# Dyslexia Reader by MDA vs simPODD

The clearest difference is rating: simPODD at 4.5 against Dyslexia Reader by MDA's 3.5. simPODD also leads on review sentiment (78% vs 60%) and ratings volume (21 vs 4). Dyslexia Reader by MDA's advantage is device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Dyslexia Reader by MDA sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month and simPODD sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $13.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

simPODD holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: simPODD has 21 ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 60% of Dyslexia Reader by MDA's written reviews are positive against 78% of simPODD's.

Dyslexia Reader by MDA ships an update every 3 months, simPODD every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 11, 2026 and October 5, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Dyslexia Reader by MDA | simPODD |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.5 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dyslexia-reader-by-mda/id1443891619/reviews) | **[4.5 (21 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simpodd/id1464489596/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 4 | **21** |
| Positive reviews | 60.0% of reviews | **77.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 203 MB | 539 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Avaz, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/904985795) | [AssistiveWare](https://appshunter.io/developer/308368167) |

## What reviewers say

### Dyslexia Reader by MDA

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dyslexia-reader-by-mda/id1443891619)

This app uses OCR technology to convert printed text into a readable format, aiding children with dyslexia. It offers features like finger-tracking, multiple reading views, and hints to support independent reading and comprehension.

**Highlights:** OCR text capture, Finger-tracking word guidance, Multiple reader views (page, sentence, word), Distraction-free modes, Reading hints and comprehension tools, Offline functionality

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Reader 1 Month Subscription | $1.99 | per month |
| Reader 6 Months Subscription | $9.99 | per 6 months |
| Reader 1 Year Subscription | $14.99 | per year |


### simPODD

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simpodd/id1464489596)

This app simplifies augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for individuals who cannot speak. It integrates digital PODD page sets with a printing interface, offering streamlined editing and access to various vocabulary options. Designed in collaboration with the PODD system's creator, it aims to make communication more accessible and efficient.

**Highlights:** Digital PODD page sets, Integrated printing interface, Streamlined editing, SymbolStix integration, Multiple text-to-speech voices, Regionally specific vocabulary

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Digital | $13.99 | per month |
| Yearly Digital + Print | $139.99 | per year |
| Yearly Digital + Print* | $139.99 | per year |
| One Year Digital | $139.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Dyslexia Reader by MDA free?

Dyslexia Reader by MDA is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is simPODD free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Dyslexia Reader by MDA or simPODD?

simPODD is rated higher. Dyslexia Reader by MDA averages 3.5 out of 5 from 4 ratings, while simPODD averages 4.5 from 21 ratings.

### Do Dyslexia Reader by MDA or simPODD have ads?

Neither Dyslexia Reader by MDA nor simPODD shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Dyslexia Reader by MDA or simPODD?

Dyslexia Reader by MDA ships an update every 3 months, and simPODD every 2 months. Most recently, Dyslexia Reader by MDA was updated on October 11, 2026 and simPODD on October 5, 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.*