# The Fireplace App vs Cascade PBS

The clearest difference is rating: Cascade PBS at 3.7 against The Fireplace App's 3.0. Cascade PBS also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 3) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 11 months). The Fireplace App's advantage is review sentiment (50% vs 17%). On price, ads, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. The Fireplace App sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month. Cascade PBS asks for nothing beyond the download.

Cascade PBS holds the better App Store score, 3.7 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Cascade PBS has 32 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 50% of The Fireplace App's written reviews are positive against 17% of Cascade PBS's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

The Fireplace App ships an update every 11 months, Cascade PBS every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 10, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | The Fireplace App | Cascade PBS |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-fireplace-app/id1487727741/reviews) | **[3.7 (32 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cascade-pbs/id1578709872/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **32** |
| Positive reviews | **50.0% of reviews** | 17.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 11 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 195 MB | 45 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | 16.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple TV | iPhone, iPad, Apple TV |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [NWIC Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1542104258) | [KCTS TELEVISION](https://appshunter.io/developer/1295747545) |

## What reviewers say

### The Fireplace App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-fireplace-app/id1487727741)

Create a cozy holiday atmosphere with a virtual fireplace and festive music. Perfect for family gatherings and enjoying the Christmas spirit indoors.

**Highlights:** Virtual roaring fireplace, Stream holiday music, Cozy atmosphere creation, Family-friendly entertainment, Indoor holiday spirit

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Subscription | $7.99 | per month |
| 1 Month | $7.99 | per month |
| Annual Subscription | $89.99 | per year |


### Cascade PBS

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cascade-pbs/id1578709872)

Stream prestige dramas, landmark documentaries, inspiring nature, and science programs. Access PBS favorites, local original series, and international content from a nonprofit streaming service for the Pacific Northwest. Enhance your viewing with an extended library through membership.

**Highlights:** Prestige dramas, Landmark documentaries, Nature and science programming, Local original series, International programming, Extended library with membership

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is The Fireplace App free?

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

### Is Cascade PBS free?

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

### Which has better reviews, The Fireplace App or Cascade PBS?

Cascade PBS is rated higher. The Fireplace App averages 3.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Cascade PBS averages 3.7 from 32 ratings.

### Do The Fireplace App or Cascade PBS have ads?

Neither The Fireplace App nor Cascade PBS shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, The Fireplace App or Cascade PBS?

The Fireplace App ships an update every 11 months, and Cascade PBS every 2 months. Most recently, The Fireplace App was updated on October 10, 2026 and Cascade PBS 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.*