# HLN vs VRT NWS

The clearest difference is rating: VRT NWS at 4.4 against HLN's 3.6. VRT NWS also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 5) and ads (none vs shown). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. HLN sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month. VRT NWS asks for nothing beyond the download.

VRT NWS holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 3.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 64 and 79 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 20% of HLN's written reviews are positive against 31% of VRT NWS's.

HLN ships an update fortnightly, VRT NWS weekly. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | HLN | VRT NWS |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.6 (64 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hln/id403025567/reviews) | **[4.4 (79 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vrt-nws/id952769219/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 64 | **79** |
| Positive reviews | 20.0% of reviews | **31.1% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 110 MB | 111 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16 | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 12+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [DPG Media (Apps)](https://appshunter.io/developer/383836515) | [VRT](https://appshunter.io/developer/337708002) |

## What reviewers say

### HLN

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hln/id403025567)

Stay informed with local and national news, engaging videos, and fun puzzles. Customize your feed with regional updates and enjoy a variety of games. Access podcasts and save articles for later reading.

**Highlights:** Local news updates, Video content, Puzzles and games, Podcast player, Save articles, Push notifications

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| HLN Digitaal Basis maandelijks | $6.99 | per month |
| HLN Digitaal Basis maand | $7.99 | per month |
| HLN Digitaal Premium maand | $12.99 | per month |
| HLN Mobiel 6-maandelijks | $41.99 | per 6 months |
| HLN Digitaal Basis jaarlijks | $80.99 | per year |


### VRT NWS

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vrt-nws/id952769219)

Stay informed with the latest, most reliable news from home and abroad. Offers in-depth background stories, expert analyses, and opinion pieces explained in clear language. Receive breaking news alerts directly on your main screen.

**Highlights:** Latest domestic and international news, In-depth background stories, Expert analyses and opinion pieces, Clear language explanations, Breaking news push notifications

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is HLN free?

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

### Is VRT NWS free?

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

### Which has better reviews, HLN or VRT NWS?

VRT NWS is rated higher. HLN averages 3.6 out of 5 from 64 ratings, while VRT NWS averages 4.4 from 79 ratings.

### Do HLN or VRT NWS have ads?

HLN shows ads; VRT NWS does not.

### Which is updated more often, HLN or VRT NWS?

HLN ships an update fortnightly, and VRT NWS weekly. Most recently, HLN was updated on September 24, 2026 and VRT NWS on September 21, 2026.

---

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