# ELM vs KeyReader

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: ELM at none against KeyReader's 3. ELM also leads on iOS requirement (16.6 vs 18.0). KeyReader's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 15 months). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. KeyReader sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. ELM asks for nothing beyond the download.

ELM ships an update every 15 months, KeyReader every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ELM | KeyReader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 15 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Size | 43 MB | 7 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.6** | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Stacks Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1275752393) | [Oleg Strigunov](https://appshunter.io/developer/1705947979) |

## What reviewers say

### ELM

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/elm-jordan/id6464537407)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### KeyReader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/keyreader/id6762510058)

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlimited Reading | $2.99 | per month |
| Unlimited Reading | $19.99 | per year |
| Unlimited Reading | $49.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ELM free?

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

### Is KeyReader free?

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

### Do ELM or KeyReader have ads?

Neither ELM nor KeyReader shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ELM or KeyReader?

ELM ships an update every 15 months, and KeyReader every 3 weeks. Most recently, ELM was updated on October 16, 2026 and KeyReader 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.*