# NewsTap Lite (Usenet Reader) vs Mlem for Lemmy

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Mlem for Lemmy at 80% against NewsTap Lite (Usenet Reader)'s 33%. Mlem for Lemmy also leads on rating (4.6 vs 2.9) and monetization model (free vs freemium). NewsTap Lite (Usenet Reader)'s advantage is iOS requirement (10.0 vs 26.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

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

Mlem for Lemmy holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 2.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Mlem for Lemmy has 84 ratings behind it against 9, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 33% of NewsTap Lite (Usenet Reader)'s written reviews are positive against 80% of Mlem for Lemmy's.

NewsTap Lite (Usenet Reader) ships an update every 2 months, Mlem for Lemmy every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | NewsTap Lite (Usenet Reader) | Mlem for Lemmy |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.9 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/newstap-lite-usenet-reader/id297063247/reviews) | **[4.6 (84 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mlem-for-lemmy/id6450543782/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 9 | **84** |
| Positive reviews | 33.3% of reviews | **80.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Freemium | **Free** |
| Size | 5 MB | 71 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 26.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 17+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Alexander Clauss](https://appshunter.io/developer/286091996) | [Eric Andrews](https://appshunter.io/developer/1759193185) |

## What reviewers say

### NewsTap Lite (Usenet Reader)

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/newstap-lite-usenet-reader/id297063247)

This app is a Usenet newsreader for iOS devices, optimized for offline use. It allows users to download and read articles, post new ones, and follow discussions easily. Binary group support and customizable filters are included.

**Highlights:** Optimized for offline usage, Supports binary groups, Article filters, Automatic hyperlink detection, Discussion tree view, Post new articles/follow-ups

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Mlem for Lemmy

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mlem-for-lemmy/id6450543782)

Experience the Fediverse through a native iOS app designed for seamless interaction with all major Lemmy instances. Enjoy powerful features like swipe actions, quick account switching, and extensive customization for an optimized mobile experience.

**Highlights:** Native iOS Swift development, Lemmy instance compatibility, Swipe actions, Account quick-switching, Customization options, Optimized backend

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- ✨ High quality and thoughtfully made app
- 👍 Joy to use
- 🌟 On par with Apollo for Reddit
- 🚀 Seamless Lemmy experience
- ✅ Mostly stable now

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Cannot sign up/validate username
- 🐛 Annoying bug: loses progress when switching apps
- 🐛 Bouncing back to feeds list is irritating
- 🐛 Minor bugs introduced with updates
- 🐛 Embedded content shows as links, not playable

**Reported bugs**

- Cannot validate username for account creation
- Loses progress when switching to another app while composing a post/reply
- App bounces back to the subscribed feeds list in various situations
- New bugs introduced with each update
- Embedded content (videos) only show as links

**Requested features**

- Customizability for each feed type (e.g., bold headlines)
- Larger card view option
- Compact view option
- Option to customize gestures
- Fix embedded content to be playable


## Frequently asked questions

### Is NewsTap Lite (Usenet Reader) free?

NewsTap Lite (Usenet Reader) is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Mlem for Lemmy free?

Mlem for Lemmy is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, NewsTap Lite (Usenet Reader) or Mlem for Lemmy?

Mlem for Lemmy is rated higher. NewsTap Lite (Usenet Reader) averages 2.9 out of 5 from 9 ratings, while Mlem for Lemmy averages 4.6 from 84 ratings.

### Do NewsTap Lite (Usenet Reader) or Mlem for Lemmy have ads?

Neither NewsTap Lite (Usenet Reader) nor Mlem for Lemmy shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, NewsTap Lite (Usenet Reader) or Mlem for Lemmy?

NewsTap Lite (Usenet Reader) ships an update every 2 months, and Mlem for Lemmy every 3 weeks. Most recently, NewsTap Lite (Usenet Reader) was updated on October 21, 2026 and Mlem for Lemmy on October 30, 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.*