# Big 98.1 vs Optimum TV

The clearest difference is rating: Optimum TV at 4.6 against Big 98.1's 3.8. Optimum TV also leads on ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (26K vs 6). Big 98.1's advantage is review sentiment (50% vs 23%). On price and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

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

Optimum TV holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Optimum TV has 26K ratings behind it against 6, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 50% of Big 98.1's written reviews are positive against 23% of Optimum TV's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Big 98.1 ships an update every 6 months, Optimum TV every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and November 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Big 98.1 | Optimum TV |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.8 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/big-981/id1196916766/reviews) | **[4.6 (26K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/optimum-tv/id1296704509/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 6 | **26K** |
| Positive reviews | **50.0% of reviews** | 23.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | **Every 3 months** |
| Monetization | Ad-supported | **Free** |
| Size | 56 MB | 37 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 | **14.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [JVC Media LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/444084204) | [Altice USA, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1296704508) |

## What reviewers say

### Big 98.1

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/big-981/id1196916766)

Stream classic hits from the 60s, 70s, and 80s, featuring iconic artists like Elton John, The Beatles, and Madonna. Enjoy the biggest songs of your life with this radio app.

**Highlights:** Classic hits radio, 60s music, 70s music, 80s music, Iconic artists, Live streaming

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Optimum TV

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/optimum-tv/id1296704509)

Stream live television, On Demand content, and Cloud DVR recordings from anywhere within your home. Enjoy your favorite shows and networks on the go with internet access. The app allows you to manage recordings and even restart select programs.

**Highlights:** Stream Live TV, Watch On Demand content, Access Cloud DVR recordings, Watch TV to GO on the go, Resume watching on TV, Restart select shows

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Convenient for watching on the go
- 👍 Remote control functionality
- 🚀 Works like a cable box on Apple TV

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes and freezes frequently
- 🔌 Inconsistent video quality and buffering issues
- 🔍 Buggy and unintuitive interface
- 🤖 Poor customer support
- 🚫 Restricted to home network for live TV

**Reported bugs**

- Guide not loading properly when scrolling to future programs
- Inability to log in or change password through the app
- Inconsistent behavior when switching between apps or devices

**Requested features**

- Picture-in-picture support on mobile devices
- Ability to continue watching across app switches
- Improved channel guide navigation and search
- More device compatibility


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Big 98.1 free?

Big 98.1 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Optimum TV free?

Optimum TV is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Big 98.1 or Optimum TV?

Optimum TV is rated higher. Big 98.1 averages 3.8 out of 5 from 6 ratings, while Optimum TV averages 4.6 from 26K ratings.

### Do Big 98.1 or Optimum TV have ads?

Big 98.1 shows ads; Optimum TV does not.

### Which is updated more often, Big 98.1 or Optimum TV?

Big 98.1 ships an update every 6 months, and Optimum TV every 3 months. Most recently, Big 98.1 was updated on November 2, 2026 and Optimum TV on November 6, 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.*