# BFI Player (US) vs Watermelon+

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Watermelon+ at 97% against BFI Player (US)'s 8%. Watermelon+ also leads on rating (5.0 vs 2.3) and ratings volume (170 vs 24). BFI Player (US)'s advantage is monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs subscription). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. BFI Player (US) sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month and Watermelon+ sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $8.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Watermelon+ holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 2.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Watermelon+ has 170 ratings behind it against 24, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 8% of BFI Player (US)'s written reviews are positive against 97% of Watermelon+'s.

BFI Player (US) ships an update every 3 months, Watermelon+ every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on August 29, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | BFI Player (US) | Watermelon+ |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.3 (24 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bfi-player-us/id1564438447/reviews) | **[5.0 (170 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/watermelon-plus/id6504403143/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 24 | **170** |
| Positive reviews | 8.3% of reviews | **97.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 66 MB | 78 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 | 16.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple TV | iPhone, iPad, Apple TV |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [The British Film Institute](https://appshunter.io/developer/699793649) | [Maljack Productions, Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1752098188) |

## What reviewers say

### BFI Player (US)

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bfi-player-us/id1564438447)

Stream a curated selection of acclaimed films, including classics and modern discoveries, on this US-only service. Subscribe for full access to a diverse library of cinematic content across multiple devices.

**Highlights:** Curated film selection, Landmark titles and rare classics, Modern discoveries, Multi-device support, Auto-renewing subscription, Free trial period

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| BFI Player Classics Monthly | $5.99 | per month |
| BFI Player Classics | $59.00 | per year |


### Watermelon+

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/watermelon-plus/id6504403143)

This streaming platform showcases films from marginalized and underrepresented communities, featuring documentaries, narratives, and Palestinian cinema. It offers early access to new releases and a curated collection of impactful stories.

**Highlights:** Stream films from marginalized communities, Award-winning documentaries, Festival favorites and narratives, Exclusive Palestinian cinema collection, Early access to new releases

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Watermelon+ Monthly | $8.99 | per month |
| Watermelon+ Yearly | $89.99 | per year |
| Watermelon Pictures - 199 | $1.99 | one-time |
| Watermelon Pictures - 499 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Watermelon Pictures - 699 | $6.99 | one-time |
| Watermelon Pictures - 999 | $9.99 | one-time |
| Watermelon Pictures - 1299 | $12.99 | one-time |
| Watermelon Pictures - 1499 | $14.99 | one-time |
| Watermelon Pictures - 1999 | $19.99 | one-time |
| Watermelon Pictures - 2499 | $24.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Excellent app
- 👍 New favorite streaming platform
- 👍 Amazing resource
- 👍 High quality movies
- 👍 Honest review

**What reviewers complain about**

- ❓Content for kids

**Reported bugs**

- None mentioned

**Requested features**

- Content for children


## Frequently asked questions

### Is BFI Player (US) free?

BFI Player (US) is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Watermelon+ free?

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

### Which has better reviews, BFI Player (US) or Watermelon+?

Watermelon+ is rated higher. BFI Player (US) averages 2.3 out of 5 from 24 ratings, while Watermelon+ averages 5.0 from 170 ratings.

### Do BFI Player (US) or Watermelon+ have ads?

Neither BFI Player (US) nor Watermelon+ shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, BFI Player (US) or Watermelon+?

BFI Player (US) ships an update every 3 months, and Watermelon+ every 2 months. Most recently, BFI Player (US) was updated on August 29, 2026 and Watermelon+ on September 23, 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.*