# HGTV GO vs Rootkin

HGTV GO and Rootkin both sit at 4.8 stars, but that hides the real split: 100% of Rootkin's written reviews are positive against 46% of HGTV GO's. Rootkin also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 6 weeks). HGTV GO's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and ratings volume (50K vs 1). On price, rating, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Rootkin sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. HGTV GO asks for nothing beyond the download.

Rootkin holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: HGTV GO has 50K ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 46% of HGTV GO's written reviews are positive against 100% of Rootkin's.

HGTV GO ships an update every 6 weeks, Rootkin every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 28, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | HGTV GO | Rootkin |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (50K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hgtv-go-stream-live-tv/id376038666/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rootkin/id6763365286/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **50K** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 46.3% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 96 MB | 39 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.0** | 15.1 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Scripps Networks, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/317371014) | [Lloyd Financial Consulting LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1894439871) |

## What reviewers say

### HGTV GO

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hgtv-go-stream-live-tv/id376038666)

Stream live TV and access thousands of on-demand episodes from HGTV and up to 14 other networks. Catch up on your favorite shows anytime, anywhere, with new episodes available the same day they premiere on TV. It's free with your pay TV subscription.

**Highlights:** Stream live TV from HGTV and 14+ networks, Access thousands of on-demand episodes, New episodes available same day as TV premiere, Watch shows from Discovery family of networks, Browse by genre, Continue watching across devices, Save shows to My List

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Enjoyable and inspiring content
- 🚀 Convenient mobile access to HGTV shows
- 💡 Variety of channels and content options
- 👍 Helpful for home improvement ideas

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔍 Frequent login issues and app glitches
- 📺 Excessive and repetitive commercials
- 🔑 Locked content despite cable subscription
- ⏱️ Buffering and syncing problems

**Reported bugs**

- App freezing and crashing issues
- Compatibility problems with certain cable/streaming providers
- Inconsistent availability of shows and episodes

**Requested features**

- Option to disable auto-play and remove shows from continue watching list
- Ability to pause ads and have more ad variety
- Improved device syncing and resume playback functionality
- Offer ad-free or reduced ad version with subscription


### Rootkin

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rootkin/id6763365286)

Build and share your family tree while capturing spoken memories from relatives. This private space allows you to record stories, organize photos, and create shareable keepsakes. It keeps your family connected with gentle reminders and ensures your data is always exportable.

**Highlights:** Build interactive family trees, Record and attach voice memories, Share trees with family members, Organize photos by person, Create shareable newsletters/cards, Export tree data as GEDCOM

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Rootkin Family | $4.99 | per month |
| Rootkin Family | $39.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is HGTV GO free?

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

### Is Rootkin free?

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

### Which has better reviews, HGTV GO or Rootkin?

Rootkin is rated higher. HGTV GO averages 4.8 out of 5 from 50K ratings, while Rootkin averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do HGTV GO or Rootkin have ads?

HGTV GO shows ads; Rootkin does not.

### Which is updated more often, HGTV GO or Rootkin?

HGTV GO ships an update every 6 weeks, and Rootkin every 2 weeks. Most recently, HGTV GO was updated on October 28, 2026 and Rootkin on October 9, 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.*