Simple Radio – Live AM FM App Reviews

by Cc21157

Got the free app and was disappointed. The way they display the ads is what ticks me off. With my car radio not working, I'm using SimpleRadio. As you're listening, out of the blue it cuts off. So I reach for the phone and what's there? An ad. So you click the "X", or the "no thanks" to close the ad and continue listening, 10 minutes later, repeat... Very annoying when trying to drive and have to close all the ads just to listen to SimpleRadio. In an hour drive this happens 3 to 5 times, always right before the part you want to hear it seems. Other apps the ads are there, but doesn't cut off what you are listening to just so you will acknowledge the ad! I'm deleting this one. It's not a "hands free" while driving friendly app. Someone is going to crash their car while acknowledging the ads.

by CentralORCoast

I appreciate SimpleRadio, but it does have things that are really annoying. I understand the need for ads, if we don’t want to pay the membership fee. But, if I reject an ad from Facebook, Audible, etc., I have to continue to reject it multiple times in one single program, for days or even weeks. Evidently they just don’t get it: I’m not interested in that product. Furthermore, because of their badgering, I am more determined that I will never be interested.
On another issue, The signal keeps dropping out constantly, and will not automatically reset. I have to go into the phone and re-start it every couple minutes. Literally — every couple minutes. It doesn’t matter what Wi-Fi I use at home or at work. We have a lot of high quality Wi-Fi, and my Wi-Fi at home is very good too.
I end up having to use data on two new smart phones.
Thank you for making this available, but a lot of times I think about switching to some other app.

by Green Space Leprechaun

So I very much like SimpleRadio for when I want to listen to music, but all too often I find that when there is a commercial break, SimpleRadio broadcasts its own adds. This wouldn’t normally be a problem, but whenever I open SimpleRadio , it takes the liberty of playing an ad segment, and then cuts into the middle of a song that was already playing during this so called commercial break. Another big disappointment is that if I want to tune into a baseball game on the radio, SimpleRadio won’t be broadcast the game that I know is playing on that station. It just plays music that would normally be on the station. I understand that this would likely require extra deals with radio stations, but all I’m saying is that SimpleRadio is not so versatile, and it doesn’t really do its job well. And if this bad review gets deleted again, I’ll be upset.

by Czernobog82

Hello, I have had simple radio for about 2 yrs now. up until now SimpleRadio has been fine, ever since the latest update(either on your end or iPhones updated end)SimpleRadio WAS great, now every time I have an alarm go off simple radio completely stops playing and DOES NOT start playing again after I turn alarm off(it used to just start playing automatically again) not only that but when I enter simple radio I have to switch stations and switch back to the one I was listening too in order for it to continue playing. Also, on the lock screen there used to be the play/pause button as well as next station, that no longer exists(I now have to unlock phone and go into simple radio for everything). I don’t know what the hell happened, but the interface for simple radio is completely jacked now.

by Maggiemay97

I hate SimpleRadio more and more every day. I listen to KTSA pretty much all day, but this makes it hard. It keeps cutting out for no reason, or dumb reasons like adjusting the volume on my iPhone. It also makes multi-tasking difficult. With IHeartRadio I can go into my email, Google, Facebook, etc. and the radio keeps playing as long as I don’t go into a video. This one now cuts out if I just go into Google! It is better now that you don’t have to listen to that annoying Kinetico ad that came on when you opened SimpleRadio , but it’s annoying that when you tap to open SimpleRadio you have to wait until an ad comes on screen and you have to then manually close that ad before the radio plays. I guess I’m just so used to things moving rapidly and don’t like that I can’t tap to open and walk away.

by Ladyamp

I just discovered Simple Radio and was intrigued, so I downloaded SimpleRadio . I’m confused about some things; mostly how I’m supposed to be able to access a very large number of different radio stations at any given time. I can currently get about 15, which unfortunately includes 2-3 not available I’d otherwise enjoy, and one of my favorite local ones that for some reason only shows up now and then.

I’m very technology challenged, having trouble understanding the terminology and how to use it, so whenever I complain or request an answer to a question, the people I ask must dumb-down/simplify the answer and have patience when they do. I’m referring now to how, in some places in your app, you claim to offer for free lots of stations, but when I try to use Search no new offerings appear. Where’s the choice/variety? I know I have to put up with a lot, like the pop-up ads (even the audible ones, which are a problem to deal with if I’m away from my iPad for a moment) that keep most of Simple Radio free, but this “bait and switch” tactic RE: station offerings shouldn’t be one. So many personally modern choices have been made for us in the name of progress that Simple Radio should live up to its name and let the individual make up his own radio playlist from what’s available.

