Comparison

Librivox vs FastRead

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Librivox

Access over 7,000 human-read audiobooks, with synchronized text for read-along functionality. Browse by narrator and enjoy a polished reading experience with full remote control. This paid version offers an ad-free, no-purchase-required experience.

Highlights
  • 7000+ human-read audiobooks
  • Synchronized audio and text
  • Browse by reader
  • Full remote control
  • Sophisticated book reader
  • Ad-free experience
Features
Read full description

Live, with last-minute updates, from LibriVox's database. 7000+ human-read audiobooks. Free! Including audiobooks that have been painstakingly cut, edited and marketing statements removed. This PAID version requires no additional purchase. Read-along: Audio and Text are synchronized. You can read, listen, or read-Along, and switch between them at will. Have Favorite Readers? Browse by reader's name. Find all books narrated by your favorite readers. Relax to enjoy a story: Full remote control through headset. Finish an entire book with your device safely in your pocket. In the mood to read a bit? Text is presented by a sophisticated book reader: beautiful presentation, graceful page turning. * This PAID version has No in-app purchase, absolutely no additional purchase required, No ad display. For a FREE version please download our "LibriVox Free Audiobooks". Both apps have the same contents.

About

FastRead

Features
Read full description

FastRead is a speed reading trainer built to help you practice the skills behind faster, more focused reading. Follow a structured 30-day program that gradually increases your reading pace from 275 WPM toward 450 WPM. Each day combines practical exercises designed to reduce word-by-word reading, widen your visual span, and build confidence at higher speeds. What you can practice: - Eye-span widening drills to train peripheral vision - Speed reading sessions that show text at a controlled WPM - Chunk reading exercises that help you absorb word groups at once - Guided tracking with a moving point to keep your eyes moving forward - Comprehension checks after reading practice - Quick practice sessions outside your daily program - Progress stats, average WPM, streaks, completed exercises, and practice time - Daily reminders so training becomes a habit FastRead is designed for short, focused sessions. Open the app, complete your daily exercises, and track your progress as your reading rhythm improves. If you want to read faster without losing focus, FastRead gives you a simple training path you can follow every day. Subscription information: - FastRead Premium subscriptions renew automatically unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. - Payment is charged to your Apple ID account after purchase confirmation. - Your account may be charged for renewal within 24 hours before the end of the current period. - You can manage or cancel your subscription in App Store account settings. - Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ - Privacy Policy: https://berenkudaygorun.com/readme/files/gp/fastread/index.html

Screenshots

Librivox4 screens
FastRead4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: FastRead at Free against Librivox's $2.99. Librivox's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 4 months). On ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

FastRead is free to download; Librivox costs $2.99 up front. FastRead sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days. Librivox asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Librivox ships an update every 2 months, FastRead every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on October 5, 2026 and September 26, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Librivox versus FastRead: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterLibrivoxFastRead
Price$2.99Free — better
Rating3.9 (7 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews53.3% of reviews—
Number of ratings7 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 months — betterEvery 4 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaid—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.015.0
Further details — not scored
Size18 MB52 MB
Age rating12+4+
Developerhimalaya-softHatice GORUN

In-app purchases

None

Librivox

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

FastRead

Subscriptions2
  • FastRead$0.997 Days
  • FastRead3 Days trial$6.991 Year

Questions

Is Librivox free?
Librivox costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is FastRead free?
FastRead is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Librivox or FastRead have ads?
Neither Librivox nor FastRead shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Librivox or FastRead?
Librivox ships an update every 2 months, and FastRead every 4 months. Most recently, Librivox was updated on October 5, 2026 and FastRead on September 26, 2026.

Other comparisons