# Hardcover - Reader — Your library, beautifully read

> Local-first reader for personal comic and ebook library management. (iPhone/iPad app by Steas Software.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hardcover-reader/id6802157187 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Steas Software](https://appshunter.io/developer/6788530525)
- Category: Books
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 5.00/5 from 8 App Store ratings · 5 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 17+
- Requires: iOS 17.0 · 19 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2026-09-02
- Data updated: 2026-09-20
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hardcover-reader/id6802157187/reviews.md

## What is Hardcover?

Hardcover - Reader is a private, local-first reader built for a library you control.

Import supported comic and ebook files, organize titles into collections, and continue reading across long chapters. Download authorized material for offline reading where supported.

The app starts with no content catalog or repository. Advanced users may manually connect a compatible HTTPS repository they choose. Before installing a plug-in, the app displays its developer, content rating, and requested network hosts. Repositories are never bundled, recommended, or installed automatically.

Features include:

• A fast library with collections, search, sorting, and unread counts
• Continuous vertical and paged comic reading, with pinch and double-tap zoom
• A dedicated text-novel reader with adjustable typography
• Previous- and next-chapter navigation and Continue Reading
• Save titles and choose collections directly from the reader
• CBZ, PDF, EPUB, and supported backup import
• Manual backup and restore
• Optional iCloud Sync for your library, collections, reading progress, history, and notes
• Optional app lock and Spotlight integration
• A one-time Remove Ads purchase

No Hardcover account is required. Your library is stored locally unless you choose to enable iCloud Sync, which uses your private iCloud database and requires the same Apple Account on your devices. Downloaded chapters, imported files, extension code, and logins do not sync.

Only import or access material you own or are authorized to use.

## Key features

- Local-first library management
- Organize titles into collections
- Continuous vertical and paged reading
- Seamless chapter navigation
- CBZ, PDF, EPUB import
- Offline reading support
- Reading history and bookmarks

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Ads | $4.99 | one-time |


## Recent user reviews (5 of 5)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hardcover-reader/id6802157187/reviews.md

### 5/5 — manga amateur

*2026-09-18*

I am new to manga but the app has made me an expert! I cannot get enough manga

### 5/5 — Great App! Would Recommend!

*2026-09-08*

I’ve been looking for a new way to read on my phone and this app is the way to go!

### 5/5 — Pretty gud

*2026-09-04*

Better than paperback. Isekai mode is pretty cool, excited for Ryan mode.

### 5/5 — Gets the job done!

*2026-09-04*

Best reader app out there. Friendly UI, and the ads are bearable. Also does not lag like the other reader app I USED to use. Hardcover is and has always been better than paperback books…

### 5/5 — Best app ever

*2026-09-04*

Genuinely amazing once its setup

## Frequently asked questions about Hardcover

### Does Hardcover have ads?

Yes, Hardcover contains advertisements. There is an option to remove ads with a one-time purchase.

### What file formats does Hardcover support?

Hardcover supports importing CBZ, PDF, and EPUB file formats for your comic and ebook library.

### Can I read books offline with Hardcover?

Yes, you can download authorized material for offline reading within Hardcover, ensuring access to your library anywhere.

### How is my reading progress saved in Hardcover?

Your reading progress, including bookmarks and history, is saved locally on your device, ensuring privacy and no account requirement.

### What devices is Hardcover available on?

Hardcover is currently available for iPhone and iPad devices.

### How often is Hardcover updated?

The latest version, 1.2, was released on September 4, 2026, indicating recent development activity.

### What is the age rating for Hardcover?

Hardcover has an age rating of 17+, suggesting mature content may be supported or handled by the user.

### Can I connect Hardcover to an online catalog?

Hardcover does not come with a content catalog. Advanced users can manually connect compatible HTTPS repositories they choose.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.4 — 2026-09-15

New in 1.4:

• Save titles to your library directly from the reader and choose their collections.
• Pinch or double-tap to zoom images in the vertical reader.
• Optional iCloud Sync merges your library, collections, reading progress, history, and notes across devices using the same Apple Account. Sync is off by default; downloaded files stay on each device.

### 1.3 — 2026-09-08

New in 1.3:

• Added text novel support with a dedicated reader and customizable typography.
• Improved iPad layouts and rotation behavior across the library, Explore, and reader.
• Added pause/resume and configurable parallel downloads, with keep-awake while downloading.
• Added clearer repository review and mature-content safeguards.
• Improved search, discovery, navigation, reader error recovery, and overall reliability.

### 1.2 — 2026-09-04

Updated the developer website and advertising-transparency information.

### 1.1 — 2026-09-03

New in 1.1:
• Improved search ranking and cover selection
• Customizable artwork for titles with missing covers
• More useful reading-history insights
• Better reader orientation behavior
• Secure repository-link review with explicit confirmation
• General reliability improvements

### 1.0 — 2026-09-02

No release notes.

## Apps similar to Hardcover

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Maryanne: Read ebook/PDF aloud](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/maryanne-read-ebookpdf-aloud/id6800393655) | — | Free | Books |
| [RookReader: Ebook & Audiobook](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rookreader-ebook-and-audiobook/id6811009670) | — | Free | Books |
| [SmartNovel: Alpha Romance](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smartnovel-alpha-romance/id6792257381) | — | Free | Books |
| [Audio Books & Stories](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/audio-books-and-stories/id6761924066) | — | Free | Books |
| [Rivly: Romance Books](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rivly-romance-books/id6800058676) | — | Free | Books |
| [Heartale-Books & Audiobooks](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/heartale-books-and-audiobooks/id6783594986) | — | Free | Books |

## More apps by Steas Software

- [CostMog](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/costmog/id6788530523)

All apps by Steas Software: https://appshunter.io/developer/6788530525

## Related topics

[hardcovers](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/hardcovers)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-20.*