# KCRW vs KEXP

The clearest difference is rating: KEXP at 3.9 against KCRW's 2.9. KEXP also leads on review sentiment (42% vs 32%). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

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

KEXP holds the better App Store score, 3.9 against 2.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 393 and 263 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 32% of KCRW's written reviews are positive against 42% of KEXP's.

KCRW ships an update monthly, KEXP every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and September 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | KCRW | KEXP |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.9 (393 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kcrw/id319014603/reviews) | **[3.9 (263 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kexp/id342254135/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **393** | 263 |
| Positive reviews | 32.3% of reviews | **42.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 121 MB | 57 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [KCRW](https://appshunter.io/developer/314988073) | [KEXP](https://appshunter.io/developer/342254138) |

## What reviewers say

### KCRW

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kcrw/id319014603)

Access a curated selection of music, news, and cultural content. Enjoy new livestreams, real-time song information, and exclusive member benefits.

**Highlights:** Curated music and shows, New livestreams (Dance24, Vintage24), Real-time "Now Playing" information, Member perks, Redesigned interface

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 💎 Best music station
- 🎧 Excellent music selection
- 🌍 Accessible from anywhere
- 🔍 Helpful for music discovery

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Buggy and crashes frequently
- 🔋 High battery consumption
- 🔍 Difficult to navigate
- 🔇 Playback issues (pausing, resuming, skipping)
- 🔧 Broken functionality after updates

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes on launch
- Incompatible with older iOS versions
- Notification badge won't clear
- Streaming cuts out frequently
- Eclectic 24 playlist not updating in real-time

**Requested features**

- Resume playback from where left off
- Improved song/artist information display
- Chromecast/AirPlay support
- Ability to save/favorite songs
- Landscape mode support on iPad


### KEXP

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kexp/id342254135)

This app connects you to a global community of music enthusiasts and creators. It broadcasts live radio from Seattle and the Bay Area, featuring diverse music across genres and eras. Discover exclusive in-studio performances through its popular YouTube channel.

**Highlights:** Live radio broadcasts, International music community, Exclusive in-studio performances, Diverse music genres, Online streaming, YouTube channel content

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is KCRW free?

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

### Is KEXP free?

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

### Which has better reviews, KCRW or KEXP?

KEXP is rated higher. KCRW averages 2.9 out of 5 from 393 ratings, while KEXP averages 3.9 from 263 ratings.

### Do KCRW or KEXP have ads?

Neither KCRW nor KEXP shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, KCRW or KEXP?

KCRW ships an update monthly, and KEXP every 2 months. Most recently, KCRW was updated on October 2, 2026 and KEXP on September 29, 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.*