The Criterion Channel vs The Self Stack
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
The Criterion Channel
Stream a curated collection of classic and contemporary films from around the world. Discover Hollywood, international, art-house, and independent movies with special features and exclusive series. Enjoy daily refreshed selections and in-depth film analysis.
- Criterion Collection streaming library
- Thematic film programming
- Director and star retrospectives
- Guest-curated film series
- Supplemental film features
- Original Criterion Channel series
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A movie lover’s dream, Criterion features exclusive new releases, classic films, and global discoveries, along with bonus features, all ad-free. Start watching today. WHAT YOU GET: - Access to thousands of films: major Hollywood hits alongside classic, foreign, art-house, and independent films from around the world - Special features no other streamer can match: audio commentaries, behind-the-scenes footage, new and archival interviews, introductions, and scholarly analysis - Original series: Adventures in Moviegoing, The Craft of Acting, and more - Guest picks from filmmakers like Spike Lee, Guillermo del Toro, Sofia Coppola, and more FEATURES: - Stream on TV, web browser, mobile, and gaming consoles, at home or on the go - Unlimited ad-free streaming on every device - Download movies and extras you love for offline viewing - Save everything you want to watch in one place with “My List” - Search and sort “All Films” by decade, genre, director, and country - Drop into a steady stream of must-see movies with “Criterion 24/7” - Stream high-quality video and 5.1 surround sound To access all features and content you can subscribe to the Criterion Channel on a monthly or yearly basis with an auto-renewing subscription right inside the app.* Pricing can vary by region and will be confirmed before purchase in the app. In-app subscriptions will automatically renew at the end of their cycle. * All payments will be paid through your Apple Account and may be managed under Account Settings after the initial payment. Subscription payments will automatically renew unless deactivated at least 24 hours before the end of the current cycle. Your account will be charged for renewal at least 24 hours prior to the end of the current cycle. Any unused portion of your free trial will be forfeited upon payment. Cancellations are incurred by disabling auto-renewal. Terms of Service: https://www.criterion.com/terms Privacy Policy: https://www.criterion.com/privacy
The Self Stack
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Discover the Amazing Person You Are Ever felt like you are a bit of a mystery, even to yourself? The Self Stack is your personal journey into self-discovery—a beautifully designed app that helps you understand your patterns, your strengths, and your soul through insightful personality quizzes. Think of it as your own pocket psychologist—completely judgment-free and streamlined for clarity. Why The Self Stack? We believe that understanding yourself is the first step toward a happier, more authentic life. Whether you are looking to improve your relationships, find a career that actually fits, or just want to know why you act the way you do, we have built the perfect toolkit for your personal growth journey. Five Deep Dives Into Your Personality MBTI Personality Test: Are you an INTJ mastermind, an ENFP free spirit, or a charismatic ENTP? Discover your unique type and finally get the instruction manual for how you see the world and make decisions. Enneagram Test: Go beyond the surface. Explore your core motivations, your deepest desires, and your hidden fears. It is like having a map to your heart, helping you grow into your best self. Big Five Profile: See how you shine across the five science-backed dimensions: Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism. Love Languages: Transform your relationships. Learn how you truly give and receive love—whether it is through Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, or Acts of Service. Career Aptitude: Stop guessing and start growing. Discover career paths that align with your natural talents and interests so you can find work that feels like a calling. A Beautiful Experience We have ditched the boring, clinical forms. The Self Stack features a stunning design with shimmering gradients and smooth animations. Every interaction is intentional, and every result is presented with clarity and encouragement. Your Beautiful Self: A personalized dashboard that tracks your progress. Share Your Story: Create aesthetic summary cards to share your results with friends or on social media. Deep Insights: We do not just give you a label; we provide actionable advice on how to use your results in real life. Who Is This For? Self-Discovery Enthusiasts: If you love learning about what makes you tick. Relationship Builders: Anyone wanting to understand their attachment styles and connection patterns. Career Seekers: People looking for a direction that feels authentic and aligned. Design Lovers: If you believe apps should be as beautiful as they are functional. Start Your Journey Today There is no rush and no pressure. Take one quiz during your coffee break or dive into them all on a quiet morning. Your journey toward self-love and clarity starts with a single tap. Download The Self Stack and start the most important relationship you will ever have—the one with yourself.
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Verdict
The clearest difference is price: The Criterion Channel at Free against The Self Stack's $5.99. The Criterion Channel also leads on chart position (#77 vs unranked) and iOS requirement (17.4 vs 26.1). The Self Stack's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2). On ads and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
The Criterion Channel is free to download; The Self Stack costs $5.99 up front. The Criterion Channel sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $10.99 per month. The Self Stack asks for nothing beyond the download.
| Parameter | The Criterion Channel | The Self Stack |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free — better | $5.99 |
| Rating | 4.8 (14K ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 89.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 14K — better | — |
| Update frequency | Monthly | — |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Subscription | — |
| Best chart rank | #77 — better | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple TV — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 17.4 — better | 26.1 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 58 MB | 4 MB |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | The Criterion Collection, Inc. | Kari Sullivan |
Bugs and requests
The Criterion Channel
Reported bugs
3 issues- Frequent playback interruptions and freezing
- Unreliable offline viewing and download issues
- Inconsistent app performance across devices
Requested features
5 requests- Ability to view full catalog of available titles
- More advanced search and filtering tools
- Improved playback stability and offline functionality
- Personalized recommendations based on viewing history
- Ratings and user reviews system
The Self Stack
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
The Criterion Channel
- Criterion Channel Subscription7 Days trial$10.991 Month
- Criterion Channel Subscription7 Days trial$99.991 Year
The Self Stack
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is The Criterion Channel free?
Is The Self Stack free?
Do The Criterion Channel or The Self Stack have ads?
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