# Gaia vs CuriosityStream

The clearest difference is monetization model: Gaia at free with in-app purchases against CuriosityStream's subscription. Gaia also leads on review sentiment (68% vs 31%) and ratings volume (141K vs 6.3K). CuriosityStream's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Gaia sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $11.99 per month and CuriosityStream sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Gaia holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Gaia has 141K ratings behind it against 6.3K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 68% of Gaia's written reviews are positive against 31% of CuriosityStream's.

Gaia ships an update weekly, CuriosityStream every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on November 6, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Gaia | CuriosityStream |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (141K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gaia-streaming-consciousness/id821068605/reviews)** | [4.6 (6.3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/curiositystream/id971830624/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **141K** | 6.3K |
| Positive reviews | **67.7% of reviews** | 30.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Best chart rank | **#82** | — |
| Size | 179 MB | 69 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.4 | 16.4 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple TV | iPhone, iPad, Apple TV |
| Age rating | 12+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Gaia](https://appshunter.io/developer/1039984279) | [CuriosityStream, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/971830623) |

## What reviewers say

### Gaia

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gaia-streaming-consciousness/id821068605)

**Currently charting:** #82 Top Grossing · Entertainment (US App Store)

Explore a vast library of films, original shows, and practices focused on personal transformation, ancient origins, and alternative medicine. This platform offers content from top thought leaders to empower your conscious awakening and holistic wellness journey.

**Highlights:** 8,000+ videos, films, documentaries, series, Content on personal transformation, yoga, meditation, Exploration of ancient history, metaphysics, spirituality, Live events and original shows, Integration with Apple Health for activity tracking, Content from top thought leaders

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Gaia Membership Renewal | $11.99 | per month |
| Monthly Membership | $15.99 | per month |
| Monthly Membership - Legacy | $15.99 | per month |
| Monthly Membership - Promotional | $15.99 | per month |
| Annual Membership | $139.99 | per year |
| Annual Membership - Promotional | $139.99 | per year |
| Gaia+ Membership | $299.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Best streaming service
- 🌟 Transformative content
- 👍 Diverse and high-quality programming
- 🧘‍♀️ Excellent yoga and meditation resources
- 💡 Enlightening and eye-opening information

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Buggy and unstable app
- 🔍 Difficult to navigate and search
- 💰 Expensive subscription
- 🔒 Lack of offline access and Chromecast support
- 🤷‍♀️ Inconsistent content availability

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes and freezes
- Video playback issues
- Inconsistent syncing across devices
- Unreliable offline access

**Requested features**

- Improved search and filtering options
- Offline viewing and download capabilities
- Chromecast and smart TV integration
- Personalized playlists and recommendations
- More content in different languages


### CuriosityStream

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/curiositystream/id971830624)

Access a vast library of award-winning documentaries and non-fiction content covering science, nature, history, and biographies. Enjoy ad-free streaming and offline viewing for all ages, including a dedicated kids' section.

**Highlights:** Unlimited documentary streaming, Offline viewing with downloads, 4K and HD content, New content added weekly, CuriosityKIDS section, Ad-free experience

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Basic | $5.99 | per month |
| Standard | $5.99 | per month |
| Smart Bundle | $11.99 | per month |
| Basic | $49.99 | per year |
| Standard | $49.99 | per year |
| Smart Bundle | $79.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Great content
- 💡 Excellent value for money
- 👍 Diverse range of documentaries
- 👍 Informative and educational

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Buggy app with frequent crashes
- 🐛 Streaming issues and buffering problems
- 🐛 Poor user interface and navigation
- 🐛 Chromecast/casting support issues
- 🐛 Inconsistent playback controls

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes on launch
- Videos not resuming from last position
- Casting issues and video playback problems
- Inconsistent behavior when switching between apps

**Requested features**

- Offline downloads
- Profiles/multiple user support
- Improved search and recommendation features
- Better integration with TV platforms
- Customizable playback controls


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Gaia free?

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

### Is CuriosityStream free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Gaia or CuriosityStream?

Gaia is rated higher. Gaia averages 4.8 out of 5 from 141K ratings, while CuriosityStream averages 4.6 from 6.3K ratings.

### Do Gaia or CuriosityStream have ads?

Gaia shows ads; CuriosityStream does not.

### Which is updated more often, Gaia or CuriosityStream?

Gaia ships an update weekly, and CuriosityStream every 3 weeks. Most recently, Gaia was updated on November 6, 2026 and CuriosityStream on November 6, 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.*