# CuriosityStream vs PackTV

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: PackTV at none against CuriosityStream's 6. PackTV also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.6). CuriosityStream's advantage is update cadence (monthly vs every 13 months) and ratings volume (6.3K vs 1). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. CuriosityStream sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month. PackTV asks for nothing beyond the download.

PackTV holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: CuriosityStream has 6.3K ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

CuriosityStream ships an update monthly, PackTV every 13 months. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 14, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | CuriosityStream | PackTV |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (6.3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/curiositystream/id971830624/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/packtv/id1085781725/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **6.3K** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 30.9% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 13 months |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free** |
| Size | 37 MB | 16 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.1** | 16.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV | iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [CuriosityStream, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/971830623) | [North Carolina State University](https://appshunter.io/developer/377191484) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### PackTV

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/packtv/id1085781725)

Access the best content from NC State University, including sporting events, lectures, and current affairs. Stay connected with the university's happenings through this dedicated platform.

**Highlights:** NC State sporting events, University lectures, Current campus events, Official university content, Content for alumni and students

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is CuriosityStream free?

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

### Is PackTV free?

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

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

PackTV is rated higher. CuriosityStream averages 4.6 out of 5 from 6.3K ratings, while PackTV averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do CuriosityStream or PackTV have ads?

Neither CuriosityStream nor PackTV shows ads.

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

CuriosityStream ships an update monthly, and PackTV every 13 months. Most recently, CuriosityStream was updated on October 23, 2026 and PackTV on October 14, 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.*