# Bitmovin Player vs Helmarr

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Bitmovin Player at none against Helmarr's 19. Bitmovin Player also leads on iOS requirement (15.0 vs 26.0). Helmarr's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (193 vs 3). On price, rating and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Helmarr sells 19 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Bitmovin Player asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for Bitmovin Player against 4.8 for Helmarr. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Helmarr has 193 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Bitmovin Player ships an update every 2 weeks, Helmarr weekly. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Bitmovin Player | Helmarr |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bitmovin-player/id1245174386/reviews) | **[4.8 (193 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/helmarr/id1638624921/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 3 | **193** |
| Positive reviews | — | 75.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 135 MB | 170 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 26.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Bitmovin](https://appshunter.io/developer/1245174385) | [Florian Ernst](https://appshunter.io/developer/979192685) |

## What reviewers say

### Bitmovin Player

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bitmovin-player/id1245174386)

This app demonstrates the capabilities of a powerful video playback SDK for iOS devices. It supports various streaming formats, live and on-demand content, and offers advanced features like Chromecast integration and customizable UI.

**Highlights:** HLS and Progressive MP4 playback, Live and VOD stream support, Subtitles and closed captions, Playlist playback, Chromecast integration, Customizable UI

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Helmarr

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/helmarr/id1638624921)

Manage all your self-hosted services from a single, native iOS interface. Seamlessly integrate and control applications like Sonarr, Radarr, and Unraid with advanced features and customization.

**Highlights:** Unified experience for multiple services, Smart multi-network connectivity, Deep customization options, Home screen widgets, Unraid control, Push notifications, SSH & SFTP access, Download management

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

**In-app purchases (19)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Helmarr Pro Monthly | $3.99 | per month |
| Ultra Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Helmarr Pro Yearly Subscription | $17.99 | per year |
| Bazarr | $3.99 | one-time |
| Deluge | $4.99 | one-time |
| Plex | $4.99 | one-time |
| Transmission | $4.99 | one-time |
| NZBGet | $4.99 | one-time |
| Lidarr | $4.99 | one-time |
| Unraid | $4.99 | one-time |
| SABnzbd | $4.99 | one-time |
| Tautulli | $4.99 | one-time |
| Sonarr | $4.99 | one-time |
| Radarr | $4.99 | one-time |
| Seerr | $4.99 | one-time |
| qBt | $4.99 | one-time |
| Prowlarr | $4.99 | one-time |
| Helmarr Pro - Lifetime | $29.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime Pro | $34.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Bitmovin Player free?

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

### Is Helmarr free?

Helmarr is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Bitmovin Player or Helmarr?

Helmarr is rated higher. Bitmovin Player averages 4.7 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while Helmarr averages 4.8 from 193 ratings.

### Do Bitmovin Player or Helmarr have ads?

Bitmovin Player shows ads; Helmarr does not.

### Which is updated more often, Bitmovin Player or Helmarr?

Bitmovin Player ships an update every 2 weeks, and Helmarr weekly. Most recently, Bitmovin Player was updated on October 24, 2026 and Helmarr on October 24, 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.*