# SBIFF vs AFI FEST

The clearest difference is ratings volume: SBIFF at 444 against AFI FEST's 1. AFI FEST's advantage is iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). On price, rating, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

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

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.9 for SBIFF against 5.0 for AFI FEST. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SBIFF has 444 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

SBIFF ships an update every 11 months, AFI FEST every 12 months. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and October 17, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SBIFF | AFI FEST |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.9 (444 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sbiff/id1446817883/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/afi-fest/id6670323970/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **444** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 11 months** | Every 12 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 105 MB | 26 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Santa Barbara International Film Festival](https://appshunter.io/developer/1446817882) | [American Film Institute](https://appshunter.io/developer/563384257) |

## What reviewers say

### SBIFF

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sbiff/id1446817883)

Access comprehensive schedules and detailed film information for all events, including the annual Film Festival and year-round programming. Stay updated on screenings at SBIFF's Riviera Theatre and Film Center.

**Highlights:** Event schedules, Film information, Annual Film Festival details, Year-round programming, Venue information

**In-app purchases:** none


### AFI FEST

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/afi-fest/id6670323970)

Navigate a film festival with ease. View schedules, purchase tickets and passes, and access your digital tickets. Stay informed with the latest festival news and FAQs.

**Highlights:** View film schedule, Buy tickets and passes, Access digital tickets, Festival FAQs, Receive news updates

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SBIFF free?

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

### Is AFI FEST free?

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

### Which has better reviews, SBIFF or AFI FEST?

AFI FEST is rated higher. SBIFF averages 4.9 out of 5 from 444 ratings, while AFI FEST averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do SBIFF or AFI FEST have ads?

Neither SBIFF nor AFI FEST shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SBIFF or AFI FEST?

SBIFF ships an update every 11 months, and AFI FEST every 12 months. Most recently, SBIFF was updated on October 12, 2026 and AFI FEST 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.*