# StreamMagic by Cambridge Audio vs JPLAY

The clearest difference is rating: JPLAY at 4.2 against StreamMagic by Cambridge Audio's 3.7. JPLAY also leads on review sentiment (59% vs 36%) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months). StreamMagic by Cambridge Audio's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and ratings volume (208 vs 54). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. JPLAY sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $49.99 per year. StreamMagic by Cambridge Audio asks for nothing beyond the download.

JPLAY holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 3.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 208 and 54 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 36% of StreamMagic by Cambridge Audio's written reviews are positive against 59% of JPLAY's.

StreamMagic by Cambridge Audio ships an update every 2 months, JPLAY every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 27, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | StreamMagic by Cambridge Audio | JPLAY |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.7 (208 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/streammagic-by-cambridge-audio/id1466770276/reviews) | **[4.2 (54 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/jplay/id1608773457/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **208** | 54 |
| Positive reviews | 35.6% of reviews | **58.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Subscription |
| Size | 57 MB | 50 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Audio Partnership](https://appshunter.io/developer/323403466) | [Marcin Ostapowicz](https://appshunter.io/developer/1608773459) |

## What reviewers say

### StreamMagic by Cambridge Audio

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/streammagic-by-cambridge-audio/id1466770276)

Control your Cambridge Audio streaming devices with this app. Access your music libraries, manage playlists, and tune into internet radio. Effortlessly control multiple devices, adjust volume, and configure your player settings for a personalized audio experience.

**Highlights:** Control Cambridge Audio streaming products, Access digital music libraries (USB, network, TIDAL, Qobuz), Build music queues from multiple sources, Manage multiple devices and control volume/sources, Browse, search, and save internet radio stations, Configure device settings (rename, volume limits, standby)

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Works well
- 🚀 Stable and reliable
- 👍 Easy to use
- 👍 Good integration with streaming services
- 👍 Substantial UI improvements

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Connectivity issues
- 🐛 Unreliable app and hardware
- 🐛 Frequent crashes and disconnections
- 🐛 Clunky user interface
- 🐛 Inability to find or connect to devices

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes after updates
- Unable to log in or connect to streaming services
- Inconsistent behavior when switching between apps
- Inability to find or browse music library
- Volume control issues

**Requested features**

- Add playlists and playlist management
- Improve Qobuz integration and functionality
- Add support for more music services (e.g. Amazon Music)
- Improve search and browsing capabilities
- Provide better status and error reporting


### JPLAY

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/jplay/id1608773457)

This app is a high-fidelity music player designed for audiophiles. It seamlessly integrates streaming services like Qobuz and Tidal with local music files, offering a unified interface for all your audio content. Experience superior sound quality and discover new music through its intuitive design and advanced features.

**Highlights:** Plays Qobuz, Tidal, and local music files, Works with most streamers and network DACs, HQPlayer Control API integration, Dramatically better sound quality, Radio feature for music discovery, Extended playlist management, Artist bios and album reviews

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| JPLAY Premium | $49.99 | per year |
| Lifetime | $149.00 | one-time |
| JPLAY Lifetime | $199.00 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎵 Superior sound quality compared to competitors
- 👍 Intuitive and clean user interface
- 🚀 Fast and responsive app performance
- 🔌 Seamless UPnP/DLNA integration
- 📱 Works without requiring a server

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Expensive subscription pricing ($50/year, $199 lifetime)
- ❌ No monthly subscription option available
- 🐛 Frequent connectivity and playback issues
- 📱 iOS-only application
- 🔄 No cross-device synchronization

**Reported bugs**

- Tracks fail to render or play from Tidal
- App crashes on startup with older iOS versions
- Playback stuttering and lag issues
- Renderer in transition errors
- Device discovery failures

**Requested features**

- Monthly subscription option
- Cross-device synchronization for playlists and favorites
- EQ and tone adjustment controls
- DSD file playback support
- Multi-room audio capability


## Frequently asked questions

### Is StreamMagic by Cambridge Audio free?

StreamMagic by Cambridge Audio is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is JPLAY free?

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

### Which has better reviews, StreamMagic by Cambridge Audio or JPLAY?

JPLAY is rated higher. StreamMagic by Cambridge Audio averages 3.7 out of 5 from 208 ratings, while JPLAY averages 4.2 from 54 ratings.

### Do StreamMagic by Cambridge Audio or JPLAY have ads?

Neither StreamMagic by Cambridge Audio nor JPLAY shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, StreamMagic by Cambridge Audio or JPLAY?

StreamMagic by Cambridge Audio ships an update every 2 months, and JPLAY every 3 weeks. Most recently, StreamMagic by Cambridge Audio was updated on October 26, 2026 and JPLAY on October 27, 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.*