EBS play vs SBS
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
EBS play
Access a wide range of VOD content and live broadcasts from multiple EBS channels. Features personalized recommendations, a safe kids mode, and easy content browsing by genre. Enjoy seamless viewing with direct scene access and related video suggestions.
- Real-time broadcasting of multiple EBS channels
- Extensive VOD content library
- Personalized video and program recommendations
- Dedicated kids mode for safe viewing
- Content browsing by genre
- Direct scene access for continuous playback
Read full descriptionHide full description
EBS TV APP is upgraded to EBS play, with completely renewed functions. EBS play provides a variety of different VOD contents as well as real time broadcasting of EBS1, EBS2, EBSU, PLUS1, PLUS2 and EBSe. [EBS play's key functions] - Curating service of recommending a video and TV program based on users' interests and tastes - Kids mode for providing safe videos only for children - Browsing by categories to navigate contents of different genres with ease - Functions to start watching the next scene directly without extra search - A list of related videos to enable continuous watching based on a topic of interest [Cautions] This app may not work properly depending on the status of the network. Data charges may apply when you use cellular(3G/LTE) data. Some contents cannot be provided on this app due to a copyright holder's request. Some contents may not be provided in HD/UHD display modes. [Customer Service] Tel: 1588-1580 (open from 9AM to 12AM every day of the year) EBS play will listen to customers truly for better services.
SBS
Access live SBS broadcasts with real-time chat and catch up on missed episodes. Discover a vast library of 70,000+ VOD titles, from classics to new releases, updated monthly. Personalize your viewing with tailored recommendations and earn points for exclusive content access.
- Personalized home feed recommendations
- Live SBS streaming with chat
- Time machine for missed live broadcasts
- Live broadcast reminders
- Extensive VOD library (70,000+ titles)
- Points system for early access and rewards
- Show ticket applications
Read full descriptionHide full description
Play All of SBS Content, Right Here! ● Unlimited HD Live Streaming — Free for All Signed-In Users - Anyone with an account can watch live TV in HD for free, complete with real-time chat. - Stream all SBS channels live, including SBS, SBS Plus, SBS Sports, and SBS Golf. - Missed something? Use the Time Machine feature to rewind and catch up on any part of a broadcast. - Legendary classics are available 24/7 in continuous streaming. ● On-Demand Library of 100,000+ Titles - New free content is added every month. - Explore the latest dramas, variety shows, and documentaries currently airing, plus timeless classics and editor-curated collections. ● Apply for SBS Live Show Tickets - Enter for a chance to attend live tapings of your favorite shows, including Inkigayo and more. - Track all your ticket applications in one place and use your in-app ticket for fast entry at the venue. [Optional Permissions] - Notifications: To send you scheduling reminders for live broadcasts and promotional push alerts. - Camera Access: To allow photo capture when attaching image files. ※ Denying optional permissions may limit access to certain features. [Terms of Service & Privacy Policy] - Terms of Service: https://w3.sbs.co.kr/cs/customerRulesSbs.do - Privacy Policy: https://w3.sbs.co.kr/cs/customerPrivacySbs.do
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: EBS play at 68% against SBS's 17%. EBS play also leads on rating (2.8 vs 1.8) and ads (none vs shown). SBS's advantage is ratings volume (102 vs 9) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 5 weeks). On price, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. EBS play sells 5 one-off in-app purchases and SBS sells 14 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
EBS play holds the better App Store score, 2.8 against 1.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SBS has 102 ratings behind it against 9, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 68% of EBS play's written reviews are positive against 17% of SBS's.
EBS play ships an update every 5 weeks, SBS every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | EBS play | SBS |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 2.8 (9 ratings) — better | 1.8 (102 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 68.3% of reviews — better | 17.2% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 9 | 102 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | Every 2 weeks — better |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 45 MB | 85 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | EBS(한국교육방송공사) | SBS I&M Co., Ltd. |
Customer experience
EBS play
SBS
In-app purchases
EBS play
- 방송 전체 자유이용권 (24시간)$2.99
- 유아방송 자유이용권 (1개월)$9.99
- 영어방송 자유이용권 (1개월)$19.99
Show 2 moreShow fewer
- 교양방송 자유이용권 (1개월)$19.99
- 방송전체 자유이용권 (1개월)$29.99
SBS
- Auto_Renewable, LIVE$1.991 Month
- play Live$1.991 Month
- VOD (Mobile)1 Month trial$3.991 Month
Show 7 moreShow fewer
- VOD+Real-time TV (Mobile)1 Month trial$4.991 Month
- VOD (Mobile+PC)1 Month trial$4.991 Month
- Auto_Renewable, LIVE+VOD$4.991 Month
- play Standard$4.991 Month
- VOD+Real-time TV (Mobile+PC)1 Month trial$5.991 Month
- play Premium$7.991 Month
- Auto_Renewable, IntegratedPass$9.991 Month
- 1day, LIVE+VOD$1.99
- 7day, Real-time TV+VOD$3.99
- 30day, Real-time TV+VOD$6.99
Show 1 moreShow fewer
- 30day, LIVE+VOD$7.99
