# 988 vs MELODY

The clearest difference is rating: MELODY at 5.0 against 988's 4.3. MELODY also leads on monetization model (ad-supported vs free with in-app purchases). 988's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 2 months). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

MELODY holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 9 and 4 respectively.

988 ships an update every 2 weeks, MELODY every 2 months. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | 988 | MELODY |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/988/id521780769/reviews) | **[5.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/melody/id6744104848/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **9** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | 82.6% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 91 MB | 67 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 16.4 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [RIMAKMUR SDN. BHD.](https://appshunter.io/developer/521762294) | [Astro Radio Sdn Bhd](https://appshunter.io/developer/325020077) |

## What reviewers say

### 988

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/988/id521780769)

Experience a leading Chinese radio station's infotainment content in both audio and visual formats. This app offers new ways to enjoy radio beyond traditional FM, including catch-up episodes and live streaming.

**Highlights:** 7 Days Catch Up, Live Video Streaming, In-App Rewards, Audio and Visual Content, New Radio Experience

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### MELODY

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/melody/id6744104848)

Listen to a Chinese radio brand featuring classic golden hits and timeless tunes. Enjoy curated playlists, podcasts, and participate in exciting contests for nonstop entertainment.

**Highlights:** Classic golden hits radio, Curated timeless tunes, Diverse podcast collection, Exciting contests, Nonstop entertainment, Radio segment timings

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is 988 free?

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

### Is MELODY free?

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

### Which has better reviews, 988 or MELODY?

MELODY is rated higher. 988 averages 4.3 out of 5 from 9 ratings, while MELODY averages 5.0 from 4 ratings.

### Do 988 or MELODY have ads?

Both 988 and MELODY show ads.

### Which is updated more often, 988 or MELODY?

988 ships an update every 2 weeks, and MELODY every 2 months. Most recently, 988 was updated on October 24, 2026 and MELODY on October 24, 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.*