# ReadInstead vs Piktube

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Piktube at none against ReadInstead's 10. ReadInstead's advantage is update cadence (every 8 days vs every 2 months) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. ReadInstead sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $7.19 per month. Piktube asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReadInstead ships an update every 8 days, Piktube every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ReadInstead | Piktube |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[1.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/piktube/id6770615131/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **2** |
| Positive reviews | — | 37.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 8 days** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | — | Freemium |
| Size | 67 MB | 54 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Pavlo Kovalchuk](https://appshunter.io/developer/1886402664) | [Chetan Kumrawat](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896757812) |

## What reviewers say

### ReadInstead

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/readinstead/id6760823296)

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

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Monthly Sale 20 | $7.19 | per month |
| Pro Monthly Sale 15 | $7.59 | per month |
| Max Monthly Sale 20 | $11.99 | per month |
| Max Monthly Sale 15 | $12.49 | per month |
| ReadInstead Max | $14.99 | per month |
| Pro Annual Sale 20 | $71.99 | per year |
| Pro Annual Sale 15 | $76.00 | per year |
| Max Annual Sale 20 | $119.99 | per year |
| Max Annual Sale 15 | $126.99 | per year |
| ReadInstead Max (Annual) | $149.99 | per year |


### Piktube

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/piktube/id6770615131)

This app is a robust video player for online links and stream URLs. It offers advanced playback controls, subtitle support, and a modern interface for a seamless viewing experience. Enjoy smooth HD playback and stream smarter with premium features.

**Highlights:** Play video URLs instantly, Support for MP4, M3U8, HLS, and live streams, Smooth HD and fullscreen playback, Multiple audio track switching, Subtitle and language support, Playback speed controls

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ReadInstead free?

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

### Is Piktube free?

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

### Do ReadInstead or Piktube have ads?

Neither ReadInstead nor Piktube shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ReadInstead or Piktube?

ReadInstead ships an update every 8 days, and Piktube every 2 months. Most recently, ReadInstead was updated on October 14, 2026 and Piktube on October 8, 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.*