# Light Detector vs Live Read

The clearest difference is update cadence: Live Read at every 2 weeks against Light Detector's every 12 months. Live Read also leads on rating (4.9 vs 4.5). Light Detector's advantage is iOS requirement (7.0 vs 15.0). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Live Read holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 8 and 7 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 82% of Light Detector's written reviews are positive against 83% of Live Read's.

Light Detector ships an update every 12 months, Live Read every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 17, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Light Detector | Live Read |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/light-detector/id420929143/reviews) | **[4.9 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/live-read/id6749649547/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **8** | 7 |
| Positive reviews | 81.6% of reviews | **83.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 12 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 1 MB | 1 MB |
| Requires iOS | **7.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Retina Italia Onlus](https://appshunter.io/developer/1450163371) | [Ryan Anetsberger](https://appshunter.io/developer/1831593027) |

## What reviewers say

### Light Detector

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/light-detector/id420929143)

This utility app converts light intensity into sound, allowing users to perceive their surroundings through audio cues. Point your device's camera at any light source to hear variations in pitch based on brightness. It's designed to assist users, particularly those who are blind, in navigating and understanding their environment.

**Highlights:** Converts light to sound, Adjusts sound pitch by light intensity, Assists visually impaired users, Easy to use camera interface, Portable environmental awareness tool

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### 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 Light Detector free?

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

### Is Live Read free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Light Detector or Live Read?

Live Read is rated higher. Light Detector averages 4.5 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while Live Read averages 4.9 from 7 ratings.

### Do Light Detector or Live Read have ads?

Neither Light Detector nor Live Read shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Light Detector or Live Read?

Light Detector ships an update every 12 months, and Live Read every 2 weeks. Most recently, Light Detector was updated on October 17, 2026 and Live Read on October 15, 2026.

---

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