Comparison

ReadBack vs Text to Speech

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

Head to head
About

ReadBack

This application converts documents like PDFs and Word files into natural-sounding speech. It's designed for users who need to listen to written content, offering lifelike voices and background playback for multitasking. Your files are processed and stored locally for enhanced privacy.

Highlights
  • Reads documents aloud (PDF, Word, EPUB)
  • Lifelike, comfortable voices
  • Background playback for multitasking
  • Unlimited audio replays
  • Local file processing for privacy
  • Pay-as-you-go credits or subscriptions
Features
Read full description

ReadBack is a powerful, easy-to-use text-to-speech app built for writers, students, and professionals. Import your Word docs, PDFs, EPUBs, text files, or notes and let ReadBack read them aloud in voices designed to stay smooth and comfortable for long listening. Whether you’re proofreading chapters, reviewing lecture notes, or catching up on research during your commute, ReadBack makes it easy to keep up with your reading. Why people love ReadBack: - It reads real documents, from start to finish (yes, even full manuscripts) - Lifelike voices designed for hours of listening. - Plays in the background so you can multitask. - Unlimited replays of generated audio. - Great for catching awkward sentences, studying on the go, or giving your eyes a break. Privacy comes first: Your files are yours. After processing documents into audio, ReadBack doesn’t store your content on its servers. All of your documents and document audio live on your device only. Perfect for drafts, sensitive notes, or research. Subscriptions & Credits: Choose the plan that works best for you. ReadBack's subscriptions offer the best value for frequent listeners. But, for infrequent or irregular listening, try pay-as-you-go credits. They never expire. Why wait? Join writers, students, and professionals already using ReadBack to polish your work, focus better, and save time. Terms of use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

Text to Speech

This app converts text from various sources into natural-sounding speech. It offers premium AI voices, background playback, and offline listening, making reading accessible and effortless for everyone.

Highlights
  • Convert articles, PDFs, and web pages to speech
  • Import content from other apps
  • Premium AI voices with adjustable speed and pitch
  • Background playback
  • Offline listening
  • Ideal for dyslexia and visual impairments
Features
Read full description

MonReader transforms any text into natural-sounding speech, making reading effortless and accessible for everyone. LISTEN TO ANYTHING - Convert articles, PDFs, documents, and web pages to speech - Import content from your favorite apps and websites - Paste text directly or use the share extension PREMIUM AI VOICES - Choose from multiple high-quality, natural-sounding voices - Adjust speed and pitch to your preference - Multiple voice styles and accents available LISTEN ANYWHERE - Background playback - keep listening while using other apps - Works offline after content is loaded - Perfect for commutes, workouts, or multitasking ACCESSIBILITY FIRST - Ideal for people with dyslexia, visual impairments, or reading difficulties - Reduce eye strain by listening instead of reading - Learn languages by hearing proper pronunciation Whether you want to consume more content, reduce screen time, or make reading more accessible, MonReader is your personal text-to-speech companion. Download now and start listening! Privacy Policy: https://monreader.app/privacy Terms of Service: https://monreader.app/terms

Screenshots

ReadBack4 screens
Text to Speech4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ratings volume: ReadBack at 10 against Text to Speech's 1. Text to Speech's advantage is iOS requirement (15.5 vs 18.0). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases 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

Both are free to download. ReadBack sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month and Text to Speech sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for ReadBack against 5.0 for Text to Speech. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ReadBack has 10 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
ReadBack versus Text to Speech: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterReadBackText to Speech
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (10 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings)
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings10 — better1
Update frequencyFortnightly—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS18.015.5 — better
Further details — not scored
Size43 MB156 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperTrent GuilloryUKGADGETS LTD

Customer experience

ReadBack

All ratings10 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews4 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Text to Speech

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

7 purchases

ReadBack

Subscriptions4
  • ReadBack Plus$4.991 Month
  • ReadBack Pro$9.991 Month
  • ReadBack Plus7 Days trial$47.991 Year
Show 1 more
  • ReadBack Pro$95.991 Year
One-time3
  • 1 Hour Credit$0.99
  • 5 Hour Credit$4.49
  • 10 Hour Credit$7.49
2 purchases

Text to Speech

Subscriptions2
  • MonReader Pro (Weekly)3 Days trial$1.997 Days
  • MonReader Pro (Annual)$12.991 Year

Questions

Is ReadBack free?
ReadBack is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Text to Speech free?
Text to Speech is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, ReadBack or Text to Speech?
ReadBack and Text to Speech are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 10 and 1 ratings respectively.
Do ReadBack or Text to Speech have ads?
Neither ReadBack nor Text to Speech shows ads.

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