Comparison

Smithsonian Magazine vs CuriosityStream

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Smithsonian Magazine

Access a digital version of a renowned magazine covering history, science, culture, and travel. Enjoy in-depth articles, photos, and departments. Purchase single issues or subscribe for ongoing access to engaging content.

Highlights
  • Digital magazine issues
  • History and archaeology articles
  • Cutting-edge science reporting
  • Virtual travel and culture features
  • In-app subscriptions and single purchases
Features
Read full description

Enjoy an iOS compatible issue of Smithsonian magazine on your iPhone or iPad. The issue includes every story, department, photo and more. Subscriptions and single copies are available for purchase within the app. Smithsonian magazine delivers trusted and incisive reporting on history, science, nature, culture and travel. * Explore history and archaeology from the earliest days of civilization to secrets of American history to the latest historical discoveries * Catch up on cutting-edge science from wildlife to evolution and the solar system * Travel the world virtually from Petra to Prague, taking in cultural treasures along the way ____________________________________________ SINGLE ISSUES: - Single issue, $3.99 (one time purchase, not ongoing) SUBSCRIPTIONS AVAILABLE: - One month for $1.99, automatically renewed until canceled - One year for $19.99, automatically renewed until canceled Smithsonian Magazine publishes 8 issues a year. Payment for any issue or subscription will be charged to iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase. SUBSCRIBERS AUTO-RENEWING FEATURE: Your subscription will automatically renew unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24-hours before the end of the current period. Your iTunes account will automatically be charged for renewal within 24-hours prior to the end of the current period, and the cost of the renewal will be provided (yearly subscriptions will renew for another year and monthly subscriptions will renew for another month). Your subscription may be managed through your Account Settings after purchase. Auto-renewal may be turned off in Account Settings. No cancellation of the current subscription is allowed during the active subscription period. Visit https://www.smithsonianmag.com/app/ and https://www.smithsonianmag.com/about/privacy/ for more information. ABOUT THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION: The Smithsonian Institution has inspired generations through knowledge and discovery since 1846. It's the world's largest complex of museums and research facilities, and it focuses on four core areas: Unlocking the Mysteries of the Universe, Understanding and Sustaining a Biodiverse Planet, World Cultures, and the American Experience. Privacy Statement: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/about/privacy/ Terms of Use: https://www.si.edu/termsofuse **Please note that the minimum requirements for Smithsonian Magazine is iOS 13 or higher.**

About

CuriosityStream

Access a vast library of award-winning documentaries and non-fiction content covering science, nature, history, and biographies. Enjoy ad-free streaming and offline viewing for all ages, including a dedicated kids' section.

Highlights
  • Unlimited documentary streaming
  • Offline viewing with downloads
  • 4K and HD content
  • New content added weekly
  • CuriosityKIDS section
  • Ad-free experience
Features
Read full description

CuriosityStream is the world’s leading documentary and non-fiction streaming service covering science, nature, history, biographies of real characters of consequence and pretty much anything else you can think of. Learn about our natural world alongside luminaries like Sir David Attenborough. Look at our universe with wonder as Michio Kaku and Brian Greene broaden your perspective on space, time and the future. Step back in time and explore dinosaurs, ancient history, and the rise of homo sapiens. Curiositystream also offers CuriosityKIDS, a dedicated collection of safe, entertaining and inspiring programs for families to enjoy together or for kids to watch on their own. Let CuriosityKids spark a love of learning and a passion for exploration. Plus, all CuriosityStream shows are downloadable so you can keep kids entertained while on the go. Whether your kids are budding astronomers, paleontologists, or historians, CuriosityStream has got you covered with award-winning, ad-free content. Join more than 20 million CuriosityStream subscribers and explore thousands of brain-boosting documentaries. CuriosityStream membership benefits: - Unlimited streaming of the best in documentary programming - Download shows so you can watch anytime, anywhere without an internet connection - 4K and HD documentaries available on multiple devices - New content added weekly so you’ll never run out of things to watch - Browse titles with multiple search tools to help you quickly find your favorite subject areas - Rate your favorite shows and get recommendations for related content - Bookmark shows to watch later or resume watching previously viewed shows on other devices You may cancel your membership and stop the billing anytime by logging into your account. Please Note: - Payment will be charged to the user's iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase -Subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period - Account will be charged for renewal within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period - Subscriptions may be managed by the user and auto-renewal may be turned off by going to the user's Account Settings after purchase By downloading this application, you agree to the CuriosityStream Terms of Use (https://curiositystream.com/terms) and Privacy Policy (https://curiositystream.com/privacy).

