Chain vs Live Read
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Chain
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A two-factor authentication (2FA) app serves as an additional security layer, enhancing protection by requiring users to confirm operations through QR code scanning.
Live Read
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.
- 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
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Live Read turns your camera into a personal reading companion. It instantly finds printed text and speaks it aloud, giving people with visual impairments an easy way to read independently. No setup, no clutter. Read anything around you From mail and books to signs, menus, and labels, Live Read makes everyday reading effortless at home or on the go. Designed for accessibility Every part of Live Read is built for ease of use. Just open the app, point the camera, and it starts reading automatically. Tap anywhere to stop or reset, or swipe to move between lines. Turning on VoiceOver will replace the swipe gestures with buttons. Features • Automatic reading: Text is detected and spoken aloud in real time. • Tap or swipe control: Tap to stop or reset. Swipe left to repeat a line or right to skip ahead a line of text. • Customizable speech: Choose from natural Apple voices and adjust speaking speed. • Works offline: Reads instantly without an internet connection. • Multi-language support: Recognizes printed text in 50+ languages. • Private and secure: Live Read never saves or sends anything you scan. All processing happens instantly and entirely on your device. Disclaimer: Live Read is not a medical device. Text recognition results may not always be accurate or complete. Please use your own judgment and verify information when needed. Testimonial "I am using it on my phone now. It works amazing! And I'm reading an Irish bagpipe music book so the words are unusual and the computer is getting it pretty much right on." - Vision Piping
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: Live Read at every 2 weeks against Chain's every 2 months. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support 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
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Chain ships an update every 2 months, Live Read every 2 weeks. Both last shipped on October 15, 2026.
| Parameter | Chain | Live Read |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | 4.9 (7 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | — | 83.3% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | — | 7 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 2 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.1 | 15.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 31 MB | 1 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | MBP Enterprises LTD | Ryan Anetsberger |
In-app purchases
Chain
No in-app purchases
Live Read
No in-app purchases
