# CuriosityStream vs ZMOTD

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.

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

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

## The numbers

| Metric | CuriosityStream | ZMOTD |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (6.3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/curiositystream/id971830624/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **6.3K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 30.7% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 2 days** |
| Monetization | Subscription | — |
| Size | 44 MB | 7 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 16.2 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [CuriosityStream, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/971830623) | [Harmen Reichert](https://appshunter.io/developer/891277001) |

## 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


### ZMOTD

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zmotd/id6465576423)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


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