TrainLCD vs TopReader
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
TrainLCD
This navigation app brings the experience of in-train displays to your smartphone. It shows your current location and the next upcoming station, enhancing your train journeys. Make your daily commute more engaging and enjoyable with this unique travel companion.
- In-train display simulation
- Current location display
- Next station information
- Enhanced train travel experience
- Commute enjoyment
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“Make your train rides a little more enjoyable.” TrainLCD lets you experience in-train displays right on your phone. It shows your current location and the next station, making it a perfect travel companion. Even your everyday commute can feel a bit more fun.
TopReader
This app transforms written text into spoken audio files. You can save audio in various formats, share it, create playlists, and customize playback speed and voice. It supports numerous languages and background playback.
- Text to audio synthesis
- Multiple audio file formats
- Audio sharing capabilities
- Playlist creation
- Adjustable playback speed and pitch
- Background playback
- Multi-language support
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"TopReader" is an application that converts the input text into an audio file. Its functions and features are ------------------------- - Synthesize text and play immediately. - Save audio to a file, select from three file formats: .wav, .m4a, and .caf (Apple Lossless). - Saved files can be shared via email, messages, AirDrop, NoteApp, etc. - Save entered text in library. - Playlist creation. The text registered in the library can be added to the playlist and automatically played back continuously. - Easily merge and save multiple text saved in the library for playback and creating a sound at once. - Voice switching, Siri can also be used. - The audio playback rate and pitch can be changed. - Supported languages are English, Japanese, Chinese, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Swedish, Russian, Portuguese, Korean, Vietnamese, Norwegian, Finnish, Indonesian, Greek and Thai. If you have a request, we will add more languages, so please contact us via the support email. ("Top Reader" top screen -> bottom (i) button -> tap "email") - Supports background playback. - Highlight the reading words. - Playback starts at the cursor position. - Repeat playback. - Dark mode support. ------------------------- Enjoy the best experience with a simple and intuitive interface. This free version "TopReader" displays the ad at the top of the screen. If you need the full screen version, please use "TopReader+". Terms of service http://zekoo2017.blog.fc2.com/blog-entry-4.html
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is ads: TrainLCD at none against TopReader's shown. TrainLCD also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 6 weeks) and monetization model (free vs ad-supported). On price, review sentiment, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
TrainLCD ships an update weekly, TopReader every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and August 30, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | TrainLCD | TopReader |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (2 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 70.0% of reviews — better | 65.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 2 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Weekly — better | Every 6 weeks |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free — better | Ad-supported |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 16.4 — better | 17.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 81 MB | 6 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Tsubasa SEKIGUCHI | MUTSUAKI KIKUCHI |
Customer experience
TrainLCD
TopReader
In-app purchases
TrainLCD
No in-app purchases
TopReader
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is TrainLCD free?
Is TopReader free?
Do TrainLCD or TopReader have ads?
Which is updated more often, TrainLCD or TopReader?
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