Comparison

SmbReader vs ShelfStream

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

SmbReader

Features
Read full description

This is manga viewer app featured by streaming. Supported manga formats - Zip Supported streaming protocols - Samba (Windows Network) - Web (HTTP) Feature list - Samba - Detect server automatically - List file with thumbnail - Filter file by name - Rename file - Delete file - Web - Browse web page - Go back - Go forward - Viewer - Bottom thumbnail - Change page by single tap - Change page by double tap - Reading history - List file with thumbnail The manga used in the screenshot is below. [Title] Give My Regards to Black Jack [Author] SHUHO SATO [Site Title] Manga on Web [Site URL] http://mangaonweb.com

About

ShelfStream

This app is a powerful comic and manga viewer that supports a wide range of file formats and cloud storage services. It offers a premium reading experience with intelligent prefetching and multiple viewing modes, along with easy library management.

Highlights
  • Cloud storage integration (iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive, Box)
  • NAS and server connection (SMB, WebDAV, FTP/SFTP)
  • Zero load time prefetching
  • Multiple reading modes (single, spread, vertical scroll)
  • Support for ZIP, CBZ, RAR, CBR, PDF, 7z
  • Library organization and bookmarks
Features
Read full description

【The Ultimate Comic & Manga Viewer】 ShelfStream is the next-generation viewer designed for comic enthusiasts who want the best reading experience for their scanned ebook and comic collection. ■ Cloud Storage Support (Premium) • Works with iCloud Drive, Dropbox, Google Drive, and Box • Read your files where they are, without copying them to your device ■ NAS & Server Connection (Premium) • SMB, WebDAV, FTP/SFTP protocols supported • Open books on your home server without copying them • Handle massive libraries effortlessly ■ Comfortable Reading Experience • ZIP/CBZ files prefetch page by page, so you can start reading without waiting for the whole file (RAR/CBR/7z/PDF are retrieved in full before display) • 7 reading styles (single page, two-page spread, vertical scroll (Webtoon), and more) • Right-to-left and left-to-right reading support • Save display settings per book and series ("Apply to Series" for batch setup) • Set the fit method separately for portrait/landscape, plus a landscape layout option ■ Extensive Format Support • ZIP, CBZ, RAR, CBR, PDF, 7z compatible • Image files (JPEG, PNG, WebP) ■ Easy Library Management • Organize by series • Bookmarks and reading history (reading position is stored on this device) • Intuitive library controls ■ Pricing • Free: local file reading, all 7 reading styles, series management, bookmarks • ShelfStream Premium: cloud and NAS connections with streaming  Monthly plan (1 month, auto-renewing) US$0.49 / Yearly plan (1 year, auto-renewing) US$5.99  Both include a 7-day free trial • No ads, including on the free plan Subscriptions renew automatically unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. You can manage or cancel your subscription in your App Store account settings. The ultimate viewer for digital comic collectors. Start free today. --- Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://shelfstream.remosia.biz/privacy/

Screenshots

SmbReader3 screens
ShelfStream4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: SmbReader at none against ShelfStream's 2. SmbReader also leads on iOS requirement (8.0 vs 17.0). ShelfStream's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 7 months). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. ShelfStream sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.49 per month. SmbReader asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

SmbReader ships an update every 7 months, ShelfStream weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 2, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
SmbReader versus ShelfStream: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSmbReaderShelfStream
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (2 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—2 — better
Update frequencyEvery 7 monthsWeekly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Free with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS8.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size19 MB19 MB
Age rating17+4+
Developerkoji12000株式会社リモシア

In-app purchases

None

SmbReader

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

ShelfStream

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly Plan7 Days trial$0.491 Month
  • Yearly Plan7 Days trial$5.991 Year

Questions

Is SmbReader free?
SmbReader is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is ShelfStream free?
ShelfStream is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do SmbReader or ShelfStream have ads?
Neither SmbReader nor ShelfStream shows ads.
Which is updated more often, SmbReader or ShelfStream?
SmbReader ships an update every 7 months, and ShelfStream weekly. Most recently, SmbReader was updated on October 7, 2026 and ShelfStream on October 2, 2026.

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