# NWPB vs 98.3 The Key

The clearest difference is ads: NWPB at none against 98.3 The Key's shown. NWPB also leads on monetization model (free vs ad-supported) and ratings volume (108 vs 20). 98.3 The Key's advantage is rating (4.5 vs 4.2). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

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

98.3 The Key holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: NWPB has 108 ratings behind it against 20, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 14, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | NWPB | 98.3 The Key |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.2 (108 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nwpb/id472024661/reviews) | **[4.5 (20 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/983-the-key/id1206528357/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **108** | 20 |
| Positive reviews | 66.2% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Ad-supported |
| Size | 48 MB | 78 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Washington State University](https://appshunter.io/developer/886047261) | [Townsquare Media, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/433762450) |

## What reviewers say

### NWPB

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nwpb/id472024661)

Access live radio and TV streams from Northwest Public Broadcasting, including NPR and PBS content. Enjoy on-demand shows, news updates, and DVR-like controls for live audio and video. Share content and set alarms with your favorite station.

**Highlights:** Live radio and TV streaming, On-demand shows and clips, DVR-like controls for live audio/video, Program schedules, Local and national news, Shareable content, Sleep timer and alarm clock

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great content and programming
- 👍 Reliable when it works
- 👍 No ads or pop-ups
- 👍 Good for staying connected while traveling
- 👍 Pleasant interface and design

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent streaming interruptions
- 🐛 App crashes often
- 🐛 Sleep timer issues
- 🐛 Audio skips or stops
- 🐛 App freezes

**Reported bugs**

- Streaming cuts out frequently
- Sleep timer resets or doesn't change
- App randomly closes
- Audio randomly stopping and playing
- System becomes frozen

**Requested features**

- Fix streaming interruptions
- Improve sleep timer functionality
- Allow changing sleep timer without exiting app
- Make app more intuitive for program scheduling
- Add offline download/listening feature


### 98.3 The Key

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/983-the-key/id1206528357)

Stay updated with local news, weather, and traffic in the Tri-Cities area. Listen live to the station, interact with hosts, and receive instant alerts for breaking news and contests. Save articles for later and share content easily.

**Highlights:** Live radio streaming, Local news and weather updates, Traffic information, Interactive host communication, Breaking news alerts, Contest participation, Article saving for offline viewing

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is NWPB free?

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

### Is 98.3 The Key free?

98.3 The Key is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, NWPB or 98.3 The Key?

98.3 The Key is rated higher. NWPB averages 4.2 out of 5 from 108 ratings, while 98.3 The Key averages 4.5 from 20 ratings.

### Do NWPB or 98.3 The Key have ads?

98.3 The Key shows ads; NWPB does not.

### Which is updated more often, NWPB or 98.3 The Key?

NWPB ships an update every 3 months, and 98.3 The Key every 3 months. Most recently, NWPB was updated on October 21, 2026 and 98.3 The Key on October 14, 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.*