# ReadTime vs mekuru

The clearest difference is review sentiment: mekuru at 86% against ReadTime's 0%. mekuru also leads on update cadence (every 4 days vs monthly). ReadTime's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. mekuru sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. ReadTime asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReadTime ships an update monthly, mekuru every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 28, 2026 and October 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ReadTime | mekuru |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mekuru/id6792955764/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1** |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | **85.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 22 MB | 67 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **16.4** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Ryosuke Hayashi](https://appshunter.io/developer/1841602798) | [8ARMS, LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY](https://appshunter.io/developer/1823663836) |

## What reviewers say

### ReadTime

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/readtime-read-to-unlock-apps/id6790185992)

This app encourages reading by allowing users to earn timed access to other apps based on the time spent reading. It features a digital bookshelf, progress tracking, and helps reduce phone addiction by creating a tangible reward for reading.

**Highlights:** Track reading sessions with a timer, Earn coins for reading time, Trade coins for timed app access, Digital bookshelf and book tracker, Progress tracking and reading reports, Reduce phone addiction

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### mekuru

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mekuru/id6792955764)

Experience the quiet companionship of reading paper books with others. This app creates a shared, silent space where reader avatars turn pages and indicate presence without direct interaction. Track your reading time and collect virtual book covers.

**Highlights:** Guest access, no sign-up needed, Join open or invite-only reading rooms, Silent page-turning indicators, Personal reading time tracking, Customizable reader avatars, Unlockable book cover art

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Owner | $3.99 | per month |
| Owner (Annual) | $39.90 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ReadTime free?

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

### Is mekuru free?

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

### Do ReadTime or mekuru have ads?

Neither ReadTime nor mekuru shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ReadTime or mekuru?

ReadTime ships an update monthly, and mekuru every 4 days. Most recently, ReadTime was updated on October 28, 2026 and mekuru on October 29, 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.*