# the reader vs Lecto Phrase

The clearest difference is price: the reader at Free against Lecto Phrase's $34.99. the reader also leads on device support (3 vs 1). On update cadence, ads, in-app purchases and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

the reader is free to download; Lecto Phrase costs $34.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

the reader ships an update every 14 months, Lecto Phrase every 18 months. The most recent releases landed on September 18, 2026 and May 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | the reader | Lecto Phrase |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $34.99 |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-reader/id475858519/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **1** | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 14 months** | Every 18 months |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 6 MB | 25 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | 13.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [CROMBEZ Emmanuel](https://appshunter.io/developer/375656695) | [Domino (apps)](https://appshunter.io/developer/910245348) |

## What reviewers say

### the reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-reader/id475858519)

This app allows you to read custom text aloud to children. It's designed to engage young minds with personalized stories and content.

**Highlights:** Read custom text aloud, Personalized content, Child-friendly interface, Engaging for young learners

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Lecto Phrase

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lecto-phrase/id1542081161)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is the reader free?

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

### Is Lecto Phrase free?

Lecto Phrase costs $34.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Do the reader or Lecto Phrase have ads?

Neither the reader nor Lecto Phrase shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, the reader or Lecto Phrase?

the reader ships an update every 14 months, and Lecto Phrase every 18 months. Most recently, the reader was updated on September 18, 2026 and Lecto Phrase on May 19, 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.*