# SubReader vs Live Read

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Live Read at 83% against SubReader's 25%. Live Read also leads on rating (4.9 vs 2.8) and in-app purchases (none vs 3). SubReader's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SubReader sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month. Live Read asks for nothing beyond the download.

Live Read holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 2.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 4 and 7 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 25% of SubReader's written reviews are positive against 83% of Live Read's.

SubReader ships an update every 3 weeks, Live Read every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SubReader | Live Read |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.8 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/subreader/id1105856178/reviews) | **[4.9 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/live-read/id6749649547/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 4 | **7** |
| Positive reviews | 25.0% of reviews | **83.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 28 MB | 1 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Subreader ApS](https://appshunter.io/developer/1105856177) | [Ryan Anetsberger](https://appshunter.io/developer/1831593027) |

## What reviewers say

### SubReader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/subreader/id1105856178)

This app reads subtitles aloud for movies and shows, enhancing accessibility for viewers. It works with major streaming services, in cinemas, and for personal movie collections. A premium subscription unlocks advanced AI voices and full streaming service access.

**Highlights:** Reads subtitles aloud, Works with streaming services, Cinema subtitle support, AI-powered voices, Anonymous usage, Free for cinema use

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| SubReader Plus | $5.99 | per month |
| SubReader Plus | $5.99 | per month |
| SubReader Plus | $37.99 | per year |


### Live Read

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/live-read/id6749649547)

This app uses your device's camera to instantly read printed text aloud. It's designed for individuals with visual impairments, offering an accessible way to read mail, signs, books, and more without internet or setup. Enjoy customizable speech and offline functionality for independent reading.

**Highlights:** Automatic real-time text reading, Tap and swipe gesture controls, Customizable natural voice options, Offline functionality, Supports over 50 languages, Private and secure on-device processing

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SubReader free?

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

### Is Live Read free?

Live Read is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, SubReader or Live Read?

Live Read is rated higher. SubReader averages 2.8 out of 5 from 4 ratings, while Live Read averages 4.9 from 7 ratings.

### Do SubReader or Live Read have ads?

SubReader shows ads; Live Read does not.

### Which is updated more often, SubReader or Live Read?

SubReader ships an update every 3 weeks, and Live Read every 2 weeks. Most recently, SubReader was updated on September 21, 2026 and Live Read on September 10, 2026.

---

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