# DarkScreenReader vs THEAX

The clearest difference is ads: DarkScreenReader at none against THEAX's shown. THEAX's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 5 weeks) and iOS requirement (15.1 vs 17.0). On price, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. DarkScreenReader sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and THEAX sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $29.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

DarkScreenReader ships an update every 5 weeks, THEAX weekly. Both last shipped on October 31, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | DarkScreenReader | THEAX |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/darkscreenreader/id6790046139/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **1** | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 2 MB | 62 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **15.1** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [兴雨 蔡](https://appshunter.io/developer/6775318889) | [THEAX INC](https://appshunter.io/developer/6801903848) |

## What reviewers say

### DarkScreenReader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/darkscreenreader/id6790046139)

This tool allows discreet reading of local novel files by displaying text only in a small, user-defined area against a black screen. It mimics a locked phone to avoid drawing attention in public spaces. Features include customizable display, tap-to-hide functionality, and automatic page turning.

**Highlights:** Selected display area on black screen, Tap to hide/resume text, Automatic page turning, Swipe navigation, Customizable display area, Local file support

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| DarkScreenReader Pro LifeTime | $1.99 | one-time |


### THEAX

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/theax/id6801903846)

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Basic | $29.99 | per month |
| THEAX Pro | $46.99 | per month |
| THEAX Elite | $64.99 | per month |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is DarkScreenReader free?

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

### Is THEAX free?

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

### Do DarkScreenReader or THEAX have ads?

THEAX shows ads; DarkScreenReader does not.

### Which is updated more often, DarkScreenReader or THEAX?

DarkScreenReader ships an update every 5 weeks, and THEAX weekly. Most recently, DarkScreenReader was updated on October 31, 2026 and THEAX 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.*