# CalMatters vs SFGATE

The clearest difference is review sentiment: SFGATE at 81% against CalMatters's 50%. SFGATE also leads on update cadence (weekly vs fortnightly) and monetization model (free vs ad-supported). CalMatters's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.6). On price, ads, in-app purchases and chart position there is nothing between them.

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

CalMatters holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SFGATE has 124 ratings behind it against 18, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 50% of CalMatters's written reviews are positive against 81% of SFGATE's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

CalMatters ships an update fortnightly, SFGATE weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | CalMatters | SFGATE |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (18 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/calmatters/id6475375084/reviews)** | [4.6 (124 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sfgate/id6762748205/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 18 | **124** |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | **81.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Ad-supported | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | #209 | **#89** |
| Size | 53 MB | 38 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 12+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [CalMatters](https://appshunter.io/developer/1724098439) | [Hearst Newspapers](https://appshunter.io/developer/397018366) |

## What reviewers say

### CalMatters

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/calmatters/id6475375084)

**Currently charting:** #209 Top Free · Magazines & Newspapers (US App Store)

Access in-depth, nonpartisan news and analysis focused on California's quality of life issues. Hold leaders accountable with investigative journalism covering the Golden State and its global economic impact.

**Highlights:** In-depth news analysis, Focus on quality of life issues, Investigative journalism, Accountability reporting, Covers California and its economy

**Features:** Apple Wallet, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### SFGATE

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sfgate/id6762748205)

**Currently charting:** #89 Top Free · Magazines & Newspapers (US App Store)

Access in-depth Bay Area news and culture with an ad-free reading experience. Unlock exclusive content and connect with the places that matter most to you.

**Highlights:** Ad-free reading experience, In-depth news coverage, Bay Area culture insights, Exclusive content for members, Connect with local places

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is CalMatters free?

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

### Is SFGATE free?

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

### Which has better reviews, CalMatters or SFGATE?

CalMatters is rated higher. CalMatters averages 5.0 out of 5 from 18 ratings, while SFGATE averages 4.6 from 124 ratings.

### Do CalMatters or SFGATE have ads?

Neither CalMatters nor SFGATE shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, CalMatters or SFGATE?

CalMatters ships an update fortnightly, and SFGATE weekly. Most recently, CalMatters was updated on October 12, 2026 and SFGATE on October 16, 2026.

### Which is more popular, CalMatters or SFGATE?

CalMatters currently peaks at #209 in the App Store charts, and SFGATE at #89. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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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.*