# Smooth Global vs Video Game Radio

The clearest difference is ads: Smooth Global at none against Video Game Radio's shown. Smooth Global also leads on monetization model (free vs ad-supported). Video Game Radio's advantage is review sentiment (95% vs 71%) and rating (4.7 vs 4.5). 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.

Video Game Radio holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Video Game Radio has 304 ratings behind it against 24, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 71% of Smooth Global's written reviews are positive against 95% of Video Game Radio's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on June 1, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Smooth Global | Video Game Radio |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (24 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smooth-global/id512005407/reviews) | **[4.7 (304 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/video-game-radio/id689546547/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 24 | **304** |
| Positive reviews | 71.4% of reviews | **95.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Ad-supported |
| Size | 18 MB | 9 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | 13.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [SmoothJazz.com Global](https://appshunter.io/developer/1199365434) | [Nick Culbertson](https://appshunter.io/developer/409029298) |

## What reviewers say

### Smooth Global

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smooth-global/id512005407)

Experience the world's first internet jazz radio station with a music and lifestyle app. Enjoy handcrafted radio stations, discover jazz festivals, listen to new music, and explore weekly airplay charts and jazz videos.

**Highlights:** Two handcrafted radio stations, Travel portal with jazz festivals, New music Listening Loft, Weekly Airplay Charts, Jazz videos

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Video Game Radio

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/video-game-radio/id689546547)

Stream a vast collection of new and classic video game music across diverse genres like chiptunes, NES, Sega, and arcade. Enjoy background audio while browsing the web and discover a wide variety of independent radio stations.

**Highlights:** Stream new and classic game music, Background audio playback, Diverse selection of channels, Chiptunes, NES, Sega, Arcade, Anime stations, Independent radio station directory

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🎮 Extensive collection of video game music stations
- 👍 User-friendly and easy to navigate interface
- 🎵 High-quality audio without annoying advertisements
- 🔄 Background playback functionality
- 🎧 Great for concentration, studying, and relaxation

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔍 No song search functionality
- 📱 Background playback issues on iOS
- 🐛 Occasional freezing and crashing
- ⚠️ Intrusive review request prompts
- 📊 Limited station information display

**Reported bugs**

- App freezes when switching stations
- Crashes during extended use
- Background playback not working on iOS
- Screen touch sensitivity issues causing unintended station switches

**Requested features**

- Favorite/bookmark stations feature
- Ability to create custom playlists or save favorite songs
- Song search functionality
- Offline listening capability
- Sleep timer feature


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Smooth Global free?

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

### Is Video Game Radio free?

Video Game Radio is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Smooth Global or Video Game Radio?

Video Game Radio is rated higher. Smooth Global averages 4.5 out of 5 from 24 ratings, while Video Game Radio averages 4.7 from 304 ratings.

### Do Smooth Global or Video Game Radio have ads?

Video Game Radio shows ads; Smooth Global does not.

### Which is updated more often, Smooth Global or Video Game Radio?

Smooth Global ships an update every 2 months, and Video Game Radio every 2 months. Most recently, Smooth Global was updated on June 1, 2026 and Video Game Radio on September 21, 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.*