# DC Next Bus vs DC Metro ETA

The clearest difference is review sentiment: DC Metro ETA at 87% against DC Next Bus's 40%. DC Metro ETA also leads on rating (4.9 vs 2.8) and in-app purchases (none vs 1). On price, ratings volume, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. DC Next Bus sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. DC Metro ETA asks for nothing beyond the download.

DC Metro ETA holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 2.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 25 and 53 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 40% of DC Next Bus's written reviews are positive against 87% of DC Metro ETA's.

DC Next Bus ships an update every 3 weeks, DC Metro ETA every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | DC Next Bus | DC Metro ETA |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.8 (25 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dc-next-bus/id488580694/reviews) | **[4.9 (53 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dc-metro-eta/id6772849231/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 25 | **53** |
| Positive reviews | 39.7% of reviews | **87.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | — | **#205** |
| Size | 58 MB | 9 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, Apple Watch** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Junebot, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/488580697) | [Hordur Ragnarsson](https://appshunter.io/developer/6772849233) |

## What reviewers say

### DC Next Bus

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dc-next-bus/id488580694)

This app provides real-time bus and metro predictions for Washington D.C. transit. It identifies nearby WMATA and Montgomery County Ride On stops, offering next arrival times. Users can also view bus routes and save favorite locations.

**Highlights:** Real-time bus and train predictions, Identifies WMATA and Ride On stops, Location services or map navigation, View WMATA bus routes, Save favorite stops, Apple Watch app and complications

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| DC Next Bus - No Ads | $2.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🗺️ Map layout is ingenious
- 🚀 Fast and reliable
- 👍 Easy to use
- 📍 Shows nearby stops
- ✅ Works great

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Glitchy after UI update
- ❌ No bus times shown
- 📍 Stops not on map
- 📉 Still inaccurate
- 🔒 Steals clipboard data

**Reported bugs**

- Pornographic thumbnails
- App doesn't work at all
- Doesn't interface with WMATA data
- Shows every bus stop as having no arrivals
- Bus stop no longer on map

**Requested features**

- Manual refresh button
- Search by station or route
- Trip planner functionality
- Bus destinations
- Favorites button


### DC Metro ETA

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dc-metro-eta/id6772849231)

**Currently charting:** #205 Top Free · Navigation (US App Store)

Get real-time train arrival times for the Washington DC Metro system. The app displays arrival boards that mimic platform displays and includes an interactive system map for easy navigation and transfer planning.

**Highlights:** Live train arrival times, Official WMATA API integration, Nearest station auto-selection, Interactive system map, Service alerts and operating hours, Home and lock screen widgets

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is DC Next Bus free?

DC Next Bus is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is DC Metro ETA free?

DC Metro ETA is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, DC Next Bus or DC Metro ETA?

DC Metro ETA is rated higher. DC Next Bus averages 2.8 out of 5 from 25 ratings, while DC Metro ETA averages 4.9 from 53 ratings.

### Do DC Next Bus or DC Metro ETA have ads?

DC Next Bus shows ads; DC Metro ETA does not.

### Which is updated more often, DC Next Bus or DC Metro ETA?

DC Next Bus ships an update every 3 weeks, and DC Metro ETA every 5 days. Most recently, DC Next Bus was updated on October 23, 2026 and DC Metro ETA 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.*