# Big 98.1 vs Optimum

The clearest difference is rating: Optimum at 4.5 against Big 98.1's 3.8. Optimum also leads on ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (28K vs 6). Big 98.1's advantage is review sentiment (50% vs 15%). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

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

Optimum holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Optimum has 28K 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 15% of Optimum'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 every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on October 10, 2026 and October 17, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Big 98.1 | Optimum |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.8 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/big-981/id1196916766/reviews) | **[4.5 (28K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/optimum/id1529218115/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 6 | **28K** |
| Positive reviews | **50.0% of reviews** | 14.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | **Every 4 months** |
| Monetization | Ad-supported | **Free** |
| Size | 56 MB | 36 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 | **14.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [JVC Media LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/444084204) | [CSC Holdings, LLC.](https://appshunter.io/developer/387231043) |

## 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

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/optimum/id1529218115)

Stream live TV, manage DVR recordings, and explore an extensive On Demand library on any screen. This app offers a sleek interface for easy content discovery and allows for picture-in-picture viewing while browsing. It's designed for Optimum Video subscribers to enjoy their favorite programs anywhere, anytime.

**Highlights:** Watch Live TV and browse guide, Access On Demand library, TV to GO feature for remote viewing, Picture-in-picture video player, Schedule and manage Cloud DVR recordings, View scheduled and recorded lists

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast app startup
- 👍 Sleek and modern interface
- 🔒 Robust security features

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent freezing and crashes
- 👎 Difficult to navigate and use
- 🔍 Lack of customization options
- 🔌 Unreliable live TV streaming
- 📺 Reduced functionality compared to old app

**Reported bugs**

- Live TV not working on multiple devices
- Guide not showing full program information
- Inability to record shows from the app

**Requested features**

- Bring back old app's functionality
- Improve channel guide and search
- Add remote control capabilities
- Allow casting to non-smart TVs


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Big 98.1 free?

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

### Is Optimum free?

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

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

Optimum is rated higher. Big 98.1 averages 3.8 out of 5 from 6 ratings, while Optimum averages 4.5 from 28K ratings.

### Do Big 98.1 or Optimum have ads?

Big 98.1 shows ads; Optimum does not.

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

Big 98.1 ships an update every 6 months, and Optimum every 4 months. Most recently, Big 98.1 was updated on October 10, 2026 and Optimum on October 17, 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.*