This has been a very long review/question. Thank you for any help you can give as to how I could expand my playlist with stations that are really—and always—available.

by Amygirl434

This is a very good app for people who like to listen to actual radio stations from around the world. The selection of stations is very broad and the performance is reliable with zero crashes so far (unlike a competitor app). Why not a 5 star rating? 1.) No podcasts. 2.) Certain big-time stations (like 890 WLS) are not available (maybe a conflict with iHeart?). 3.) Annoying ads that pop up at the beginning of most streams, but they're easy enough to close and I realize they have to get revenue from somewhere. 4.) Some of the streams don't have the best audio quality, but they're still quite listenable for those of us used to the quality of actual AM radio. 5.) Some of the streams just don't work. Not sure why. But, all in all, still a pretty good app.

by CloudRebel

I paid to get rid of the ads. That was well worth the price. The only problem I have with it is that if it loses connection while driving it doesn’t reconnect on its own. This can be dangerous. The reason I decided to write my review is I am using SimpleRadio right now in my room and I dropped my phone. SimpleRadio stopped playing as it should because my earbuds came unplugged. Once I plugged in my earbuds one would think I could just hit play on the front screen but I had to unlock the phone and close SimpleRadio and reopen SimpleRadio to get it to resume playing. This is the same thing that happens if I lose signal while driving. SimpleRadio won’t just reconnect on its own once the LTE signal resumes. I have to unlock the phone and close and reopen SimpleRadio for playing to resume.

by WolfStyle

Very simple app. I bought the commercial free version because it lasts forever (unlike TuneIn that thinks that free radio streams rate a monthly fee). I appreciate the simplicity because when I want to listen to a radio station I don’t want to have to sort through menus.

Not a bug free experience though. For some reason, the status bar will occasionally fail to appear when a station starts to play. Not a problem if listening on your phone but a showstopper if you are trying to cast to your home/car stereo.

I actually came here to give a 1-star review and complain but at the last minute realized that if I tap the favorites button the status bar will appear. So... four-stars and a bug-report because I do like this very simple app and the developer seems responsive to feedback.

by Prof Hf

Great app--easy to use, and it works well!! Sometimes, a station loads, but cuts out once or several times in the first few minutes, sometimes for more than a minute. But once that's over, the connection with the station is pretty secure.

Why 4 stars, then, and not 5? I wish there were more stations available. I love news, classical music, bluegrass, and baseball (to start). Baseball is or seems to be completely unavailable. Really sad. More broadly, if you don't know the. CAll numbers of a station you're out of luck; they're not listed by offerings. Drat. Keep working on it, guys---this is a keeper. Just needs tweaking.

by Erbug

Unless you just need a bedtime timer to shut the thing off stick with the free version. The ads aren't really that big of deal. I bought SimpleRadio , $3.99, stupidly thinking that "timer" meant alarm. Wrong. You are basically paying for no ads and a bedtime shutoff timer. Where's the alarm? Was hoping to can my bedside alarm clock for SimpleRadio. Urghhh. I'm going to look for an app that does what SimpleRadio does but has an alarm. Sound quality is great. Never lost a station. SimpleRadio even cast to my Google home easily. Felt SimpleRadio was a little limited on local stations but I found every station in the Dallas area that I listen to 95% of the time. Did I mention SimpleRadio has no alarm!?!

Below is the developers reply. Thank you. After reading I’ve found out that an alarm won’t do much since Apple has not opened the alarm app to developers. This may or may not be true. Is so the feature is useless as I discovered from another app. Used SimpleRadio all day never lost signal with station. Easy to use and loving it more each day. Changing star rating from three to four.

by Cchfgytjnggu

Used to live SimpleRadio, any radio station I wanted. But 2 days ago and after the last update it won’t connect and tells me that these stations are no longer available. I guess it’s time to move to another app.

Update:
Just tried it again and it’s back and I’m super happy about it. But not sure if it’s you it sends the reports to but when it says we will let you know when it’s back up and running then you should make that happen. Don’t know if it’s my phone or you just have no way of sending it but it’s just something that would be nice. Thank you for a great simple app. Not a whole lot of bells and whistles to deal with.

by ReaderGeek

This is one of the best of the radio apps. Very easy to use, uncluttered, responsive and stable. There are others with more features, but none are easier or more reliable than this one.

The gap is that it lacks a way to skip back. For listening to spoken word (NPR, Fox, news, talk radio), this is extremely vexing. A bit of noise, someone want to talk in person, a phone call, and the thread is lost. Nearly every other audio app offers 15s or 30s skip back and forward (within a limited buffer), but not this one.

