# 98.1 The River vs EWTN

The clearest difference is review sentiment: EWTN at 91% against 98.1 The River's 0%. EWTN also leads on rating (4.9 vs 2.3) and ratings volume (41K vs 3). 98.1 The River's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 31) and ads (none vs shown). On price and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. EWTN sells 31 one-off in-app purchases. 98.1 The River asks for nothing beyond the download.

EWTN holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 2.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: EWTN has 41K ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 0% of 98.1 The River's written reviews are positive against 91% of EWTN's.

98.1 The River ships an update every 4 months, EWTN every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 26, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | 98.1 The River | EWTN |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.3 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/981-the-river/id361271709/reviews) | **[4.9 (41K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ewtn/id569376490/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 3 | **41K** |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | **90.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 4 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 17 MB | 73 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 14.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple TV** |
| Age rating | 9+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Saga Communications](https://appshunter.io/developer/333180331) | [EWTN Religious Catalogue](https://appshunter.io/developer/569376493) |

## What reviewers say

### 98.1 The River

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/981-the-river/id361271709)

Listen to your favorite radio station live and stay connected with their social media. Access more content and updates directly from your mobile device.

**Highlights:** Live radio streaming, Social media integration, Station updates, Mobile access

**In-app purchases:** none


### EWTN

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ewtn/id569376490)

Access live and on-demand Catholic television and radio programming. Explore news, program schedules, and a free audio version of the Gospel of Mark. Offers a premium audio New Testament with celebrity voices and synchronized text.

**Highlights:** Live TV and Radio Streams, On-demand TV and Radio Programs, Catholic News, Program Schedule, Free Gospel of Mark Audio, Premium Audio New Testament

**In-app purchases (31)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| CHAPLET OF ST. MICHAEL | $0.99 | one-time |
| Padre Pio: He Bore Christ’S Wo | $0.99 | one-time |
| A Wolf In Sheep’S Clothing | $1.99 | one-time |
| Called And Chosen | $1.99 | one-time |
| Saint Bridget Of Sweden | $1.99 | one-time |
| Hope - Our Lady Of Knock (rent) | $1.99 | one-time |
| MIRACLES OF PADRE PIO (rent) | $1.99 | one-time |
| GUADALUPE MYSTERIES (rent) | $1.99 | one-time |
| MOTHER CABRINI (rent) | $1.99 | one-time |
| THE HIDDEN SHRINE (rent) | $1.99 | one-time |
| GREGORIAN MUSIC OF ANGELS(rent | $1.99 | one-time |
| Tolkien - An Unexpected Friend | $1.99 | one-time |
| SAINT ROSE OF LIMA (rent) | $1.99 | one-time |
| Saint Martin De Porres | $1.99 | one-time |
| Kateri | $1.99 | one-time |
| Cabrini And The Heart Of Jesus | $1.99 | one-time |
| I AM W/ YOU-CARLO ACUTIS(rent) | $1.99 | one-time |
| The Message Of Fatima | $2.99 | one-time |
| Chaplet Of Divine Mercy | $2.99 | one-time |
| Saints Vs. Scoundrels | $2.99 | one-time |
| The Heresies (rent) | $2.99 | one-time |
| They Might Be Saints (rent) | $2.99 | one-time |
| The Case For Marriage | $2.99 | one-time |
| EXPLORE W MIRACLE HUNTER(rent) | $2.99 | one-time |
| Straubinger New Testament Audio | $4.99 | one-time |
| A Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing | $9.99 | one-time |
| THE HOLY ROSARY WITH MOTHER ANGELICA (buy) | $9.99 | one-time |
| Chaplet Of Divine Mercy | $14.99 | one-time |
| The “Reformation” - buy | $14.99 | one-time |
| Liturgy Of The Hours For Lay P | $14.99 | one-time |
| New Testament Audio Package | $19.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🙏 Strengthens Catholic faith
- 🕍 Provides access to daily Mass and prayers
- 🎥 Variety of inspiring programs and documentaries
- 📖 Easy access to Bible and religious content
- 🤗 Comforting and uplifting during difficult times

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional technical issues with streaming and app crashes
- 🔍 Confusing navigation and layout changes
- 🕰️ Slow loading of on-demand content
- 🔇 Loss of some audio-only programs

**Reported bugs**

- Inability to access certain American channels
- Inconsistent performance on older devices

**Requested features**

- Improved Chromecast support
- More personalization options
- Better organization of on-demand content
- Easier access to program schedules


## Frequently asked questions

### Is 98.1 The River free?

98.1 The River is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is EWTN free?

EWTN is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, 98.1 The River or EWTN?

EWTN is rated higher. 98.1 The River averages 2.3 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while EWTN averages 4.9 from 41K ratings.

### Do 98.1 The River or EWTN have ads?

EWTN shows ads; 98.1 The River does not.

### Which is updated more often, 98.1 The River or EWTN?

98.1 The River ships an update every 4 months, and EWTN every 4 weeks. Most recently, 98.1 The River was updated on October 24, 2026 and EWTN on October 26, 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.*