# BrainMaxx vs ReadUp

The clearest difference is review sentiment: BrainMaxx at 86% against ReadUp's 50%. BrainMaxx also leads on rating (4.8 vs 4.4) and ratings volume (194 vs 11). ReadUp's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. BrainMaxx sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per 7 days and ReadUp sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $8.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

BrainMaxx holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: BrainMaxx has 194 ratings behind it against 11, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 86% of BrainMaxx's written reviews are positive against 50% of ReadUp's.

BrainMaxx ships an update weekly, ReadUp every 10 days. Both last shipped on October 31, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | BrainMaxx | ReadUp |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (194 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brainmaxx-screen-time-control/id6760669409/reviews)** | [4.4 (11 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/readup-read-for-screen-time/id6790545729/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **194** | 11 |
| Positive reviews | **85.7% of reviews** | 50.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 10 days |
| Monetization | Subscription | Subscription |
| Size | 170 MB | 54 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Juan Vizoso Prado](https://appshunter.io/developer/1868188557) | [Nedas Mikucionis](https://appshunter.io/developer/6790545731) |

## What reviewers say

### BrainMaxx

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brainmaxx-screen-time-control/id6760669409)

This app helps you regain control of your time and focus by blocking distracting applications and setting usage schedules. It features a unique visual representation of your screen time habits, encouraging healthier digital engagement and improved productivity.

**Highlights:** App blocking with custom schedules, Visual brain health indicator, Mindful break options, Screen time insights, Daily streaks for motivation, Habit-building features

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Weekly | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Subscription | $12.99 | per 7 days |
| Pro Yearly Offer | $29.99 | per year |
| Full Access | $29.99 | per year |
| Full Access | $34.99 | per year |
| Yearly Subscription | $44.99 | per year |
| Yearly Subscription | $59.99 | per year |
| Yearly Subscription | $59.99 | per year |
| Full Access | $69.99 | per year |


### ReadUp

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/readup-read-for-screen-time/id6790545729)

This app encourages reading by temporarily blocking distracting applications. Users set reading goals and unlock their apps only after completing their reading sessions, promoting focused engagement with content.

**Highlights:** Block distracting apps, Set reading goals, Unlock apps after reading, Curated book library, Focused reading experience, Track reading progress

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Full Access (Weekly) | $8.99 | per 7 days |
| Full Access (Discounted Yearly) | $24.99 | per year |
| Full Access (Yearly) | $39.99 | per year |
| Full Access (YearlyNT) | $49.99 | per year |
| Full Access (Yearly) | $50.00 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is BrainMaxx free?

BrainMaxx is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is ReadUp free?

ReadUp is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, BrainMaxx or ReadUp?

BrainMaxx is rated higher. BrainMaxx averages 4.8 out of 5 from 194 ratings, while ReadUp averages 4.4 from 11 ratings.

### Do BrainMaxx or ReadUp have ads?

BrainMaxx shows ads; ReadUp does not.

### Which is updated more often, BrainMaxx or ReadUp?

BrainMaxx ships an update weekly, and ReadUp every 10 days. Most recently, BrainMaxx was updated on October 31, 2026 and ReadUp on October 31, 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.*