QuietBox vs Cathode Player
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
QuietBox
Organize and play local and home-network media files with a clean interface. Supports multiple import methods, broad file formats, and advanced playback features like subtitle support and Picture in Picture. Manage your media library efficiently.
- Multi-source media import
- Home network media access
- Broad format support
- Subtitle loading and switching
- Picture in Picture playback
- File management tools
- IPTV support
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# QuietBox QuietBox is a productivity-focused media player for local and home-network content. Import, organize, and play media from multiple sources with a clean, reliable experience on iPhone and iPad. ## Key Features • Multi-source import: Photos, Files, Wi-Fi transfer, and iTunes/Finder File Sharing • Media services: Access common home media protocols and remote/cloud sources (availability may vary by version) • Broad format support for common video, audio, and image files • Playback tools: subtitle loading/switching, speed control, resume playback, background play, and Picture in Picture • File management: rename, move, copy, batch actions, and centralized download management • IPTV support: add/manage sources and quickly browse channels (region/version dependent) ## Why QuietBox • Local-first media control • Clean UI built for playback and organization efficiency Note: Some features may vary by region, iOS version, or device capability.
Cathode Player
A native video viewer for following channels and watching content across your Apple devices. Enjoy a fast, lightweight experience with features like picture-in-picture, background audio, and cross-device sync via iCloud. Discover new content with curated channel suggestions.
- Follow channels and view latest videos
- Search for videos and channels
- Native player with picture-in-picture and background audio
- Save videos to Watch Later
- Cross-device playback progress sync
- Curated channel suggestions
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Cathode is a clean, native video viewer for following channels and watching content on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Built with SwiftUI for a fast, lightweight experience. FEATURES • Follow channels and see all their latest videos in one feed • Search for videos and channels • Watch shorts and regular videos with a native player • Picture-in-picture, background audio, and AirPlay support • Save videos to Watch Later • Pick up where you left off — playback progress syncs across your devices via your private iCloud account • Read comments • Compact mini-player while you keep browsing • Curated channel suggestions across Tech, Science, Programming, Cooking, and Lifestyle to help you get started CROSS-DEVICE SYNC Watch Later, history, and saved channels are stored in your private iCloud account so they are always with you. Nothing is sent to our servers. PRIVACY Cathode does not collect personal information, has no analytics, and does not require an account. Your data stays on your device or in your private iCloud.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: QuietBox at 5.0 against Cathode Player's 4.2. QuietBox also leads on iOS requirement (16 vs 26.1). Cathode Player's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and ads (none vs shown). On price, update cadence, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. QuietBox sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Cathode Player asks for nothing beyond the download.
QuietBox holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Cathode Player has 5 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.
QuietBox ships an update every 9 days, Cathode Player every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 11, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | QuietBox | Cathode Player |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better | 4.2 (5 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | — | 66.7% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 5 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 9 days | Every 5 days — better |
| Ads | Yes | No — better |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV — better |
| Requires iOS | 16 — better | 26.1 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 81 MB | 8 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | NAICAI LI | Zabir Raihan |
Customer experience
QuietBox
Cathode Player
In-app purchases
QuietBox
- VIP Pro$1.99
- VIP Max$2.99
Cathode Player
No in-app purchases
