# NPO Start vs WatchNext

The clearest difference is update cadence: NPO Start at fortnightly against WatchNext's every 2 months. NPO Start also leads on iOS requirement (16.4 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.

NPO Start ships an update fortnightly, WatchNext every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 17, 2026 and October 18, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | NPO Start | WatchNext |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.0 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/npo-start/id323998316/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **6** | — |
| Positive reviews | 4.2% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Freemium | — |
| Size | 78 MB | 35 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.4** | 26.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple TV** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Stichting Nederlandse Publieke Omroep](https://appshunter.io/developer/323998319) | [Blom Development](https://appshunter.io/developer/1222965617) |

## 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


### WatchNext

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/watchnext/id6785268112)

**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 WatchNext free?

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

### Do NPO Start or WatchNext have ads?

Neither NPO Start nor WatchNext shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, NPO Start or WatchNext?

NPO Start ships an update fortnightly, and WatchNext every 2 months. Most recently, NPO Start was updated on October 17, 2026 and WatchNext on October 18, 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.*