# FTC Sound Stream vs Optimum

The clearest difference is rating: FTC Sound Stream at 5.0 against Optimum's 4.5. Optimum's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 4 months vs every 40 months). On price, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

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

FTC Sound Stream holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Optimum has 29K ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

FTC Sound Stream ships an update every 40 months, Optimum every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 26, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | FTC Sound Stream | Optimum |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ftc-sound-stream/id1223571285/reviews)** | [4.5 (29K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/optimum/id1529218115/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 2 | **29K** |
| Positive reviews | — | 14.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 40 months | **Every 4 months** |
| Monetization | Ad-supported | **Free** |
| Size | 15 MB | 36 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **14.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Five Towns College](https://appshunter.io/developer/1223571284) | [CSC Holdings, LLC.](https://appshunter.io/developer/387231043) |

## What reviewers say

### FTC Sound Stream

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ftc-sound-stream/id1223571285)

This app serves as the radio home for Five Towns College, featuring a diverse range of music and specialty shows. Listen to talk programs, news, and local events that highlight the talent at FTC.

**Highlights:** Live radio streaming, Variety of music genres, Specialty talk shows, News updates, Local event coverage, Showcasing student talent

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**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 FTC Sound Stream free?

FTC Sound Stream 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, FTC Sound Stream or Optimum?

FTC Sound Stream is rated higher. FTC Sound Stream averages 5.0 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while Optimum averages 4.5 from 29K ratings.

### Do FTC Sound Stream or Optimum have ads?

FTC Sound Stream shows ads; Optimum does not.

### Which is updated more often, FTC Sound Stream or Optimum?

FTC Sound Stream ships an update every 40 months, and Optimum every 4 months. Most recently, FTC Sound Stream was updated on October 24, 2026 and Optimum on October 26, 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.*