# KVGC vs CalMatters

The clearest difference is update cadence: CalMatters at every 2 weeks against KVGC's every 17 months. CalMatters also leads on chart position (#156 vs unranked) and ratings volume (18 vs 3). KVGC's advantage is monetization model (free vs ad-supported). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for KVGC against 5.0 for CalMatters. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: CalMatters has 18 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two.

KVGC ships an update every 17 months, CalMatters every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and October 27, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | KVGC | CalMatters |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kvgc/id1555750036/reviews) | [5.0 (18 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/calmatters/id6475375084/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 3 | **18** |
| Positive reviews | — | 50.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 17 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Ad-supported |
| Best chart rank | — | **#156** |
| Size | 25 MB | 53 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **15.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 9+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Mother Lode Broadcasting Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1555750038) | [CalMatters](https://appshunter.io/developer/1724098439) |

## What reviewers say

### KVGC

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kvgc/id1555750036)

This app provides live, up-to-the-minute news and information for Amador and Calaveras Counties. It serves as the sole daily source for local updates in the region.

**Highlights:** Live news updates, Local information, Amador County news, Calaveras County news, Daily updates

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### CalMatters

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/calmatters/id6475375084)

**Currently charting:** #156 Top Free · Magazines & Newspapers (US App Store)

Access in-depth, nonpartisan news and analysis focused on California's quality of life issues. Hold leaders accountable with investigative journalism covering the Golden State and its global economic impact.

**Highlights:** In-depth news analysis, Focus on quality of life issues, Investigative journalism, Accountability reporting, Covers California and its economy

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is KVGC free?

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

### Is CalMatters free?

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

### Which has better reviews, KVGC or CalMatters?

KVGC and CalMatters are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 3 and 18 ratings respectively.

### Do KVGC or CalMatters have ads?

Neither KVGC nor CalMatters shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, KVGC or CalMatters?

KVGC ships an update every 17 months, and CalMatters every 2 weeks. Most recently, KVGC was updated on October 12, 2026 and CalMatters 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.*