# Read Live vs Storybird

The clearest difference is rating: Read Live at 5.0 against Storybird's 3.5. Read Live also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 7). Storybird's advantage is ratings volume (16 vs 1) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 4 months). On price, ads and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Storybird sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Read Live asks for nothing beyond the download.

Read Live holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Storybird has 16 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 29% of Read Live's written reviews are positive against 38% of Storybird's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Read Live ships an update every 4 months, Storybird every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Read Live | Storybird |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/read-live/id821028327/reviews)** | [3.5 (16 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/storybird/id1461691231/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **16** |
| Positive reviews | 28.6% of reviews | **37.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Freemium |
| Size | 11 MB | 10 MB |
| Requires iOS | 14.3 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Read Naturally, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/465317542) | [TGM EMPLOYCO LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1690299832) |

## What reviewers say

### Read Live

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/read-live/id821028327)

This app provides a structured, audio-supported system to improve reading fluency, phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension for learners of all ages. It offers access to four distinct curriculum options, including support for Spanish readers, and tracks student progress across devices. A Read Live account is required to use the program.

**Highlights:** Four curriculum options, Audio-supported system, Develops reading fluency, Improves comprehension, Tracks student progress, Spanish reading support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Storybird

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/storybird/id1461691231)

Create visual stories using curated artwork from global illustrators. Access writing lessons, prompts, and various formats to craft comics, picture books, and more. Publish your work for feedback and even print your creations into physical books.

**Highlights:** Visual storytelling with curated artwork, Writing lessons and prompts, Multiple writing formats (comics, books, poetry), Global writing community, Expert feedback on submissions, Printable book creation

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Storybird Monthly Subscription | $4.99 | per month |
| Storybird Monthly Membership | $4.99 | per month |
| Storybird Annual Membership | $29.99 | per year |
| Storybird Yearly Membership | $29.99 | per year |
| 1 Review Ticket | $0.99 | one-time |
| 5 Review Tickets | $3.99 | one-time |
| 10 Review Tickets | $5.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Read Live free?

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

### Is Storybird free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Read Live or Storybird?

Read Live is rated higher. Read Live averages 5.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Storybird averages 3.5 from 16 ratings.

### Do Read Live or Storybird have ads?

Neither Read Live nor Storybird shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Read Live or Storybird?

Read Live ships an update every 4 months, and Storybird every 2 months. Most recently, Read Live was updated on November 1, 2026 and Storybird on November 3, 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.*