Comparison

Vault Access vs Channel 85

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Vault Access

This platform offers a curated selection of independent films, TV series, documentaries, and music content from global creators. It provides an ad-free streaming experience with thousands of titles, including exclusive originals and rare classics, catering to diverse artistic expressions.

Highlights
  • Expansive independent film library
  • Exclusive Vault Originals
  • Global and cultural content
  • Curated collections and playlists
  • Live and on-demand events
  • Ad-free on-demand viewing
  • Personalized recommendations
Read full description

Vault Access – The Future of Independent Streaming Discover. Experience. Elevate. Vault Access is a next-generation streaming platform founded by Kenneth Gifford in Newark, New Jersey, dedicated to showcasing independent films, television, documentaries, and music content from around the world. As a founding member of the Streaming Innovation Alliance (SIA), Vault Access is committed to reshaping the digital entertainment landscape by offering a space where diverse voices, underrepresented stories, and groundbreaking artistry thrive. What is Vault Access? Vault Access is a streaming service designed to give independent filmmakers, storytellers, and creators a home for their work—content that may otherwise go unseen in mainstream media. It offers a curated selection of films, TV series, short films, music videos, and cultural content that highlights unique perspectives, creativity, and bold storytelling. With thousands of titles available and new content added regularly, Vault Access provides an experience unlike any other, blending classic cinema, fresh new voices, and exclusive original programming into one seamless platform. Whether you love compelling dramas, insightful documentaries, experimental cinema, or legendary live performances, Vault Access brings you content that entertains, educates, and inspires. What Does Vault Access Offer? Expansive Streaming Library Vault Access brings together an extensive collection of independent films, short films, television series, and music content across various genres, including: Classic & Rare Films – Hard-to-find and historic movies from around the world. Independent Cinema – A spotlight on rising filmmakers and creative voices shaping the future of storytelling. Exclusive Vault Originals – Original productions and partnerships bringing fresh perspectives to the screen. Global & Cultural Content – Films and series from international markets that broaden cultural understanding. Music & Performance – A deep catalog of music documentaries, concerts, and artist-focused features. Curated Collections & Thematic Playlists Hand-picked selections based on genres, cultural moments, and storytelling themes. Special director spotlights, film festival highlights, and retrospectives. Weekly and monthly curated must-watch recommendations. Live & On-Demand Events Film Premieres & Screenings – Experience new independent releases before they hit larger audiences. Festival & Industry Showcases – Streaming highlights from film festivals and industry panels. Exclusive Conversations – Interviews, behind-the-scenes discussions, and filmmaker Q&As. How Vault Access Works Seamless Streaming Experience On-Demand Viewing – Watch what you want, when you want, with no ads. Custom Watchlists – Save and organize films, series, and music performances. Personalized Recommendations – AI-driven suggestions based on viewing preferences. Multiple User Profiles – A tailored experience for every viewer in your household. Watch Anywhere, Anytime

About

Channel 85

Stream raw, hilarious comedy 24/7 from emerging U.S. comedians. Relive the energy of classic comedy shows with exclusive content from popular performers. Support the next generation of comedy talent.

Highlights
  • Exclusive comedy content
  • Live comedy performances
  • Support emerging comedians
  • 24/7 streaming
  • Classic comedy energy
Features
Read full description

Watch the funniest young comedians in the U.S.!!! Watch exclusive comedy content from the nation's comedians! DC Young Fly, Karlous Miller and Chico Bean are carrying on the tradition of great comedy and they're bringing it all to you RAW!!! Remember the days of Def Comedy Jam and In Living Color? These guys are bringing that energy back for this generation! Don't miss your chance to laugh and support the new vanguard of comedy performers and entrepreneurs!! To access all features and content you can subscribe to Channel 85 on a monthly 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 iTunes 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.channeleightyfive.com/tos Privacy Policy: https://www.channeleightyfive.com/privacy

Screenshots

Vault Access4 screens
Channel 854 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is monetization model: Vault Access at free with in-app purchases against Channel 85's subscription. Vault Access also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.6). Channel 85's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (8.2K vs 47). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Vault Access sells 2 one-off in-app purchases and Channel 85 sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $8.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Channel 85 holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Channel 85 has 8.2K ratings behind it against 47, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 88% of Vault Access's written reviews are positive against 99% of Channel 85's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and November 10, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
Vault Access versus Channel 85: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterVault AccessChannel 85
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (47 ratings)5.0 (8.2K ratings) — better
Positive reviews88.2% of reviews99.3% of reviews — better
Number of ratings478.2K — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 3 months
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases — betterSubscription
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV — betteriPhone, iPad, Apple TV
Requires iOS13.0 — better16.6
Further details — not scored
Size68 MB86 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperVault Access Media Group Inc.Channel Eightyfive, llc

Customer experience

Vault Access

All ratings47 ratings
Positive91.5%
Neutral6.4%
Negative2.1%
Written reviews17 reviews
Positive88.2%
Neutral5.9%
Negative5.9%

Channel 85

All ratings8,079 ratings
Positive99.2%
Neutral0.3%
Negative0.5%
Written reviews826 reviews
Positive99.3%
Neutral0.1%
Negative0.6%

Bugs and requests

Vault Access

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

Channel 85

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • Compatibility issues with older devices
  • Trouble signing up through TV

Requested features

3 requests
  • More live show content
  • Timestamp comments
  • Expanded behind-the-scenes content

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Vault Access

One-time2
  • The Supreme Truth$9.99
  • One Month$9.99
3 purchases

Channel 85

Subscriptions1
  • Channel 85 Monthly7 Days trial$8.991 Month
One-time2
  • Channel Eighty Five - 999$9.99
  • Channel Eighty Five - 1999$19.99

Questions

Is Vault Access free?
Vault Access is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Channel 85 free?
Channel 85 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Vault Access or Channel 85?
Channel 85 is rated higher. Vault Access averages 4.7 out of 5 from 47 ratings, while Channel 85 averages 5.0 from 8.2K ratings.
Do Vault Access or Channel 85 have ads?
Vault Access shows ads; Channel 85 does not.
Which is updated more often, Vault Access or Channel 85?
Vault Access ships an update every 3 months, and Channel 85 every 3 months. Most recently, Vault Access was updated on November 3, 2026 and Channel 85 on November 10, 2026.

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