Comparison

Big Reader vs HackLens

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

Head to head
About

Big Reader

Features
Read full description

Big Reader turns any text into clear, natural speech with one tap. Designed from the ground up for accessibility, it's the perfect companion for users with visual impairments, autism spectrum needs, reading difficulties, or anyone who simply prefers listening. SIMPLE & CALMING DESIGN - Clean, distraction-free interface - No overwhelming menus or complicated settings - Large, easy-to-find buttons - Predictable, consistent layout - Gentle visual feedback ACCESSIBILITY FIRST Big Reader was built specifically for: - Low vision and blind users - Autism spectrum users who prefer auditory learning - Users with dyslexia or reading difficulties - Seniors who want larger text and simpler interfaces - Anyone with motor difficulties needing large touch targets HOW IT WORKS - Copy any text from emails, websites, documents, or messages - Open Big Reader - your text appears automatically - Tap the big green Read button - Listen and relax ACCESSIBILITY THEMES (PRO) Carefully designed color combinations for different visual needs: - High Contrast themes for low vision - Calm, muted themes for sensory sensitivity - Warm tones to reduce eye strain - Dark modes for light sensitivity - 5 text size options from comfortable to extra large WORD-BY-WORD HIGHLIGHTING (PRO) Follow along as text is read aloud. Each word highlights in real-time, helping with: - Focus and attention - Reading comprehension - Learning and studying - Following complex text AI SUMMARIZE (PRO) Powered by Apple Intelligence, instantly summarize long articles and documents. Perfect when you need the key points without reading everything. HANDS-FREE WITH SIRI & SHORTCUTS - "Hey Siri, read with Big Reader" - Back Tap activation (double-tap iPhone back) - Control Center quick access - Action Button support (iPhone 15 Pro and later) - Home Screen widget for one-tap reading READING HISTORY Never lose important text. Your recent readings are saved locally on your device for easy access. Clear anytime for privacy. PRIVACY FOCUSED No data collection whatsoever No tracking or analytics No ads, ever All processing happens on your device Your text stays completely private NATURAL VOICES Uses Apple's high-quality text-to-speech with: - Multiple voice options - Adjustable speaking speed - Clear pronunciation - Support for multiple languages PERFECT FOR - Checking emails while cooking or exercising - Listening to articles during commutes - Proofreading your own writing - Studying and learning - Reducing screen time while staying informed - Making any text accessible FROM YOUAPPS.CO Big Reader is part of our accessibility-first app family, designed by developers who understand the importance of inclusive design. Every feature is thoughtfully crafted to be usable by everyone. Download Big Reader today and experience text in a whole new way. Privacy Policy: http://www.youapps.co/bigreader-privacy-policy.html This app uses the Standard Apple End User License Agreement (EULA). Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

HackLens

Features
Read full description

HackLens is the best way to browse, read, and follow Hacker News on mobile. Enjoy a clean, modern, and fast interface built for reading and discovering the latest in tech. Key Features: Clean and modern UI Read full stories or generate AI-powered summaries Search stories View trending stories from the last 1h, 6h, or 24h Bookmark stories to read later Appearance settings: light/dark mode + adjustable font size Follow topics you care about Get notifications when your topics have new stories Sync bookmarks, topics, and appearance settings across devices Whether you're a developer, creator, designer, or tech enthusiast, HackLens keeps you updated with the stories that matter. A better way to explore Hacker News โ€” wherever you are.

Screenshots

Big Reader4 screens
HackLens4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: HackLens at none against Big Reader's 2. HackLens also leads on iOS requirement (15.1 vs 17). Big Reader's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs monthly). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

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

CostPrice ยท In-app purchases ยท Ads ยท Monetization

Both are free to download. Big Reader sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. HackLens asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Big Reader ships an update every 2 weeks, HackLens monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 9, 2026 and October 14, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences ยท 3 level
Big Reader versus HackLens: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBig ReaderHackLens
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeks โ€” betterMonthly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo โ€” better
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod โ€” better
Requires iOS1715.1 โ€” better
Further details โ€” not scored
Size16 MB33 MB
Age rating4+12+
DeveloperHassan HattabAzz-eddine BERRAMOU

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Big Reader

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly Subscription$1.991 Month
  • Yearly Subscription$19.991 Year
None

HackLens

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Big Reader free?
Big Reader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is HackLens free?
HackLens is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Big Reader or HackLens have ads?
Neither Big Reader nor HackLens shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Big Reader or HackLens?
Big Reader ships an update every 2 weeks, and HackLens monthly. Most recently, Big Reader was updated on October 9, 2026 and HackLens on October 14, 2026.

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