# The Spectrum vs KSL+

The clearest difference is review sentiment: The Spectrum at 65% against KSL+'s 22%. The Spectrum also leads on rating (4.2 vs 3.3). KSL+'s advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and device support (4 vs 2). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. The Spectrum sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. KSL+ asks for nothing beyond the download.

The Spectrum holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 3.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 159 and 230 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 65% of The Spectrum's written reviews are positive against 22% of KSL+'s.

The Spectrum ships an update monthly, KSL+ every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 26, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | The Spectrum | KSL+ |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.2 (159 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-spectrum/id520602256/reviews)** | [3.3 (230 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ksl-plus/id1179164509/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 159 | **230** |
| Positive reviews | **65.2% of reviews** | 21.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 182 MB | 108 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.6 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV** |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [USA TODAY Co., Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/404843797) | [Bonneville International](https://appshunter.io/developer/346872010) |

## What reviewers say

### The Spectrum

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-spectrum/id520602256)

Access in-depth local journalism, including community events, sports, and photography. Enjoy a fast, customizable reading experience with real-time notifications and offline access. Includes a digital replica of the print edition and access to other eNewspapers.

**Highlights:** In-depth local journalism, Streamlined, fast-loading experience, Real-time notifications, Customizable reading experience, Offline reading, eNewspaper replica, Access to USA TODAY and other eNewspapers

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Digital Rate | $9.99 | per month |
| The Spectrum Digital Subscription | $16.99 | per month |
| The Spectrum Digital Subscription | $69.99 | per year |


### KSL+

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ksl-plus/id1179164509)

Stream KSL-TV shows and live sports for free, without a cable subscription. Access on-demand videos, exclusive app-only content, and breaking news alerts for Utah. Enjoy features from local teams and popular shows.

**Highlights:** Free streaming of KSL-TV shows, Live sporting events, On Demand videos, Exclusive app-only content, Breaking news alerts, Local weather forecasts

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 📺 Local news and programming access
- 🎮 RSL sports streaming available
- 📱 Multi-device support (iPhone, Apple TV, iPad)
- 🎬 On-demand video content and archives
- 🎙️ Radio streaming integration

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and freezing
- ⏱️ Slow loading times for articles and videos
- 📡 Poor streaming quality (low resolution)
- 🔊 Audio/video sync issues
- 📵 Constant buffering and timeouts

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes on launch (requires reinstall)
- Black screen on startup
- Notifications don't link to correct stories
- Videos fail to load or play repeatedly
- App won't rotate to landscape mode

**Requested features**

- Tablet landscape mode optimization
- Proper Chromecast/AirPlay casting support
- Share/social media integration for stories
- Fast forward and rewind controls
- Schedule display for upcoming replays


## Frequently asked questions

### Is The Spectrum free?

The Spectrum is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is KSL+ free?

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

### Which has better reviews, The Spectrum or KSL+?

The Spectrum is rated higher. The Spectrum averages 4.2 out of 5 from 159 ratings, while KSL+ averages 3.3 from 230 ratings.

### Do The Spectrum or KSL+ have ads?

Both The Spectrum and KSL+ show ads.

### Which is updated more often, The Spectrum or KSL+?

The Spectrum ships an update monthly, and KSL+ every 2 months. Most recently, The Spectrum was updated on September 21, 2026 and KSL+ on September 26, 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.*