# MBraille vs Live Read

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Live Read at none against MBraille's 5. Live Read also leads on review sentiment (83% vs 70%). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. MBraille sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Live Read asks for nothing beyond the download.

MBraille ships an update every 3 weeks, Live Read every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 18, 2026 and September 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | MBraille | Live Read |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.9 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/live-read/id6749649547/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **7** |
| Positive reviews | 70.0% of reviews | **83.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 123 MB | 1 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [MPaja](https://appshunter.io/developer/437207891) | [Ryan Anetsberger](https://appshunter.io/developer/1831593027) |

## What reviewers say

### MBraille

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mbraille/id639199558)

This app provides a mobile braille keyboard for typing, editing, and sending messages. It offers extensive braille support for various languages and allows interaction with other applications, making mobile devices more accessible.

**Highlights:** Mobile braille keyboard, Type, edit, and send messages, Support for contracted and uncontracted braille, Call contacts and send emails, Facebook status updates and calendar entries, Internet search queries, Third-party application interaction

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

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| MBraille Monthly | $1.99 | per month |
| MBraille Yearly | $19.99 | per year |
| MBraille Keyboard | $9.99 | one-time |
| MBraille Documents and Keyboard | $14.99 | one-time |
| MBraille Full Version | $39.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and efficient text entry
- 👍 Supports contracted braille (Grade 2)
- 💡 Advanced features like spell checking and aliases
- 👍 Seamless integration with other apps
- 👍 Developer actively updates and supports the app

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Recent updates cause subscription prompts for full version owners
- 🐛 Inconsistent behavior after iOS updates
- 🐛 Some users find the app difficult to use
- 🐛 High price for full version/add-ons
- 🐛 Help function links not working

**Reported bugs**

- Subscription prompt for full version owners after update
- App not working smoothly since iOS 26 update
- Restore purchase not finding previous full version purchases
- Multiple exclamation marks problem
- Third-party MBraille Keyboard from within apps not working

**Requested features**

- Bring back working third-party MBraille Keyboard from within apps
- Fix multiple exclamation marks problem
- Lower the full price to about five dollars at the maximum
- Fix beeps to clicks for key presses
- Add sound similar to brailler embossing head for blank line command


### 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 MBraille free?

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

### Is Live Read free?

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

### Do MBraille or Live Read have ads?

Neither MBraille nor Live Read shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, MBraille or Live Read?

MBraille ships an update every 3 weeks, and Live Read every 2 weeks. Most recently, MBraille was updated on September 18, 2026 and Live Read on September 10, 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.*