# Sword And Scale vs TruBlu

The clearest difference is monetization model: Sword And Scale at free with in-app purchases against TruBlu's subscription. Sword And Scale also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs every 2 months) and rating (4.9 vs 4.6). TruBlu's advantage is review sentiment (85% vs 70%) and device support (4 vs 2). On price, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Sword And Scale sells 16 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month and TruBlu sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Sword And Scale holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Sword And Scale has 6.7K ratings behind it against 841, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 70% of Sword And Scale's written reviews are positive against 85% of TruBlu's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Sword And Scale ships an update fortnightly, TruBlu every 2 months. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Sword And Scale | TruBlu |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (6.7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sword-and-scale/id1505946105/reviews)** | [4.6 (841 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/trublu/id6443777497/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **6.7K** | 841 |
| Positive reviews | 70.1% of reviews | **84.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Best chart rank | **#127** | — |
| Size | 135 MB | 71 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV** |
| Age rating | 17+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Incongruity, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1505946104) | [TruBlu Factual Streaming Network, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1649176085) |

## What reviewers say

### Sword And Scale

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sword-and-scale/id1505946105)

**Currently charting:** #127 Top Grossing · Entertainment (US App Store)

Explore real criminal cases and the justice system's response through in-depth podcast episodes. Features 911 calls, court testimonies, and interviews for a comprehensive look at each story. Receive notifications for new episode releases.

**Highlights:** Real criminal case explorations, Justice system analysis, 911 call recordings, Court testimonies, Interviews, New episode notifications

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

**In-app purchases (16)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| +BASE LEVEL SUPPORTER | $9.99 | per month |
| +BONUS LEVEL SUPPORTER | $9.99 | per month |
| BASE LEVEL SUPPORTER | $9.99 | per month |
| BONUS LEVEL SUPPORTER | $9.99 | per month |
| Bonus Supporter | $9.99 | per month |
| +ADVANCED LEVEL SUPPORTER | $14.99 | per month |
| Super Supporter | $19.99 | per month |
| +HARDCORE LEVEL SUPPORTER | $24.99 | per month |
| VIP Supporter | $29.99 | per month |
| BASE LEVEL SUPPORTER (Yearly) | $49.99 | per year |
| +BASE LEVEL SUPPORTER (Yearly) | $99.99 | per year |
| +BONUS LEVEL(Yearly) | $99.99 | per year |
| Bonus Supporter | $99.99 | per year |
| Super Supporter | $199.99 | per year |
| +BASE LEVEL SUPPORTER | $4.99 | one-time |
| +BASE LEVEL SUPPORTER | $49.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Excellent app
- 👍 Convenient and easy to use
- 🔒 Robust security features
- 💎 High-quality content
- 🎨 Great graphics and layout

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Bugs and glitches
- 🔋 High data usage
- 🔒 Login and account issues
- 📥 Offline listening problems
- 🔀 Lack of episode progress tracking

**Reported bugs**

- Frequent app crashes
- Subscription validation issues
- Inconsistent episode downloads
- Playback menu navigation problems

**Requested features**

- Variable playback speed
- Ability to filter played episodes
- Automatic pause during GPS directions
- Improved search functionality


### TruBlu

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/trublu/id6443777497)

Stream gripping crime programs and documentaries featuring prominent personalities in investigation. Explore scams, catch predators, and enjoy a fresh supply of factual content. Access all features and content through a subscription.

**Highlights:** Crime programs and documentaries, Scam examination, Predator catching, Factual streaming, Documentaries

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| TruBlu Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| TruBlu Yearly | $49.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great content
- 🚀 Smooth streaming
- 💯 Excellent value
- 🙌 Supportive of Chris Hansen's work
- 🎥 Variety of true crime shows

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes or bugs
- 🔍 Limited content beyond Takedown with Chris Hansen
- 🔊 Censored language in paid subscription
- 🔍 Difficult to find/access account settings

**Reported bugs**

- Playback issues when resuming episodes
- Inconsistent availability of subtitles/captions
- Billing/subscription management problems

**Requested features**

- More episodes of Takedown with Chris Hansen
- Improved organization and filtering of content
- Ability to skip ahead/rewind easily during playback
- Offline viewing or download option


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Sword And Scale free?

Sword And Scale is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is TruBlu free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Sword And Scale or TruBlu?

Sword And Scale is rated higher. Sword And Scale averages 4.9 out of 5 from 6.7K ratings, while TruBlu averages 4.6 from 841 ratings.

### Do Sword And Scale or TruBlu have ads?

Neither Sword And Scale nor TruBlu shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Sword And Scale or TruBlu?

Sword And Scale ships an update fortnightly, and TruBlu every 2 months. Most recently, Sword And Scale was updated on October 24, 2026 and TruBlu on October 24, 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.*