# DIRECT FX vs The Age

The clearest difference is review sentiment: DIRECT FX at 100% against The Age's 27%. DIRECT FX also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 2). The Age's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 2 months). On price, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. The Age sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $17.99 per month. DIRECT FX asks for nothing beyond the download.

DIRECT FX ships an update every 2 months, The Age every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | DIRECT FX | The Age |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.7 (31 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-age/id1411569220/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **31** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 27.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Ad-supported** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 35 MB | 134 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.1** | 16.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Collinson & Co.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1348102166) | [Fairfax Digital Australia & New Zealand Pty Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/319908649) |

## What reviewers say

### DIRECT FX

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/direct-fx/id1304665303)

Stay informed with real-time currency market news and live exchange rates. Set custom rate alerts and receive online quotes to manage your foreign exchange needs effectively. This app offers a seamless solution for individuals and businesses to control their FX.

**Highlights:** Updated market news, Rate alerts, Live rates, Online quotes, FX management platform, Notifications

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### The Age

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-age/id1411569220)

Stay informed with breaking news and in-depth stories. Customize your news feed with topics you care about and listen to exclusive podcasts. Access premium content and daily puzzles with a subscription.

**Highlights:** Breaking headlines, Push notifications, Podcast catalogue, Customizable news feed, Today's Paper, Daily crosswords, Daily Sudoku

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Starter Digital | $17.99 | per month |
| Premium Digital | $24.99 | per month |

**What reviewers like**

- 🗞️ Trusted news source
- 📰 Comprehensive news coverage
- 🗺️ Useful local news and information
- 💯 Excellent journalism and reporting

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and freezing issues
- 🤖 Lack of user-friendly features and poor navigation
- 💰 Expensive subscription with diminishing value
- 📦 Frustrating download and offline reading experience
- 🔍 Lack of search functionality and personalization

**Reported bugs**

- Frequent app crashes and freezes
- Inconsistent behavior when switching between sections
- Issues with downloading and accessing offline content
- Unreliable login and authentication processes

**Requested features**

- Bring back the old iPad app design and functionality
- Improve article saving and bookmarking capabilities
- Add more customization options for content display
- Enhance crossword and puzzle experiences
- Provide better support for offline reading


## Frequently asked questions

### Is DIRECT FX free?

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

### Is The Age free?

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

### Do DIRECT FX or The Age have ads?

DIRECT FX shows ads; The Age does not.

### Which is updated more often, DIRECT FX or The Age?

DIRECT FX ships an update every 2 months, and The Age every 2 weeks. Most recently, DIRECT FX was updated on October 24, 2026 and The Age on October 25, 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.*