# CuriosityStream vs History Hit

CuriosityStream and History Hit both sit at 4.6 stars, but that hides the real split: 86% of History Hit's written reviews are positive against 31% of CuriosityStream's. History Hit also leads on monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs subscription). CuriosityStream's advantage is ratings volume (6.3K vs 1.2K). On price, rating, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. CuriosityStream sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month and History Hit sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for CuriosityStream against 4.5 for History Hit. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: CuriosityStream has 6.3K ratings behind it against 1.2K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 31% of CuriosityStream's written reviews are positive against 86% of History Hit's.

CuriosityStream ships an update monthly, History Hit every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 27, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | CuriosityStream | History Hit |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (6.3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/curiositystream/id971830624/reviews)** | [4.5 (1.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/history-hit/id1303668247/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **6.3K** | 1.2K |
| Positive reviews | 30.9% of reviews | **85.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 37 MB | 86 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.1** | 16.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV** | iPhone, iPad, Apple TV |
| Age rating | 12+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [CuriosityStream, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/971830623) | [Hit Networks Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1303668246) |

## 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


### History Hit

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/history-hit/id1303668247)

Access an extensive library of history documentaries, original films, and expert interviews. Enjoy ad-free podcasts and download content to watch offline. New programs are added weekly for history enthusiasts.

**Highlights:** Extensive library of history documentaries, Exclusive original films, Interviews with top historians, Ad-free history podcasts, Downloadable content for offline viewing, New programs added weekly

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| History Hit Monthly | $7.99 | per month |
| History Hit Yearly | $59.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🌟 Excellent content and presenters
- 🎓 Wide range of historical topics
- 🔍 In-depth and well-researched documentaries
- 🎧 Engaging and informative podcasts
- 🔒 Ad-free listening experience

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔍 Difficulty navigating and finding content
- 🔑 Issues with account management and password resets
- 📱 Inconsistent app performance and functionality
- 🌍 Limited coverage of non-British/European history

**Reported bugs**

- Subscription issues and inability to access content
- Podcast playback problems and missing episodes
- Compatibility problems on certain devices

**Requested features**

- Improved search and browsing functionality
- Ability to create playlists and save favorites
- Closed captions/subtitles for all videos
- Cross-device syncing and offline viewing/listening
- Expanded coverage of global historical topics


## Frequently asked questions

### Is CuriosityStream free?

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

### Is History Hit free?

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

### Which has better reviews, CuriosityStream or History Hit?

CuriosityStream is rated higher. CuriosityStream averages 4.6 out of 5 from 6.3K ratings, while History Hit averages 4.5 from 1.2K ratings.

### Do CuriosityStream or History Hit have ads?

Neither CuriosityStream nor History Hit shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, CuriosityStream or History Hit?

CuriosityStream ships an update monthly, and History Hit every 2 months. Most recently, CuriosityStream was updated on October 26, 2026 and History Hit on October 27, 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.*