Comparison

CuriosityStream vs ZMOTD

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

CuriosityStream

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
Read full description

CuriosityStream is the world’s leading documentary and non-fiction streaming service covering science, nature, history, biographies of real characters of consequence and pretty much anything else you can think of. Learn about our natural world alongside luminaries like Sir David Attenborough. Look at our universe with wonder as Michio Kaku and Brian Greene broaden your perspective on space, time and the future. Step back in time and explore dinosaurs, ancient history, and the rise of homo sapiens. Curiositystream also offers CuriosityKIDS, a dedicated collection of safe, entertaining and inspiring programs for families to enjoy together or for kids to watch on their own. Let CuriosityKids spark a love of learning and a passion for exploration. Plus, all CuriosityStream shows are downloadable so you can keep kids entertained while on the go. Whether your kids are budding astronomers, paleontologists, or historians, CuriosityStream has got you covered with award-winning, ad-free content. Join more than 20 million CuriosityStream subscribers and explore thousands of brain-boosting documentaries. CuriosityStream membership benefits: - Unlimited streaming of the best in documentary programming - Download shows so you can watch anytime, anywhere without an internet connection - 4K and HD documentaries available on multiple devices - New content added weekly so you’ll never run out of things to watch - Browse titles with multiple search tools to help you quickly find your favorite subject areas - Rate your favorite shows and get recommendations for related content - Bookmark shows to watch later or resume watching previously viewed shows on other devices You may cancel your membership and stop the billing anytime by logging into your account. Please Note: - Payment will be charged to the user's iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase -Subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period - Account will be charged for renewal within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period - Subscriptions may be managed by the user and auto-renewal may be turned off by going to the user's Account Settings after purchase By downloading this application, you agree to the CuriosityStream Terms of Use (https://curiositystream.com/terms) and Privacy Policy (https://curiositystream.com/privacy).

About

ZMOTD

Features
Read full description

Display your zen message of the day in a widget. Small medium and LARGE.  Load your own zen messages from a text file. Add filters like length or text. Over 2500 lines of inspiration included.

Screenshots

CuriosityStream4 screens
ZMOTD3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: ZMOTD at none against CuriosityStream's 6. ZMOTD also leads on update cadence (every 2 days vs monthly). CuriosityStream's advantage is device support (4 vs 2) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.2). On price and ads there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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

UpkeepUpdate frequency

CuriosityStream ships an update monthly, ZMOTD every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 15, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
CuriosityStream versus ZMOTD: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCuriosityStreamZMOTD
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (6.3K ratings) — better—
Positive reviews30.7% of reviews—
Number of ratings6.3K — better—
Update frequencyMonthlyEvery 2 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationSubscription—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS13.0 — better16.2
Further details — not scored
Size44 MB7 MB
Age rating12+4+
DeveloperCuriosityStream, LLCHarmen Reichert

Bugs and requests

CuriosityStream

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • App crashes on launch
  • Videos not resuming from last position
  • Casting issues and video playback problems
  • Inconsistent behavior when switching between apps

Requested features

5 requests
  • Offline downloads
  • Profiles/multiple user support
  • Improved search and recommendation features
  • Better integration with TV platforms
  • Customizable playback controls

ZMOTD

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

6 purchases

CuriosityStream

Subscriptions6
  • Basic$5.991 Month
  • Standard$5.991 Month
  • Smart Bundle$11.991 Month
Show 3 more
  • Basic$49.991 Year
  • Standard$49.991 Year
  • Smart Bundle$79.991 Year
None

ZMOTD

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is CuriosityStream free?
CuriosityStream is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is ZMOTD free?
ZMOTD is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do CuriosityStream or ZMOTD have ads?
Neither CuriosityStream nor ZMOTD shows ads.
Which is updated more often, CuriosityStream or ZMOTD?
CuriosityStream ships an update monthly, and ZMOTD every 2 days. Most recently, CuriosityStream was updated on September 25, 2026 and ZMOTD on September 15, 2026.

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