# Bilingual News vs Listening Trainer

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Bilingual News at 77% against Listening Trainer's 28%. Bilingual News also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 2 months) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). Listening Trainer's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 10). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Bilingual News sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Listening Trainer asks for nothing beyond the download.

Bilingual News ships an update every 2 weeks, Listening Trainer every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and November 2, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Bilingual News | Listening Trainer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.0 (15 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bilingual-news-transcripts/id722855127/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **15** | — |
| Positive reviews | **76.7% of reviews** | 28.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 44 MB | 14 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Michael Yamaura](https://appshunter.io/developer/722855130) | [Asahipress Co., Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/465908709) |

## What reviewers say

### Bilingual News

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bilingual-news-transcripts/id722855127)

Learn Japanese through popular podcasts with native speakers. Check vocabulary and phrases using transcripts, practice with word lists and tests, and improve listening and reading skills with various learning tools.

**Highlights:** Podcast audio playback with speed control, Interactive transcripts for vocabulary checking, Customizable word lists and vocabulary tests, Essay explanations and learning method guides, Offline audio playback, Dictionary integration

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

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Transcript Subscription +Trial | $1.99 | per month |
| Transcript Subscription | $1.99 | per month |
| BN Shukudai | $3.49 | per month |
| 1. Bilingual News 05.15.13 | Free | one-time |
| 2. Bilingual News 05.24.13 | Free | one-time |
| 3. Bilingual News 05.29.13 | Free | one-time |
| 381. Bilingual News 09.26.19 | $0.99 | one-time |
| 52. 特別編 コリン 12.23.13 | $1.99 | one-time |
| 68. 吉田研作 02.24.14 | $1.99 | one-time |
| 142. 特別編 Mina 12.25.14 | $1.99 | one-time |


### Listening Trainer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/listening-trainer/id1451791537)

This app plays audio content from language learning materials, allowing for seamless background playback and slower audio options. It's designed to enhance listening comprehension for learners.

**Highlights:** Automatic track progression, Background playback, Slow audio option, Content addition via QR code or code, Supports CNN English Express audio

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Bilingual News free?

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

### Is Listening Trainer free?

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

### Do Bilingual News or Listening Trainer have ads?

Neither Bilingual News nor Listening Trainer shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Bilingual News or Listening Trainer?

Bilingual News ships an update every 2 weeks, and Listening Trainer every 2 months. Most recently, Bilingual News was updated on November 6, 2026 and Listening Trainer on November 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.*