# Des Moines Register vs 1540 KXEL

The clearest difference is rating: Des Moines Register at 4.3 against 1540 KXEL's 3.4. Des Moines Register also leads on review sentiment (39% vs 0%) and ratings volume (2.9K vs 5). 1540 KXEL's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and iOS requirement (16.0 vs 18.6). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Des Moines Register sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $19.99 per month. 1540 KXEL asks for nothing beyond the download.

Des Moines Register holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 3.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Des Moines Register has 2.9K ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 39% of Des Moines Register's written reviews are positive against 0% of 1540 KXEL's.

Des Moines Register ships an update every 4 weeks, 1540 KXEL every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and November 2, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Des Moines Register | 1540 KXEL |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.3 (2.9K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/des-moines-register/id524153305/reviews)** | [3.4 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/1540-kxel/id1089332001/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **2.9K** | 5 |
| Positive reviews | **39.3% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 weeks** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Best chart rank | **#93** | — |
| Size | 190 MB | 88 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.6 | **16.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [USA TODAY Co., Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/404843797) | [NRG Media](https://appshunter.io/developer/421758115) |

## What reviewers say

### Des Moines Register

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/des-moines-register/id524153305)

**Currently charting:** #93 Top Grossing · Magazines & Newspapers, #131 Top Grossing · News (US App Store)

Stay informed with local news, in-depth journalism, and breaking alerts. Access a digital replica of the print edition, customize your reading experience, and enjoy content on the go.

**Highlights:** In-depth local journalism, Breaking news and alerts, Digital eNewspaper replica, Customizable reading experience, Offline reading, Sports and events coverage

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Des Moines Register Digital Subscription | $19.99 | per month |
| Monthly Digital Rate | $24.99 | per month |
| Des Moines Register Annual Digital Subscription | $69.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🌟 Best local news
- 📰 Like reading the paper
- 🗞️ Excellent newspaper
- 🔍 Great source for up-to-date local and state news
- 📰 Excellent news

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🚫 Doesn't work well for paid subscribers
- 🚫 Useless
- 🚫 Every Article Needs a Subscription
- 🚫 Terrible app that replaced Print Edition app
- 🚫 Hard to enlarge and read

**Reported bugs**

- Login screen freezes
- Incompatible with older devices
- Page crashes when video is embedded in article
- Can't sign in
- Keeps asking for renewal though I have done that

**Requested features**

- Dark mode option
- Advanced analytics dashboard
- Search function
- Ability to pause subscription
- Option to turn off sports news


### 1540 KXEL

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/1540-kxel/id1089332001)

Listen to your favorite radio news talk show anytime, anywhere. This official app provides instant access to unique content and features, allowing you to stay informed whether you're at work, home, or on the go.

**Highlights:** Listen to news talk show, Access unique content, On-the-go listening, Instant access to features

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Des Moines Register free?

Des Moines Register is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is 1540 KXEL free?

1540 KXEL is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Des Moines Register or 1540 KXEL?

Des Moines Register is rated higher. Des Moines Register averages 4.3 out of 5 from 2.9K ratings, while 1540 KXEL averages 3.4 from 5 ratings.

### Do Des Moines Register or 1540 KXEL have ads?

Both Des Moines Register and 1540 KXEL show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Des Moines Register or 1540 KXEL?

Des Moines Register ships an update every 4 weeks, and 1540 KXEL every 3 months. Most recently, Des Moines Register was updated on November 6, 2026 and 1540 KXEL on November 2, 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.*