# Q101 Chicago vs Throwback 100.3

The clearest difference is rating: Q101 Chicago at 3.8 against Throwback 100.3's 3.1. Q101 Chicago also leads on review sentiment (56% vs 40%). Throwback 100.3's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 4 months). On price, ratings volume, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Q101 Chicago holds the better App Store score, 3.8 against 3.1. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 16 and 20 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 56% of Q101 Chicago's written reviews are positive against 40% of Throwback 100.3's.

Q101 Chicago ships an update every 4 months, Throwback 100.3 every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Q101 Chicago | Throwback 100.3 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.8 (16 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/q101-chicago/id864138333/reviews)** | [3.1 (20 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/throwback-1003/id1080780365/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 16 | **20** |
| Positive reviews | **55.6% of reviews** | 40.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Ad-supported | Ad-supported |
| Size | 59 MB | 42 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.1 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Cumulus Media](https://appshunter.io/developer/513445338) | [Hubbard Radio](https://appshunter.io/developer/512607571) |

## What reviewers say

### Q101 Chicago

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/q101-chicago/id864138333)

Listen to Chicago's alternative music station live. Stream your favorite tracks and stay updated with the latest music news and events. Enjoy a seamless audio experience for alternative music fans.

**Highlights:** Live radio streaming, Alternative music focus, Music news updates, Event information, Mobile audio player

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Throwback 100.3

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/throwback-1003/id1080780365)

Stream live music from the 90s and 2000s, access exclusive podcasts, and win prizes through app-only rewards. Stay updated on concerts, promotions, and events. Enjoy personalized profiles and easy login.

**Highlights:** Live music streaming, 90s and 2000s hits, Exclusive podcasts, App-only rewards and contests, Concert and event notifications, Artist information, Personalized profile

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Q101 Chicago free?

Q101 Chicago is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Throwback 100.3 free?

Throwback 100.3 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Q101 Chicago or Throwback 100.3?

Q101 Chicago is rated higher. Q101 Chicago averages 3.8 out of 5 from 16 ratings, while Throwback 100.3 averages 3.1 from 20 ratings.

### Do Q101 Chicago or Throwback 100.3 have ads?

Q101 Chicago shows ads; Throwback 100.3 does not.

### Which is updated more often, Q101 Chicago or Throwback 100.3?

Q101 Chicago ships an update every 4 months, and Throwback 100.3 every 2 months. Most recently, Q101 Chicago was updated on October 23, 2026 and Throwback 100.3 on October 24, 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.*