# HNR vs HackStream

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: HNR at none against HackStream's 1. HNR also leads on device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (15.2 vs 26.0). HackStream's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 11 months). On price and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. HackStream sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. HNR asks for nothing beyond the download.

HNR ships an update every 11 months, HackStream every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and October 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | HNR | HackStream |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hnr-hacker-news-reader/id6443591042/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **2** | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 11 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 3 MB | 13 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.2** | 26.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Michael Hsieh](https://appshunter.io/developer/1634672514) | [FiveSheep OU](https://appshunter.io/developer/1725654318) |

## What reviewers say

### HNR

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hnr-hacker-news-reader/id6443591042)

Access and read stories from the popular tech news website Hacker News. Browse top or latest articles, save your favorites, share content, and search for specific topics. Offers customizable color themes including dark and light modes.

**Highlights:** Browse top/latest stories, Save favorite articles, Share stories, Search functionality, Customizable color themes, Dark/light mode support

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### HackStream

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hackstream-hackernews-feed/id6757635951)

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Notifications | $1.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is HNR free?

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

### Is HackStream free?

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

### Do HNR or HackStream have ads?

Neither HNR nor HackStream shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, HNR or HackStream?

HNR ships an update every 11 months, and HackStream every 3 weeks. Most recently, HNR was updated on October 15, 2026 and HackStream on October 19, 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.*