# HackStream vs GistForge

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

Both are free to download. HackStream sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and GistForge sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

HackStream ships an update every 3 weeks, GistForge weekly. The most recent releases landed on November 9, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | HackStream | GistForge |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gistforge-hacker-news-reader/id6768026955/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | — | Freemium |
| Size | 13 MB | 43 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | **15.1** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPod** |
| Age rating | 12+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [FiveSheep OU](https://appshunter.io/developer/1725654318) | [增林 洪](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896402759) |

## What reviewers say

### 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 |


### GistForge

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gistforge-hacker-news-reader/id6768026955)

This app offers AI-generated summaries of Hacker News articles, presented in a full-screen, TikTok-style feed. It provides TL;DRs, reasons to care, and key facts for each story, with options to read the original article or join discussions. It's designed for tech professionals and non-native English speakers seeking concise tech news.

**Highlights:** AI-summarized tech news briefs, TikTok-style scrolling feed, Bilingual content (English/Simplified Chinese), HN-native categories, Tap to read original articles/discussions, Dark mode, No account required

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| GistForge Pro | $1.99 | per month |
| GistForge Pro | $14.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is HackStream free?

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

### Is GistForge free?

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

### Do HackStream or GistForge have ads?

Neither HackStream nor GistForge shows ads.

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

HackStream ships an update every 3 weeks, and GistForge weekly. Most recently, HackStream was updated on November 9, 2026 and GistForge on October 31, 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.*