# Holland Sentinel - Holland, MI — user reviews

> 73 indexed App Store user reviews of Holland Sentinel by Gannett, rated 4.30/5 from 408 ratings.

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/holland-sentinel-holland-mi/id428411441/reviews
- App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/holland-sentinel-holland-mi/id428411441.md
- Rating breakdown: 5★ 264 · 4★ 70 · 3★ 29 · 2★ 5 · 1★ 40

## What do users think of Holland Sentinel?

Overall sentiment: mixed

**Pros**

- 📰 Quality local journalism and balanced reporting
- 👍 Intuitive and user-friendly interface
- 🚀 Quick app loading and reliable performance
- 📍 Comprehensive local news coverage
- ✍️ Strong editorial and opinion sections
- 🔄 Frequent content updates
- 📱 Convenient way to stay informed on-the-go

**Cons**

- 🐛 Subscription recognition failures after payment
- 🔐 Persistent login and authentication issues
- 💳 Billing problems and refund difficulties
- 📵 App crashes and freezes regularly
- 🚫 Forced phone-only cancellation policy
- 📊 Poor customer service responsiveness
- 💰 High subscription costs relative to content value
- 🎯 Inconsistent app vs. web platform experience
- 📰 Outdated content and slow updates
- 🎨 Cluttered interface with excessive ads
- 📱 iPhone-only app (no iPad version)
- 🔇 Interrupts music/podcast playback
- 📄 Confusing paywall and article limit system

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Subscription not recognized after successful payment
- Login credentials not accepted despite working on website
- App fails to load or crashes on startup
- Purchase restoration feature not functioning
- Article access denied despite active subscription
- App randomly switches between app and web view
- Obituaries section not synced with website listings
- Article limit notifications appear without subscription info
- iOS 6 compatibility issues blocking app access
- Music playback interrupted when app opens
- Inconsistent article counts and paywall behavior

**Most requested features**

- Bookmark and favorite articles functionality
- National news integration
- Improved obituaries section with better navigation
- Search and archive content access
- iPad-optimized version
- Ability to cancel subscription in-app
- Customizable news feed (sports not default)
- Better article categorization and organization
- Reduced advertisement frequency for paid subscribers
- Full digital paper access with subscription

## Newest reviews (10 of 73)

### 3/5 — Enewspaper

*2025-07-20, version 8.1.0*

Will not load!

### 3/5 — App is great, view of actual paper does not function properly.

*2025-06-02*

I can’t tell the difference between the app and the format where I actually see the newspaper randomly it shunts me to either or of these two and I find the app delightful whereas the weird page that gives you supposed access to reading the paper is terrible. I believe that may have something to do with USA today in Ganet. I’m so sad this paper is such a wonderful paper. I would love to subscribe to it and get the paper addition or actually just get the app, but it doesn’t appear that this is possible. I’ve also had problems with customer service, which isn’t to do with this app, but don’t even bother to try and call them. That’s a joke

### 2/5 — Slide into mediocrity

*2023-09-13*

This app is much worse than the previous app and full of ads even for paid subscribers.  Very disappointed with the change for the Holland Sentinel, which is a great local paper.

### 1/5 — Sentinel

*2022-09-28*

Finally broke down and purchased subscription. Still can’t reliably access news stories! Discouraging!!
Does not recognize I’ve paid for subscription. Very very frustrating!

### 1/5 — Doesn’t Work!

*2022-09-25, version 6.12.5*

I’ve subscribed twice, and still can’t read articles!

### 1/5 — Paid and subscription not working.

*2022-09-06, version 6.12.5*

No response from emails asking for help.

### 1/5 — Holland sentinel - can’t access

*2022-09-06*

I’ve subscribed to this app and I still can’t read the articles. I’ve logged in/out several times and still no luck. Reached out to Customer Service and got no response. Terrible app, useless

### 4/5 — Love local news

*2022-08-31*

Enjoy local news about Holland and the surrounding areas.  Except purchased through Apple and it keeps asking me to purchase again.  And telling me I reached my limit of articles read.

### 1/5 — No access after purchase

*2022-08-25, version 6.12.5*

Purchased twice and app still does not allow access.

### 1/5 — Paid for subscription but no service

*2022-08-24*

My credit card has been billed for the year’s subscription, but I cannot access the articles, and no one will respond to my request for help.

