Substack vs BTV City App
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Substack
Discover and connect with creators, ideas, and communities through videos, writing, and podcasts. Subscribe for free or upgrade to access exclusive content and engage directly with your favorite artists and writers. Enjoy ad-free viewing and listening, and participate in live events and group chats.
- Support creators
- Ad-free videos and podcasts
- Real-time connection
- Explore independent ideas
- Livestreams and group chats
- Subscribe to favorites
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Substack is a new media app that connects you with the creators, ideas, and communities you care about most. - Support the creators you love: Subscribe for free or upgrade to view original work and connect directly with your favorite writers, artists, and podcasters. - Enjoy ad-free videos and podcasts: Access short-form clips, video episodes, and read-aloud articles without interruptions. - Connect in real time: Join livestreams and live group chats, where top creators bring their biggest supporters into their world. - Explore independent ideas: Discover bold opinions and engaging views across food, sports, politics, fashion, comedy, finance, and more. How it works: 1. Download the Substack app. 2. Claim your handle. 3. Explore the feed to enjoy notes, videos, and clips from creators. 4. Subscribe to your favorites for free, tune into their livestreams and join private group chats.
BTV City App
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The official City of Burlington app is your connection to city news, services, events, and important updates. Whether you're looking for the latest city announcements, checking beach conditions, finding a public meeting, or reporting an issue, BTV City App puts the information you need in one convenient place. • Stay up to date with the latest City news • Receive personalized push notifications for topics you choose • View city alerts and important announcements • Check beach status and outdoor skating conditions • Explore Burlington parks and recreation information • Access public meetings, boards, and city government resources • Find ward information and city services • Contact City departments directly • Report issues and request assistance • Open maps, websites, and other city resources with a single tap The app is designed to make it easier for residents and visitors to stay informed and connected with Burlington. Download today to receive official updates directly from the City of Burlington. Internet connection required to use the app
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: BTV City App at none against Substack's 10. Substack's advantage is chart position (#4 vs unranked) and device support (3 vs 1). On price, update cadence and ads 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
Both are free to download. Substack sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. BTV City App asks for nothing beyond the download.
Substack ships an update every 5 days, BTV City App weekly. The most recent releases landed on November 12, 2026 and November 9, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Substack | BTV City App |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.9 (570K ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 72.7% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 570K — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 5 days — better | Weekly |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Best chart rank | #4 — better | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple TV — better | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 — better | 26.2 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 244 MB | 6 MB |
| Age rating | 17+ | 12+ |
| Developer | Substack, Inc. | City of Burlington (VT) |
Bugs and requests
Substack
Reported bugs
4 issues- Login issues and inability to sign in
- Inconsistent behavior when archiving/deleting posts
- Playback issues with audio content
- Incompatibility with older devices or operating systems
Requested features
5 requests- Add search functionality within app
- Improve notification management
- Allow customization of font size and style
- Implement ability to mark articles as read/unread
- Add option to collapse/expand comment threads
BTV City App
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Substack
- Hung Up (Monthly)$4.991 Month
- The Dworkin Report (Monthly)$4.991 Month
- Monthly$5.991 Month
Show 7 moreShow fewer
- Isolation Journals (Monthly)$5.991 Month
- Ettingermentum (monthly)$5.991 Month
- What To Cook (Monthly)$5.991 Month
- The Message Box (Monthly)$7.991 Month
- House Inhabit (Monthly)$8.991 Month
- Noahpinion (Monthly)$9.991 Month
- Slow Boring (Monthly)$9.991 Month
BTV City App
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Substack free?
Is BTV City App free?
Do Substack or BTV City App have ads?
Which is updated more often, Substack or BTV City App?
Other comparisons
