# FStream vs Broadcasts

The clearest difference is rating: Broadcasts at 4.7 against FStream's 3.7. Broadcasts also leads on update cadence (monthly vs every 3 months) and device support (6 vs 3). FStream's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 18.0). On price, review sentiment and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Broadcasts sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. FStream asks for nothing beyond the download.

Broadcasts holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 281 and 958 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 76% and 75% positive.

FStream ships an update every 3 months, Broadcasts monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 27, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | FStream | Broadcasts |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.7 (281 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fstream/id289892007/reviews) | **[4.7 (958 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/broadcasts/id1469995354/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 281 | **958** |
| Positive reviews | **75.9% of reviews** | 75.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Freemium |
| Size | 5 MB | 34 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, Apple Watch, Vision Pro** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Julien-Pierre Averous](https://appshunter.io/developer/289892010) | [Steven Troughton-Smith](https://appshunter.io/developer/286133549) |

## What reviewers say

### FStream

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fstream/id289892007)

This application serves as a lightweight web radio player. It supports a variety of popular audio formats including MP3, OGG, WMA, and AAC, along with common playlist formats like PLS, M3U, and ASX.

**Highlights:** Lightweight web radio player, Supports MP3 audio, Supports OGG/Vorbis audio, Supports WMA over MMS, Supports AAC/AAC+ audio, Supports PLS playlists, Supports M3U playlists, Supports ASX playlists

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- ⭐ Still works great after years of use
- 🔑 Supports password-protected streams
- 👍 Reliable and stable app
- 🎶 Plays a wide range of audio formats
- 🔍 Allows manual stream entry

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Playback issues with latest iOS updates
- 🔀 Freezes when switching stations
- 🔋 High battery consumption
- 📁 Lacks folder organization for stations

**Reported bugs**

- Stop/Play/Pause buttons not working properly
- Disconnects from streams randomly

**Requested features**

- Ability to export/import station lists
- Integration with iTunes for recorded content
- Chromecast or AirPlay support
- Background playback while using other apps


### Broadcasts

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/broadcasts/id1469995354)

Stream internet radio stations from around the world with an intuitive, single-purpose application. Enjoy beautiful artwork, metadata, and cross-device syncing. Offers a free tier with a limited library or a full version for unlimited stations and advanced features.

**Highlights:** Global internet radio streaming, Unlimited station library (full version), Station artwork and metadata display, Shazam integration for metadata, iCloud library syncing, CarPlay support, Apple Watch and Apple TV playback

**Features:** Game Controller support, Family Sharing, Siri integration, Apple Watch app, SharePlay

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlock All Features | $7.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Simple, efficient, and reliable
- 🔒 Privacy-focused with no data tracking
- 👍 Seamless syncing across devices
- 👍 Customizable station icons and collections
- 👍 Affordable one-time purchase

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional streaming issues and crashes
- 🔍 Limited search and discovery features
- 🔍 Lack of genre-based browsing
- 🔍 Difficult to add non-listed stations

**Reported bugs**

- Syncing issues causing data loss
- Playback issues on CarPlay and macOS
- Inconsistent behavior when changing stations

**Requested features**

- Improved global station search
- Genre-based station browsing
- Easier custom station addition
- Airplay and Siri integration
- Sleep timer and alarm clock functionality


## Frequently asked questions

### Is FStream free?

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

### Is Broadcasts free?

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

### Which has better reviews, FStream or Broadcasts?

Broadcasts is rated higher. FStream averages 3.7 out of 5 from 281 ratings, while Broadcasts averages 4.7 from 958 ratings.

### Do FStream or Broadcasts have ads?

Neither FStream nor Broadcasts shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, FStream or Broadcasts?

FStream ships an update every 3 months, and Broadcasts monthly. Most recently, FStream was updated on September 27, 2026 and Broadcasts on October 9, 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.*