KBS+ vs its rivals

Side-by-side comparison against KBS+'s closest competitors — identity, store metrics, ratings & sentiment, and strategic intel.

KBS+
This App
KMPlayer
Contender
Core Identity
DeveloperKBS Media Co.Do TriVideoLANPaolo RossignoliPANDORATV Co.,LtdWebMelbourne Pty LtdPolska Press sp. z o.o.TIVIKO, s.r.o.Thomas GeslandThomas Gesland
CategoryEntertainmentPhoto & VideoPhoto & VideoPhoto & VideoEntertainmentEntertainmentEntertainmentEntertainmentNewsNews
PlatformAndroid, iOSiOS, AndroidiOSiOS, AndroidAndroid, iOSiOSAndroid, iOSAndroid, iOSAndroid, iOSiOS, Android
Store Metrics
Rating2.9 / 55.0 / 53.7 / 54.2 / 54.3 / 54.4 / 51.5 / 51.0 / 55.0 / 50.0 / 5
Ratings Count1735,5404043,2171,2492110
PriceFree$8.99Free$1.99FreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFree
Release DateFeb 12, 2015Sep 14, 2014Jul 19, 2013Jul 4, 2014Mar 14, 2014Mar 15, 2023Jun 11, 2012Jan 10, 2012Oct 16, 2016Oct 16, 2016
Last UpdatedMay 12, 2026Oct 16, 2022Apr 24, 2026Apr 25, 2026Apr 23, 2026Apr 3, 2026May 11, 2026Mar 29, 2022Oct 16, 2016Oct 16, 2016
Sentiment & Reviews
Sentimentmixed-mixedterriblemixedmixednegative-mixedmixed
Score65/100-45/10015/10045/10075/10020/100-70/10070/100
Praises
  • Access to live channels and legacy content library
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  • Free and open source media playback provides a high-quality ad-free experience for users
  • The core player design offers a fast and responsive experience for dedicated media enthusiasts
  • User interface design provides a clean and accessible experience for music and video playback
  • Simple and straightforward video downloading process across multiple social media platforms
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  • Reliable local channel listings
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Complaints
  • Technical instability and platform performance disparity
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  • Audio playback skips or cuts off the first few seconds of tracks when using Bluetooth
  • Aggressive monetization requires multiple payments for basic features after the initial purchase price
  • Frequent application crashes and connection failures disrupt the viewing experience across platforms
  • Frequent application crashes and freezing behavior disrupt playback sessions on mobile devices
  • Persistent download failures and link refreshing errors occurring after the latest update
  • Technical instability and frequent crashes
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  • Intrusive ad-supported model
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Requests--
  • Picture in Picture mode support is requested to enable multitasking while watching video content
  • Native support for television hardware interfaces to improve navigation beyond touch screen controls
  • Advanced subtitle customization options including font styling and background highlights for better readability
  • Enhanced file management features including folder organization and swipe navigation for saved media
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  • Modern UI refresh
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Strategic Intel
Strengths
  • Public media mandate secures exclusive access to 39 live channels
  • Multi-mode interface lowers barrier for non-tech-savvy demographics
  • Background audio playback functions as a direct value-add for users avoiding subscription fees
  • Local file import capabilities provide utility beyond standard streaming
  • Universal codec support eliminates file conversion friction
  • Open-source model sustains high organic install velocity
  • Multi-protocol network streaming enables deep library access
  • VLC-powered playback engine ensures high-fidelity stream compatibility across diverse server formats.
  • CloudKit integration creates a persistent cross-device viewing state that increases user switching costs.
  • Broad codec compatibility supports legacy and obscure formats
  • Advanced playback controls drive power-user retention
  • Face ID file-locking mechanism increases switching costs for private content
  • AI-driven summarization reduces time-to-value for long-form video
  • Localized channel data integration provides a specific barrier to entry for international competitors.
  • Offline caching enables utility in low-connectivity environments.
  • Offline schedule caching enables utility in low-connectivity regions
  • Centralized multi-region scheduling simplifies complex broadcast landscapes
  • Established brand authority in TV listings
  • Deep integration with local cable providers
  • Established brand authority in traditional TV scheduling
  • Deep integration with local cable and satellite providers
Weaknesses
  • 1.0★ Android-iOS rating gap signals platform-specific technical debt
  • No cloud-save functionality despite user demand
  • $8.99 price point creates a high barrier to entry
  • No feature updates since 2022 signals a lack of active development
  • Bluetooth audio delay persists across device models
  • Playlist data loss reported in recent builds
  • Lack of Picture in Picture mode limits multitasking
  • Fragmented in-app purchase model drives high-frequency negative sentiment regarding double-monetization.
  • Technical instability and playlist data loss persist despite recent performance updates.
  • 0.19★ Android-iOS rating gap indicates stability regressions
  • Lack of cloud-save functionality despite user requests
  • Download engine failures post-update erode daily habit
  • Lack of cross-device purchase restoration creates premium-tier friction
  • 1.5★ rating indicates critical stability issues.
  • Lack of recent feature innovation.
  • Ad-supported model lacks premium diversification.
  • iOS version has not received an update since 2022
  • External deep-linking model creates high friction for content consumption
  • Legacy UI design
  • Heavy ad-supported monetization
  • Lack of feature updates since 2013
  • Dated UI compared to swipe-based discovery rivals
  • No native cloud-sync for user watchlists
  • Ad-heavy interface creates friction for casual users
Pricingfreepaidfreefreemiumfreemiumfreefreefreemiumfreefree
MomentumMaintenanceMaintenanceMaintenanceIntenseActiveMaintenanceMaintenanceZombieZombieZombie
Update Cadence5 versions, 1 majors/6mo, ~29d avg2 versions, ~1298d avg2 versions, ~25d avg5 versions5 versions, 3 majors/6mo, ~7d avg1 versions, 1 majors/6mo5 versions, ~134d avg5 versions, ~584d avg2 versions, ~3454d avg2 versions, ~3454d avg

Compare KBS+ head-to-head

Disclosure: Independent intel to help mobile builders succeed.

AI-powered analysis with editorial review, built from publicly available sources. Marlvel.ai is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by KBS+, its developer, the app publisher, Apple, or Google Play. All trademarks, logos, and screenshots referenced remain the property of their respective owners.

Data licensed under CC-BY-NC 4.0