Screenshots

Smithsonian Magazine4 screens
CuriosityStream4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is monetization model: Smithsonian Magazine at free with in-app purchases against CuriosityStream's subscription. CuriosityStream's advantage is update cadence (monthly vs every 5 months) and ratings volume (6.3K vs 423). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Smithsonian Magazine sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month and CuriosityStream sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for Smithsonian Magazine against 4.6 for CuriosityStream. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: CuriosityStream has 6.3K ratings behind it against 423, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 22% of Smithsonian Magazine's written reviews are positive against 31% of CuriosityStream's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Smithsonian Magazine ships an update every 5 months, CuriosityStream monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and October 19, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Smithsonian Magazine versus CuriosityStream: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSmithsonian MagazineCuriosityStream
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (423 ratings) — better4.6 (6.3K ratings)
Positive reviews22.1% of reviews30.9% of reviews — better
Number of ratings4236.3K — better
Update frequencyEvery 5 monthsMonthly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases — betterSubscription
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV — better
Requires iOS15.615.1 — better
Further details — not scored
Size62 MB37 MB
Age rating4+12+
DeveloperSmithsonian InstitutionCuriosityStream, LLC

Customer experience

Smithsonian Magazine

All ratings423 ratings
Positive93.4%
Neutral2.1%
Negative4.5%
Written reviews104 reviews
Positive22.1%
Neutral4.8%
Negative73.1%

CuriosityStream

All ratings6,269 ratings
Positive91.1%
Neutral3.0%
Negative5.9%
Written reviews362 reviews
Positive30.9%
Neutral16.9%
Negative52.2%

User reviews

Smithsonian Magazine

From 423 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Easy to navigate
  • 🔍 Great content
  • 👍 Intuitive interface

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Crashes frequently
  • 🔒 Difficult to authenticate subscription
  • 💰 Requires separate digital subscription
  • 🔧 Clunky and buggy
  • 🗂️ Loses downloaded issues

CuriosityStream

From 6.3K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Great content
  • 💡 Excellent value for money
  • 👍 Diverse range of documentaries
  • 👍 Informative and educational

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Buggy app with frequent crashes
  • 🐛 Streaming issues and buffering problems
  • 🐛 Poor user interface and navigation
  • 🐛 Chromecast/casting support issues
  • 🐛 Inconsistent playback controls

Bugs and requests

Smithsonian Magazine

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Unable to download new issues
  • Fails to remember last read position
  • Incompatible with newer iOS versions
  • Incorrect issue labeling in library

Requested features

4 requests
  • Allow login with existing subscription
  • Restore previously downloaded issues
  • Improve stability and performance
  • Provide better customer support

CuriosityStream

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • App crashes on launch
  • Videos not resuming from last position
  • Casting issues and video playback problems
  • Inconsistent behavior when switching between apps

Requested features

5 requests
  • Offline downloads
  • Profiles/multiple user support
  • Improved search and recommendation features
  • Better integration with TV platforms
  • Customizable playback controls

In-app purchases

8 purchases

Smithsonian Magazine

Subscriptions4
  • Smithsonian Annual Subscription$1.991 Month
  • Smithsonian Magazine Monthly$1.991 Month
  • Smithsonian Annual Subscription$19.991 Year
Show 1 more
  • 12-Month Subscription$19.991 Year
One-time4
  • Smithsonian Magazine6 variants$3.99
  • Smithsonian Magazine - February 2014$3.99
  • Smithsonian Magazine - September 2014$3.99
Show 1 more
  • Smithsonian Magazine 07/2024$3.99
6 purchases

CuriosityStream

Subscriptions6
  • Basic$5.991 Month
  • Standard$5.991 Month
  • Smart Bundle$11.991 Month
Show 3 more
  • Basic$49.991 Year
  • Standard$49.991 Year
  • Smart Bundle$79.991 Year

Questions

Is Smithsonian Magazine free?
Smithsonian Magazine is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is CuriosityStream free?
CuriosityStream is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Smithsonian Magazine or CuriosityStream?
Smithsonian Magazine is rated higher. Smithsonian Magazine averages 4.7 out of 5 from 423 ratings, while CuriosityStream averages 4.6 from 6.3K ratings.
Do Smithsonian Magazine or CuriosityStream have ads?
Neither Smithsonian Magazine nor CuriosityStream shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Smithsonian Magazine or CuriosityStream?
Smithsonian Magazine ships an update every 5 months, and CuriosityStream monthly. Most recently, Smithsonian Magazine was updated on October 15, 2026 and CuriosityStream on October 19, 2026.

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