web UI |
| Primary Strength | Content volume & reliability | Tech features & Spaced Repetition |
| O S C Es | Limited / Text-based | Dedicated OSCE scorecards & timer |
| Study Tools | Searchable textbook | Flashcards & Group Study Mode |
In-Depth Analysis
Overview
PassMedicine is the "safe pair of hands." For over a decade, it has been the default for UK medical students. Its strength lies in the sheer volume of data it has—its peer analytics are incredibly accurate because the sample size is effectively "every student in the UK."
Quesmed is the disruptor. It recognises that modern students use tools like Anki and want a cleaner, faster user experience. It integrates flashcards and spaced repetition directly into the Q-bank, meaning you don't need to maintain two separate apps. It also heavily prioritises OSCEs, offering a "Group Study" mode that digitalises OSCE mark schemes.
Key Differences
PassMedicine is content-first; it is effectively a massive digital textbook with questions attached. Quesmed is technology-first; it focuses on how you learn, using algorithms to optimise your retention. If you live and die by Anki, Quesmed is the natural evolution of the Q-bank for you.
Looking for a faster way?
While PassMedicine and Quesmed are powerful tools, iatroX offers a free, AI-driven alternative focused specifically on rapid UK guideline retrieval and exam prep.
Use-Cases
UKMLA AKT Prep
When to choose PassMedicine
- The safe choice. If everyone else is using it, your peer ranking is highly accurate.
When to choose Quesmed
- The efficient choice. Spaced repetition algorithms help you retain facts longer with less effort.
Group OSCE Practice
When to choose PassMedicine
- Not designed for this.
When to choose Quesmed
- Excellent. One student can be the 'examiner' using the digital mark schemes on their phone.