# ChatOnline vs ReadInstead

The clearest difference is device support: ReadInstead at 3 against ChatOnline's 1. ReadInstead also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.0). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. ChatOnline sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $9.99 per month and ReadInstead sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $7.19 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 8 days. The most recent releases landed on October 1, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ChatOnline | ReadInstead |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chatonline/id6474943807/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **3** | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 8 days | Every 8 days |
| Monetization | Freemium | — |
| Size | 28 MB | 67 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 17+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Kawaii](https://appshunter.io/developer/1696001381) | [Pavlo Kovalchuk](https://appshunter.io/developer/1886402664) |

## What reviewers say

### ChatOnline

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chatonline/id6474943807)

Engage in conversations with a variety of AI characters, from fantasy figures to helpful assistants. Explore different personalities and enjoy interactive chat experiences.

**Highlights:** Chat with AI characters, Fantasy character interactions, Helpful AI assistants, Riddle masters, Online chat platform

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ChatOnline Premium | $9.99 | per month |


### ReadInstead

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/readinstead/id6760823296)

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

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Monthly Sale 20 | $7.19 | per month |
| Pro Monthly Sale 15 | $7.59 | per month |
| Max Monthly Sale 20 | $11.99 | per month |
| Max Monthly Sale 15 | $12.49 | per month |
| ReadInstead Max | $14.99 | per month |
| Pro Annual Sale 20 | $71.99 | per year |
| Pro Annual Sale 15 | $76.00 | per year |
| Max Annual Sale 20 | $119.99 | per year |
| Max Annual Sale 15 | $126.99 | per year |
| ReadInstead Max (Annual) | $149.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ChatOnline free?

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

### Is ReadInstead free?

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

### Do ChatOnline or ReadInstead have ads?

Neither ChatOnline nor ReadInstead shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ChatOnline or ReadInstead?

ChatOnline ships an update every 8 days, and ReadInstead every 8 days. Most recently, ChatOnline was updated on October 1, 2026 and ReadInstead on September 28, 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.*