# Watch TBS vs Optimum

The clearest difference is rating: Optimum at 4.5 against Watch TBS's 3.3. Optimum also leads on ads (none vs shown) and monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

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

Optimum holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 12K and 29K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 4% of Watch TBS's written reviews are positive against 15% of Optimum's.

Watch TBS ships an update every 3 months, Optimum every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Watch TBS | Optimum |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.3 (12K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/watch-tbs/id462780547/reviews) | **[4.5 (29K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/optimum/id1529218115/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 12K | **29K** |
| Positive reviews | 3.7% of reviews | **14.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 months** | Every 4 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 115 MB | 36 MB |
| Requires iOS | 14.0 | 14.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/289550996) | [CSC Holdings, LLC.](https://appshunter.io/developer/387231043) |

## What reviewers say

### Watch TBS

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/watch-tbs/id462780547)

Stream full episodes of popular TV shows and movies from your favorite network. Access a wide variety of originals and comedy hits, plus live sports and blockbuster films. Watch on any screen, anytime, anywhere, by signing in with your TV provider.

**Highlights:** Watch full episodes of TV shows, Stream movies, Access TBS originals, Watch live sports, Sign in with TV provider, Watch on any screen

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to find and watch shows
- 🚀 Smooth streaming quality

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and freezes
- 💢 Excessive and repetitive ads
- 🔍 Difficult to navigate and find content
- 🔒 Issues with signing in and account access

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes when switching between apps or locking screen
- Video playback randomly rewinds or skips ahead
- Sign-in process often gets stuck in a loop

**Requested features**

- Add option to turn off closed captions
- Improve video playback controls
- Implement picture-in-picture mode
- Provide better resume/continue watching functionality


### Optimum

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/optimum/id1529218115)

Stream live TV, manage DVR recordings, and explore an extensive On Demand library on any screen. This app offers a sleek interface for easy content discovery and allows for picture-in-picture viewing while browsing. It's designed for Optimum Video subscribers to enjoy their favorite programs anywhere, anytime.

**Highlights:** Watch Live TV and browse guide, Access On Demand library, TV to GO feature for remote viewing, Picture-in-picture video player, Schedule and manage Cloud DVR recordings, View scheduled and recorded lists

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast app startup
- 👍 Sleek and modern interface
- 🔒 Robust security features

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent freezing and crashes
- 👎 Difficult to navigate and use
- 🔍 Lack of customization options
- 🔌 Unreliable live TV streaming
- 📺 Reduced functionality compared to old app

**Reported bugs**

- Live TV not working on multiple devices
- Guide not showing full program information
- Inability to record shows from the app

**Requested features**

- Bring back old app's functionality
- Improve channel guide and search
- Add remote control capabilities
- Allow casting to non-smart TVs


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Watch TBS free?

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

### Is Optimum free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Watch TBS or Optimum?

Optimum is rated higher. Watch TBS averages 3.3 out of 5 from 12K ratings, while Optimum averages 4.5 from 29K ratings.

### Do Watch TBS or Optimum have ads?

Watch TBS shows ads; Optimum does not.

### Which is updated more often, Watch TBS or Optimum?

Watch TBS ships an update every 3 months, and Optimum every 4 months. Most recently, Watch TBS was updated on October 24, 2026 and Optimum on October 25, 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.*