# Vortex for Podcast vs Hacker Reader

The clearest difference is rating: Vortex for Podcast at 5.0 against Hacker Reader's 1.0. Vortex for Podcast also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs every 2 months). Hacker Reader's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3). On price, ratings volume, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Vortex for Podcast sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Hacker Reader asks for nothing beyond the download.

Vortex for Podcast holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 1.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 1 respectively.

Vortex for Podcast ships an update fortnightly, Hacker Reader every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Vortex for Podcast | Hacker Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vortex-for-podcast/id6748575318/reviews)** | [1.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hacker-reader/id6754137305/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **2** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 28 MB | 65 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **16.4** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | +9 |
| Developer | [恒敏 吴](https://appshunter.io/developer/1611938194) | [Daniel Capistrano Sarinho Paiva](https://appshunter.io/developer/1580657892) |

## What reviewers say

### Vortex for Podcast

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vortex-for-podcast/id6748575318)

Discover and manage podcasts with a feature-rich player. Enjoy advanced audio controls, offline listening, and seamless data syncing. Customize your experience with a beautiful, intuitive interface.

**Highlights:** Podcast management via RSS and OPML, Advanced audio playback controls, Offline episode downloads, Automatic data backup and iCloud sync, Customizable themes and interface, Voice Boost feature

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Buy me a Coffee | $0.99 | one-time |
| Buy me a Lunch | $2.99 | one-time |
| Buy me a Feast | $5.99 | one-time |


### Hacker Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hacker-reader/id6754137305)

A native iOS client for Hacker News offering a streamlined reading experience with home screen widgets, community interaction, and a beautiful, dark-mode-friendly design. Securely log in to upvote, comment, and bookmark stories.

**Highlights:** Browse all story categories, Upvote stories and comments, Secure login with HN account, Post comments and replies, Bookmark stories, Home screen widgets, Dark mode support

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Vortex for Podcast free?

Vortex for Podcast is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Hacker Reader free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Vortex for Podcast or Hacker Reader?

Vortex for Podcast is rated higher. Vortex for Podcast averages 5.0 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while Hacker Reader averages 1.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Vortex for Podcast or Hacker Reader have ads?

Neither Vortex for Podcast nor Hacker Reader shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Vortex for Podcast or Hacker Reader?

Vortex for Podcast ships an update fortnightly, and Hacker Reader every 2 months. Most recently, Vortex for Podcast was updated on October 14, 2026 and Hacker Reader on October 9, 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.*