# CuriosityStream vs The Explorers

The clearest difference is monetization model: The Explorers at free with in-app purchases against CuriosityStream's subscription. The Explorers also leads on review sentiment (55% vs 31%). CuriosityStream's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (6.3K vs 86). On price, rating, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. CuriosityStream sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month and The Explorers sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

CuriosityStream holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: CuriosityStream has 6.3K ratings behind it against 86, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 31% of CuriosityStream's written reviews are positive against 55% of The Explorers's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

CuriosityStream ships an update monthly, The Explorers every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and October 2, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | CuriosityStream | The Explorers |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (6.3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/curiositystream/id971830624/reviews)** | [4.4 (86 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-explorers/id1436285774/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **6.3K** | 86 |
| Positive reviews | 30.9% of reviews | **55.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 6 weeks |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 37 MB | 110 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.1 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple TV** |
| Age rating | 12+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [CuriosityStream, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/971830623) | [The Explorers Network](https://appshunter.io/developer/1475751692) |

## 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


### The Explorers

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-explorers/id1436285774)

Explore and share Earth's wonders through photos and videos. Join a global community of creators and scientists to document biodiversity and natural heritage. Discover location-based content and contribute your own media to a growing planet inventory.

**Highlights:** Explore location-based content on a world map, Follow other Explorers' discoveries, Post photos and videos in original size, Private messaging with friends and Explorers, Zoom feature for detailed photo viewing, Access content up to 8K HDR with premium

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| The Explorers+ | $2.99 | per month |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is CuriosityStream free?

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

### Is The Explorers free?

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

### Which has better reviews, CuriosityStream or The Explorers?

CuriosityStream is rated higher. CuriosityStream averages 4.6 out of 5 from 6.3K ratings, while The Explorers averages 4.4 from 86 ratings.

### Do CuriosityStream or The Explorers have ads?

The Explorers shows ads; CuriosityStream does not.

### Which is updated more often, CuriosityStream or The Explorers?

CuriosityStream ships an update monthly, and The Explorers every 6 weeks. Most recently, CuriosityStream was updated on October 12, 2026 and The Explorers on October 2, 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.*