# Lightin vs Skim

The clearest difference is rating: Skim at 5.0 against Lightin's 3.7. Lightin's advantage is update cadence (every 5 days vs every 2 weeks) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 17.0). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Lightin sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month and Skim sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Skim holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 3 respectively.

Lightin ships an update every 5 days, Skim every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Lightin | Skim |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.7 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lightin/id6444041267/reviews) | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/skim-micro-learning-cards/id6764439998/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 3 | 3 |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 days** | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 40 MB | 10 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [RNOVEL PTE. LTD.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1630110740) | [DORUK SAVASAN](https://appshunter.io/developer/1895781498) |

## What reviewers say

### Lightin

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lightin/id6444041267)

Access condensed audio versions and podcasts of bestselling nonfiction books. Develop your career with key insights from management and leadership titles in minutes.

**Highlights:** Audio versions of books and podcasts, Professional narration and production, Key insights from nonfiction bestsellers, Management and leadership content, 3-day free trial, Multiple categories

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Subscription Fee Monthly | $0.99 | per month |
| Premium Monthly | $12.99 | per month |


### Skim

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/skim-micro-learning-cards/id6764439998)

Transform documents into bite-sized learning cards with AI. Choose from four learning modes, ask questions about terms, and track your progress. Ideal for students, researchers, and professionals.

**Highlights:** AI-generated learning cards, Multiple learning modes (Deep Understanding, ELI5, Memorize, Quick Review), Ask AI questions about document terms, Progress tracking (streak, mastery, accuracy), Supports PDF, Word, PowerPoint, text, and Markdown, No ads or data tracking

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Monthly | $6.99 | per month |
| Ultra Monthly | $13.99 | per month |
| Pro Annual | $69.99 | per year |
| Ultra Annual | $139.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Lightin free?

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

### Is Skim free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Lightin or Skim?

Skim is rated higher. Lightin averages 3.7 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while Skim averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.

### Do Lightin or Skim have ads?

Neither Lightin nor Skim shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Lightin or Skim?

Lightin ships an update every 5 days, and Skim every 2 weeks. Most recently, Lightin was updated on October 15, 2026 and Skim 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.*