# CuriosityStream vs Rainforest Connection

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Rainforest Connection at 92% against CuriosityStream's 31%. Rainforest Connection also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 6) and rating (4.8 vs 4.6). CuriosityStream's advantage is ratings volume (6.3K vs 277) and device support (4 vs 2). On price, ads 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. Rainforest Connection asks for nothing beyond the download.

Rainforest Connection holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: CuriosityStream has 6.3K ratings behind it against 277, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 31% of CuriosityStream's written reviews are positive against 92% of Rainforest Connection's.

CuriosityStream ships an update monthly, Rainforest Connection fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and July 4, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | CuriosityStream | Rainforest Connection |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (6.3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/curiositystream/id971830624/reviews) | **[4.8 (277 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rainforest-connection/id1178078181/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **6.3K** | 277 |
| Positive reviews | 30.7% of reviews | **91.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free** |
| Size | 44 MB | 57 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 14.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [CuriosityStream, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/971830623) | [Rainforest Connection](https://appshunter.io/developer/1178078180) |

## 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


### Rainforest Connection

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rainforest-connection/id1178078181)

Experience the sounds of the rainforest directly on your device. Listen to live streams from diverse locations, offering a unique connection to nature. Discover the calls of wildlife and the ambient sounds of these vital ecosystems.

**Highlights:** Live rainforest sound streams, Global locations (Peru, Ecuador, Costa Rica), Wildlife sound identification, Connects to nature, Nonprofit conservation focus

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is CuriosityStream free?

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

### Is Rainforest Connection free?

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

### Which has better reviews, CuriosityStream or Rainforest Connection?

Rainforest Connection is rated higher. CuriosityStream averages 4.6 out of 5 from 6.3K ratings, while Rainforest Connection averages 4.8 from 277 ratings.

### Do CuriosityStream or Rainforest Connection have ads?

Neither CuriosityStream nor Rainforest Connection shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, CuriosityStream or Rainforest Connection?

CuriosityStream ships an update monthly, and Rainforest Connection fortnightly. Most recently, CuriosityStream was updated on September 22, 2026 and Rainforest Connection on July 4, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*