# Chain vs Live Read

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Chain | Live Read |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.9 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/live-read/id6749649547/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **7** |
| Positive reviews | — | 83.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Size | 31 MB | 1 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.1 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [MBP Enterprises LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1757647426) | [Ryan Anetsberger](https://appshunter.io/developer/1831593027) |

## What reviewers say

### Chain

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chain-fi/id6738323591)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Live Read

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/live-read/id6749649547)

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.

**Highlights:** 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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Chain free?

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

### Is Live Read free?

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

### Do Chain or Live Read have ads?

Neither Chain nor Live Read shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Chain or Live Read?

Chain ships an update every 2 months, and Live Read every 2 weeks. Most recently, Chain was updated on October 15, 2026 and Live Read on October 15, 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.*