# HackTheNews vs HackStream

The clearest difference is device support: HackTheNews at 3 against HackStream's 1. HackTheNews also leads on iOS requirement (15.1 vs 26.0). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. HackTheNews sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month and HackStream sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

HackTheNews ships an update fortnightly, HackStream every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 2, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | HackTheNews | HackStream |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 3 weeks |
| Size | 39 MB | 13 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.1** | 26.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 9+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [HackTheNews](https://appshunter.io/developer/1852327292) | [FiveSheep OU](https://appshunter.io/developer/1725654318) |

## What reviewers say

### HackTheNews

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hackthenews/id6755159012)

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| HackTheNews Premium Monthly | $3.99 | per month |
| HackTheNews Premium Yearly | $39.99 | per year |


### 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 HackTheNews free?

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

### Is HackStream free?

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

### Do HackTheNews or HackStream have ads?

Neither HackTheNews nor HackStream shows ads.

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

HackTheNews ships an update fortnightly, and HackStream every 3 weeks. Most recently, HackTheNews was updated on October 13, 2026 and HackStream on October 2, 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.*