# RTÉ Player vs Arc Cinema

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Arc Cinema at 82% against RTÉ Player's 46%. Arc Cinema also leads on monetization model (ad-supported vs free with in-app purchases) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). RTÉ Player's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 6 months). On price, ads, 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.

RTÉ Player ships an update every 3 weeks, Arc Cinema every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | RTÉ Player | Arc Cinema |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (6.3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rte-player/id484129073/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **6.3K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 46.1% of reviews | **81.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 6 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 50 MB | 36 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [RTÉ](https://appshunter.io/developer/417236883) | [Collaborative Software Ltd / Admit One](https://appshunter.io/developer/406476003) |

## What reviewers say

### RTÉ Player

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rte-player/id484129073)

Access a vast library of Irish television content, both live and on-demand. Stream popular dramas, sports, entertainment, and children's programs from RTÉ channels. Features include personalized recommendations, watchlists, and accessibility options.

**Highlights:** Live and on-demand TV streaming, Thousands of favorite RTÉ shows, Full series of dramas and soaps, Live sporting action, RTÉ Player Kids section, In-vision ISL and Audio Description, Personalized recommendations and watchlists

**In-app purchases:** none


### Arc Cinema

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/arc-cinema/id1084310861)

Easily plan your cinema visits by checking showtimes, watching trailers, and booking tickets. The app allows you to select seats and purchase concessions, with e-tickets delivered directly for a seamless experience.

**Highlights:** View film showtimes, Watch movie trailers, Book cinema tickets, Select seats, Order cinema treats, Receive e-tickets

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is RTÉ Player free?

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

### Is Arc Cinema free?

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

### Do RTÉ Player or Arc Cinema have ads?

Both RTÉ Player and Arc Cinema show ads.

### Which is updated more often, RTÉ Player or Arc Cinema?

RTÉ Player ships an update every 3 weeks, and Arc Cinema every 6 months. Most recently, RTÉ Player was updated on October 16, 2026 and Arc Cinema on October 11, 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.*