# ZDF vs ARD Sounds

The clearest difference is ratings volume: ZDF at 9.8K against ARD Sounds's 348. On price, rating, review sentiment and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for ZDF against 4.7 for ARD Sounds. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ZDF has 9.8K ratings behind it against 348, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 66% of ZDF's written reviews are positive against 70% of ARD Sounds's.

ZDF ships an update monthly, ARD Sounds every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on September 27, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | ZDF | ARD Sounds |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (9.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zdf/id437025413/reviews) | [4.7 (348 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ard-sounds/id1224607890/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **9.8K** | 348 |
| Positive reviews | 66.3% of reviews | **70.1% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 101 MB | 272 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple TV** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 12+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [ZDF](https://appshunter.io/developer/437025416) | [Sudwestrundfunk, Anstalt des offentlichen Rechts](https://appshunter.io/developer/610313722) |

## What reviewers say

### ZDF

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zdf/id437025413)

Access a vast library of on-demand series, documentaries, and films. Stream live TV, download content for offline viewing, and discover exclusive pre-broadcast programs. Personalize your experience with a watchlist and notifications.

**Highlights:** On-demand streaming of series and documentaries, Offline viewing by downloading content, Access to content before TV broadcast, Live TV and livestreams of events, Curated content from public broadcasters, Personalized watchlist and notifications

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🌍 Access to German TV content abroad
- 🎥 Wide variety of programs (movies, series, news, documentaries)
- 👍 Easy to use and navigate
- 🇩🇪 Allows keeping up with German language and culture

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🚫 Many programs geo-blocked and not available outside Germany/Austria/Switzerland
- 🐛 Occasional crashes, bugs, and playback issues
- 🔇 Lack of subtitles/closed captions
- 🔄 Difficulty resuming previously watched content

**Reported bugs**

- Frequent crashes or failure to open videos
- Playback issues like audio-video desync, videos freezing or going black
- Sync issues between devices, inability to resume watching

**Requested features**

- Offline viewing/download options
- Personalized recommendations and watchlists
- Improved Chromecast/AirPlay support
- Compatibility with older devices/iOS versions


### ARD Sounds

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ard-sounds/id1224607890)

Discover a world of audio content with this free app, offering exclusive podcasts, captivating audio dramas, free audiobooks, and live radio. Enjoy news, sports, and a wide range of genres for entertainment and information on the go.

**Highlights:** Exclusive ARD podcasts, Free audiobooks and dramas, Live radio streaming, News and live sports updates, Offline listening, Custom playlists and watchlists, Cross-device synchronization

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ZDF free?

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

### Is ARD Sounds free?

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

### Which has better reviews, ZDF or ARD Sounds?

ZDF and ARD Sounds are both rated 4.7 out of 5 on the App Store, from 9.8K and 348 ratings respectively.

### Do ZDF or ARD Sounds have ads?

Neither ZDF nor ARD Sounds shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ZDF or ARD Sounds?

ZDF ships an update monthly, and ARD Sounds every 3 weeks. Most recently, ZDF was updated on September 27, 2026 and ARD Sounds on September 27, 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.*