# Sentient Matters vs Dense

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Sentient Matters at none against Dense's 2. Sentient Matters also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 2 months) and iOS requirement (13.4 vs 27.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Dense sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Sentient Matters asks for nothing beyond the download.

Sentient Matters ships an update weekly, Dense every 2 months. Both last shipped on October 30, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Sentient Matters | Dense |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dense-tiny-news-widget/id6755408172/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **2** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Size | 23 MB | 6 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.4** | 27.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Mac |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [CodeGama LLP](https://appshunter.io/developer/1473948470) | [Folding Sky Co](https://appshunter.io/developer/1842155029) |

## What reviewers say

### Sentient Matters

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sentient-matters/id6475160213)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Dense

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dense-tiny-news-widget/id6755408172)

This news widget delivers concise, readable stories directly to your home screen, eliminating the need for external links or endless scrolling. It offers customizable topic selection and allows filtering news by mood and impact, providing a quick and informed overview.

**Highlights:** Home screen news widget, Dense, readable prose, Green highlights for changes, Customizable topics, Filter by mood and impact, Story Explorer with interactive chart

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Dense Pro Monthly | $3.99 | per month |
| Dense Pro Annual | $24.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Sentient Matters free?

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

### Is Dense free?

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

### Do Sentient Matters or Dense have ads?

Neither Sentient Matters nor Dense shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Sentient Matters or Dense?

Sentient Matters ships an update weekly, and Dense every 2 months. Most recently, Sentient Matters was updated on October 30, 2026 and Dense on October 30, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*