# Text Reader vs Understudy

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Understudy at none against Text Reader's 22. Understudy also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 3 weeks). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Text Reader sells 22 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days. Understudy asks for nothing beyond the download.

Text Reader ships an update every 3 weeks, Understudy weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 10, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Text Reader | Understudy |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.2 (109 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/text-reader-text-to-speech/id1632901543/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **109** | — |
| Positive reviews | 63.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 128 MB | 48 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.6** | 17.6 |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Torapp](https://appshunter.io/developer/1825316615) | [Christopher Walsh](https://appshunter.io/developer/1745819079) |

## What reviewers say

### Text Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/text-reader-text-to-speech/id1632901543)

This AI-powered app converts any written text into natural-sounding speech. Listen to books, articles, or documents on the go, making content consumption more accessible and convenient. It's ideal for multitasking or for those who prefer auditory learning.

**Highlights:** AI-powered text to speech conversion, Reads aloud any text, document, or book, Built-in screen reader functionality, Supports English and over 40 languages, Adjustable reading speed control, Scans and reads text quickly

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (22)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 300 Minutes (2 Dollar Weekly) | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| 300 Minutes (5 Dollar Weekly) | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| 300 Minutes (Monthly) 1.5x | $4.99 | per month |
| 300 Minutes (Monthly) | $4.99 | per month |
| 300 Minutes (Weekly) | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| 300 Minutes (6 Dollar Weekly) | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| 300 Minutes (7 Dollar Weekly) | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| 300 Minutes (Monthly) 0.75x | $7.49 | per month |
| 300 minutes/month (Monthly) | $9.99 | per month |
| 300 Minutes (Weekly) | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| 300 Minutes (Monthly) 1.5x | $14.99 | per month |
| 3000 Minutes (Monthly) | $24.99 | per month |
| 2400 Minutes (Monthly) | $24.99 | per month |
| 300m per week (30 USD Yearly) | $29.99 | per year |
| 300 minutes/month (Yearly) | $29.99 | per year |
| 300 Minutes (Yearly) | $29.99 | per year |
| 300 Minutes per week (Yearly) | $29.99 | per year |
| 300 minutes/month (Yearly) | $44.99 | per year |
| 300 minutes/month (Yearly) | $59.99 | per year |
| 300m per week (60 USD Yearly) | $59.99 | per year |
| 300 minutes/month (Yearly) | $59.99 | per year |
| 300 Minutes per week (Yearly) | $59.99 | per year |


### Understudy

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/understudy/id6747321976)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Text Reader free?

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

### Is Understudy free?

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

### Do Text Reader or Understudy have ads?

Neither Text Reader nor Understudy shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Text Reader or Understudy?

Text Reader ships an update every 3 weeks, and Understudy weekly. Most recently, Text Reader was updated on October 10, 2026 and Understudy on October 7, 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.*