In consequence, as much as I love the simplicity of this one, for daily use I struggle with the complexity of TuneIn, because the skip back function is too valuable to live without.

by Cindytrax

Thank you sooo much for asking for my thoughts about your Radio Station.
I really hope and pray that your station gets a stronger signal, (going around wires, etc makes a lot of static interference, and I miss it at night.
I enjoy hearing your Gospel Music, ~ Ethel Waters, Mahalia Jackson, and sooo many others; Southern Gospel Music, ~ Tennessee Ernie Ford, The Gaithers, The Goodmans’s, The Speer Family, The Cathedrals, and many others.
Songs of Hymns, The Original of Amazing Grace, It Is No Secret, What A Day That Will Be, Oh What A Savior, Nearer My God To Thee, and I could take all day to name them all.
Inspirational, ~ We Shall Behold Him,
Contemporary, ~ In Christ Alone, Ten Thousand Reasons, on The Wings Of Love, The Midnight Cry, Do You Have His Heart, Or Just His Robe?, and a lot of others.
Comments and Devotions, etc.
I hope and pray that your station stays with Christian Gospel Music, I also love Joy Christian Radio, “Share The Joy”!!!
May The Lord bless you and your station, beyond measure, in Jesus Christ’ Holy Name, Amen.

by Nantche

Through SimpleRadio I listen daily to NPR (National Public Radio) en general and to WFDD in particular for my region. That the first thing I start my day with, the last thing I do before "closing" my mind for the day. SimpleRadio holds throughout the day. I observe from time to time some freezes and some sudden stops but nothing "insurmountable ". I even suspect those glitches may be due to my devices rather than to the application (in use all day long). I love the access to music stations as well. I'm very pleased with SimpleRadio. Kudos! 😊

by Medicinemsn101

I cannot thank God enough for leading me to SOS radio. The songs the words of encouragement bring happiness and the light of Jesus Christ into my life everyday. I honestly believe that without the witness and testimony the staff and partners share in this ministry I would have never found the joy and happiness that only a close relationship with Jesus Christ can provide. Thank you and praise Jesus for all you do. By supporting this ministry with prayer and giving when I can I feel like the one leper looking for the other nine. I may not know you personally just know each staff member in this station has a special place in my heart.

by Esmith512

This is a wonderful app! Fast, responsive, easy to use. Some annoyances, on the free version, some of the ads were videos, which is a contending audio source which sometimes disables the radio feed, then leaves it off. Make sure the ads don't make their own audio outputs. And the timer feature on the paid version is nice, but one nicer idea is a scheduling timer, something that selects favorite station at a given time, and allows the user to create a schedule of what audio streams automatically start. TVs have this feature, SimpleRadio would benefit also. Great app, love it. Thank you for your great work over there.

by Love This App In BIG D!

SimpleRadio is AWESOME! You can listen to your favorite station across town or Elvis, the Beatles or the Stones from Moscow. All three are outstanding stations. If you want an ALARM, get the clock/alarm app. which has all the features you need to wake up. I don’t need a radio app to wake me up. Set your alarm, hit snooze and touch the screen for radio. If the goal is to wake up, being conscious enough to hit snooze and click on the radio is a good start. Of course, if SimpleRadio would make coffee and set out my shoes, it would be perfect. I can listen to any station on earth (almost) and sync to the radio in my vehicle and listen to anything I want. Who needs Sirius XM? This is Satellite radio as it was meant to be.

by MamaHawk69

What a gr8 App! The only way to listen to a world wide variety of music! What ever the mood you will be able to find something really great to listen to! I think it’s awesome that you can listen to stations from so many countries and as hear their news and happenings which is very interesting! Maybe even make new friends in other countries when you
communicate with the DJs! I also have to say when I was having trouble getting a British station to connect-the simple radio customer service guy was so helpful! He collaborated with me and zeroed in on the issue and worked on it until it was fixed! Yay! That’s worth 5 stars!

by Grifftrain

SimpleRadio is quickly becoming my “go to” app for listening to internet radio. As it’s title suggests, it’s very simple to use. If you already know the name of your favorite station, just search for it. If you just want to browse, then pick one of the many genres and browse till you find what you want.

The only drawback so far is no listing of the song being played or the artist. Sometimes you hear a song you love, but don’t don’t the name of the song or the performer. Would be nice if it was listed somewhere. Small detail, but it’s one I miss. Other than that, a great app.

by Gruoihrrchihbfdd

App seemed fine in the five minutes (or less) I had it on my phone. Didn’t bother to keep it as it doesn’t have any but like 3 local channels. I would’ve thought about keeping it had it had 104.1 on in NE Ohio. Also, the UI was funky on my phone (iPhone XR). The three tabs on the bottom were squished for some reason. And the search results could be organized better. It’s annoying to look through the whole list to see if a local station is there if there isn’t a way for it to be organized. Didn’t notice any ads as other people complained about, but that’s probably because I only had it for a few minutes.

by Jeffb!!!

I normally put up with ads on free apps and rarely rate apps. While Simple Radio's free version is more obnoxiouly aggessive with its ads than most free apps, it does perform exceptionally well.

On many apps (even the NPR Public Radio Tuner), my favorite (and sometimes obscure) stations aren't even listed. For a while I was using an Indian app that allowed me to enter the URL and port # of the streaming service, but these data were often hard to find.

Everything I want is in SimpleRadio's database and so far works as advertised.