**Developer response:** Hello, for the fastest and most effective support, please visit us at www.myusatodaynetwork.com, select your state and then your specific publication. Please note, if you subscribed through the app store, you can manage your subscription on your mobile device or by contacting the originating service provider for assistance. Thank you.

## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated)

### 1/5 — Sentinel app

*2025-02-17, version 8.0.0*

This app is terrible compared to the previous.  No useful info.  As such I’m going to cancel my subscription.

### 1/5 — Booo! Holland Sentinel!

*2024-12-16, version 7.13.3*

The Pizza Quest story being available to all has the potential to help a family that has experienced significant loss! To limit its access is just wrong!

### 1/5 — Cancellation Trap

*2024-01-01*

Just like many things that aren’t worth it, this app forces you to call in during their business hours to cancel your subscription. Made worse by the fact that the infrastructure is there to cancel without a call since it’s illegal to require a call in a few states. They are only requiring this out of greed, even though it makes for an inherently worse experience. Do not sign up, don’t download, don’t get trapped.

### 1/5 — Constant login issues

*2023-05-20, version 7.1.1*

Repeated issues with login and authentication of purchases/subscriptions.

### 1/5 — Failed Subscription

*2023-04-04, version 7.0.4*

Purchased subscription on iTunes through app. Apple charged me but the app never recognized my subscription. Holland Sentinal customer service referred me to Apple. I have applied for a refund.

### 1/5 — Ripped off

*2023-03-14, version 7.0.4*

Clicked on a promotion for $1 for 3 months to view articles. Was billed 14.99 immediately. Cancelled immediately. Was refused refund.

### 1/5 — Can’t renew subscription

*2023-01-31, version 7.0.1*

Doesn’t office login. Paid for nothing.

### 1/5 — I’m paid but can’t access digital articles

*2022-11-21, version 6.12.5*

This application doesn’t work.

### 1/5 — Doesn’t recognize me

*2022-10-10, version 6.12.5*

I have signed out and signed back in but says I need a subscription even though I bought one. Try to restore purchase and nothing.

### 1/5 — Subscription

*2022-10-04, version 6.12.5*

No way to discontinue this subscription. I need to know how!

## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated)

### 5/5 — Holland news

*2026-04-10*

Enjoy being able to know what is going on in Holland in an easy to use electronic platform.

### 5/5 — My hometown paper

*2025-07-03*

I enjoy reading local news and the Holland Sentinel does a great job!

### 5/5 — A Staple

*2025-05-03*

I enjoy reading balanced news stories about my hometown. I’m sticking with the Sentinel.

### 5/5 — Holland SENTINEL

*2024-06-12, version 7.9.1*

Great online publication

### 5/5 — Local information

*2024-03-19*

I especially like the editorial section. It usually thingives me something to think about.

### 5/5 — Worthy App for Quality Journalism

*2024-01-05*

App is intuitive and reliable. This is how any app should work.

Content is excellent; a rare example of good local journalism.

Well done.

**Developer response:** Hello, If you purchased a subscription through an app store you will need to link your app purchase in order to have full access to our desktop and mobile website, in addition to our app. If you do not link your subscription you will not be able to access unlimited stories, subscriber-only content, and the e-Edition on our desktop and mobile website and e-Edition app. Once you have created your account, please use these credentials to sign in on our desktop or mobile website for full access to your subscriber benefits. To link your subscription, please follow the directions below: iOS Open our app that you purchased a subscription for, Click on the settings (gear) icon in the top right corner of the screen, Click "Create Account" and follow the instructions to make a profile. Once you have created your account, please use these credentials to sign in on our desktop or mobile website for full access to your subscriber benefits. If that does not resolve your issue, please visit us at www.myusatodaynetwork.com, select your state and then your specific publication. Our technical support team is available ready and eager to assist via your preferred service channel. Please note, if you subscribed through the Apple App Store, you can manage your subscription on your mobile device or by contacting the originating service provider for assistance. Thank you.

### 5/5 — Reading the Sentinel

*2024-01-04, version 7.5.1*

We are summer residents in Holland. It is nice to keep in touch with Holland and Ottawa County. It’s a wonderful community.

### 5/5 — Holland Sentinel

*2023-09-09*

Love the app! Can view the actual paper and articles are highlighted that interest me. Love it!

### 5/5 — Loving my Sentinel

*2022-12-21*

Easiest way to keep up with what is new and news in our great city!

### 5/5 — Good Hometown News

*2022-11-14*

Thank you for keeping us up-to-date on everything local, Sentinel 😊

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-06.*
