Comparison

Common Sense Media vs Stream Jr

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Common Sense Media

This app provides parents with unbiased reviews and ratings for movies, TV shows, games, apps, and more. It helps families discover safe and age-appropriate content for children by detailing mature themes and positive messages. Users can filter content by age, interests, and streaming services, and create custom watchlists.

Highlights
  • Content ratings for movies, TV, games, apps, books, podcasts
  • Details on mature and positive content elements
  • Community reviews from parents and kids
  • Filter content by age, interests, and streaming services
  • Customizable watch and read lists
  • Curated collections of media
Features
Read full description

We are the essential review guide for parents when it comes to what kids are into: movies, TV shows, games, apps, podcasts, and more. Designed for families seeking unbiased and trusted information to help guide them to find safe and smart content for their children. •See how much age-appropriate content and positive messages your kid will find across movies, TV shows, books, games, apps, and more. •Get firsthand insights and extra details from other parents and kids in our community reviews. •Browse our library and effortlessly find the perfect pick for family movie night, thanks to intuitive filters, such as the streaming services you have, your kid's age and interests, and your family's preferences. •Easily filter out movies and TV shows with content and messages that aren't appropriate for your kids or that isn't right for your family. •Explore hand-curated collections of the best movies, shows, and books based on category, genre, theme, topic, and more. •Create your own custom watch and read list and save movies, TV shows, and books for later. Independent and Nonprofit Common Sense is the nation's leading nonprofit organization working on behalf of kids and teens to make the digital world more safe, healthy, and equitable for them and for all families. Our unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners. Terms of service: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/about-us/our-mission/site-terms-use

About

Stream Jr

Features
Read full description

Stream Jr helps families create a more focused video experience for children by putting parents in control of what can be watched. Children can browse approved content and request access to additional videos or channels. Parents review those requests, approve or block content, and manage viewing time from Adult Mode. KEY FEATURES • Parent-approved videos and channels • Separate Kid Mode and Adult Mode • Video and channel access requests • Allow or block decisions from the parent dashboard • Configurable viewing-time limits • Decision, watch, and search history • Blocked-search management • A simple, child-friendly browsing experience HOW IT WORKS 1. A child searches for a video or browses available content. 2. Previously approved content can be watched in Kid Mode. 3. New videos or channels can be sent to a parent for review. 4. The parent chooses whether to allow or block access. 5. Viewing-time limits help families manage screen time. Stream Jr gives parents practical oversight while allowing children to explore content within family-defined boundaries. Stream Jr is an independent application and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by YouTube or Google. YouTube is a trademark of Google LLC. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://streamjr.com/privacy.html

Screenshots

Common Sense Media4 screens
Stream Jr3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: Stream Jr at none against Common Sense Media's shown. Stream Jr also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 3 weeks). On price, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Common Sense Media sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month and Stream Jr sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Common Sense Media ships an update every 3 weeks, Stream Jr every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 31, 2026 and October 29, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Common Sense Media versus Stream Jr: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCommon Sense MediaStream Jr
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (9K ratings) — better—
Positive reviews59.7% of reviews—
Number of ratings9K — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.0 — better16.4
Further details — not scored
Size84 MB37 MB
Age rating17+4+
DeveloperCommon Sense MediaProcess Konsult, LLC

Bugs and requests

Common Sense Media

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Constant log-out issues
  • Unreliable login functionality
  • Compatibility problems on older devices

Requested features

3 requests
  • Ability to mark content as already viewed
  • More customization options for user preferences
  • Improved search and recommendation algorithms

Stream Jr

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Common Sense Media

Subscriptions3
  • Monthly Plan$3.991 Month
  • Weekly Plan$9.997 Days
  • Yearly Plan$39.991 Year
2 purchases

Stream Jr

Subscriptions2
  • Stream Jr Premium - Monthly$1.991 Month
  • Stream Jr Premium - Annual$19.991 Year

Questions

Is Common Sense Media free?
Common Sense Media is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Stream Jr free?
Stream Jr is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Common Sense Media or Stream Jr have ads?
Common Sense Media shows ads; Stream Jr does not.
Which is updated more often, Common Sense Media or Stream Jr?
Common Sense Media ships an update every 3 weeks, and Stream Jr every 2 weeks. Most recently, Common Sense Media was updated on October 31, 2026 and Stream Jr on October 29, 2026.

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