# RTL.lu vs DW

The clearest difference is ads: DW at none against RTL.lu's shown. DW also leads on monetization model (free vs ad-supported) and review sentiment (42% vs 32%). On price, update cadence, 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.

RTL.lu ships an update every 2 months, DW monthly. Both last shipped on November 1, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | RTL.lu | DW |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[3.7 (292 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dw-breaking-world-news/id498833085/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **292** |
| Positive reviews | 31.6% of reviews | **42.1% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Ad-supported | **Free** |
| Size | 60 MB | 30 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.4** | 17.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple TV | **iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [CLT-UFA](https://appshunter.io/developer/287111150) | [Deutsche Welle](https://appshunter.io/developer/305630107) |

## What reviewers say

### RTL.lu

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rtllu/id360077592)

Stay informed anywhere, anytime with this news app. Access national and international news, sports, culture, and live TV/radio streams and replays. Customize push notifications for breaking news and specific interests.

**Highlights:** Newsfeed, Live TV and Radio streams, Video on demand, Traffic updates, Weather forecasts, Customizable push notifications

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### DW

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dw-breaking-world-news/id498833085)

Access independent global news and analysis without ads or pop-ups. Stay informed on politics, business, science, culture, and travel with articles, audio, and video content available in 32 languages.

**Highlights:** Independent global news, Ad-free experience, Push notifications for breaking news, Content in 32 languages, Articles, audio, and video

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 📺 Good news coverage and programming
- 🌍 Trusted source for international news
- 🔍 Comprehensive reporting on global events

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent app crashes and freezes
- 📱 Poor user experience and navigation
- 🔍 Biased and one-sided reporting
- 🔍 Lacking objectivity and balance in news coverage

**Reported bugs**

- Notifications not opening the correct article
- Live TV and video playback issues
- Frequent login/logout problems
- Outdated news content displayed

**Requested features**

- Dark mode option
- Adjustable font size
- Improved Chromecast/AirPlay support
- Better organization and categorization of content


## Frequently asked questions

### Is RTL.lu free?

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

### Is DW free?

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

### Do RTL.lu or DW have ads?

RTL.lu shows ads; DW does not.

### Which is updated more often, RTL.lu or DW?

RTL.lu ships an update every 2 months, and DW monthly. Most recently, RTL.lu was updated on November 1, 2026 and DW on November 1, 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.*