# NPO Start vs VRT MAX

The clearest difference is rating: VRT MAX at 4.6 against NPO Start's 4.2. VRT MAX also leads on monetization model (free vs freemium) and ratings volume (165 vs 5). On price, review sentiment, 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.

VRT MAX holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: VRT MAX has 165 ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 4% of NPO Start's written reviews are positive against 11% of VRT MAX's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly fortnightly. Both last shipped on September 20, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | NPO Start | VRT MAX |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.2 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/npo-start/id323998316/reviews) | **[4.6 (165 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vrt-max/id1337574835/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 5 | **165** |
| Positive reviews | 4.2% of reviews | **11.1% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | Fortnightly |
| Monetization | Freemium | **Free** |
| Size | 77 MB | 116 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.4 | **16.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple TV | iPhone, iPad, Apple TV |
| Age rating | 12+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Stichting Nederlandse Publieke Omroep](https://appshunter.io/developer/323998319) | [VRT](https://appshunter.io/developer/337708002) |

## What reviewers say

### NPO Start

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/npo-start/id323998316)

This is a free streaming platform offering a wide range of Dutch content, including documentaries, series, and films. Enjoy relatable and authentic stories anytime, anywhere, on any device. Personalize your experience with recommendations and saved favorites.

**Highlights:** Stream all NPO programs, Live and on-demand content, Free streaming on any device, Personalized recommendations, Save favorite programs, Continue watching where you left off

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Good app
- 🚀 Lots of content available

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 App often crashes or freezes
- 🔌 Streaming issues, app not working properly
- 🤖 Poorly designed, lacking features
- 🚫 Many programs not available outside of Netherlands

**Reported bugs**

- Login issues
- Frequent app crashes or freezes
- Streaming problems, video playback not working
- Incompatibility with certain devices/platforms

**Requested features**

- Add subtitles/captions
- Improve search functionality
- Allow downloading of programs for offline viewing
- Better Chromecast/AirPlay support


### VRT MAX

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vrt-max/id1337574835)

Stream a wide variety of Flemish and international series, news programs, documentaries, and children's content. Enjoy live broadcasts or on-demand viewing of your favorite shows and podcasts, all for free. Discover new content with personalized suggestions and build your own watchlists.

**Highlights:** Watch and listen for free, Live and on-demand content, Favorite series and documentaries, News and current affairs, Children's content (Ketnetzone), Extensive archive, Podcasts

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is NPO Start free?

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

### Is VRT MAX free?

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

### Which has better reviews, NPO Start or VRT MAX?

VRT MAX is rated higher. NPO Start averages 4.2 out of 5 from 5 ratings, while VRT MAX averages 4.6 from 165 ratings.

### Do NPO Start or VRT MAX have ads?

Neither NPO Start nor VRT MAX shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, NPO Start or VRT MAX?

NPO Start ships an update fortnightly, and VRT MAX fortnightly. Most recently, NPO Start was updated on September 20, 2026 and VRT MAX on September 20, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*