# MAX vs Rocky 98.5

The clearest difference is ads: MAX at none against Rocky 98.5's shown. MAX also leads on monetization model (free vs ad-supported). Rocky 98.5's advantage is update cadence (every 2 months vs every 3 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.

MAX ships an update every 3 months, Rocky 98.5 every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 17, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | MAX | Rocky 98.5 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rocky-985/id6445867803/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1** |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Ad-supported |
| Size | 58 MB | 55 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.1** | 16.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Manning Broadcasting Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/627365645) | [Forever Media](https://appshunter.io/developer/516512779) |

## What reviewers say

### MAX

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/max-country/id1244887337)

Listen to the best country music from the 90s to today, featuring popular artists. Enjoy uninterrupted listening with minimal commercial breaks, never exceeding two minutes.

**Highlights:** Plays 90s country music, Plays current country music, Features popular country artists, Minimal commercial breaks, Never more than 2 minutes of commercials

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Rocky 98.5

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rocky-985/id6445867803)

Stream Classic Rock live from Rocky 98.5, vote for songs, and receive alerts. Engage with the station using the Open Mic feature, enter exclusive contests, and get local weather updates.

**Highlights:** Live radio streaming, Song voting, Song alerts, Open Mic feature, App-exclusive contests, Weather updates

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is MAX free?

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

### Is Rocky 98.5 free?

Rocky 98.5 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do MAX or Rocky 98.5 have ads?

Rocky 98.5 shows ads; MAX does not.

### Which is updated more often, MAX or Rocky 98.5?

MAX ships an update every 3 months, and Rocky 98.5 every 2 months. Most recently, MAX was updated on October 20, 2026 and Rocky 98.5 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.*