# Panels vs TaqReader

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: TaqReader at none against Panels's 5. TaqReader also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). Panels's advantage is rating (4.8 vs 4.4) and update cadence (every 8 days vs every 6 weeks). On price, ads, chart position and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Panels sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $1.49 per month. TaqReader asks for nothing beyond the download.

Panels holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Panels has 12K ratings behind it against 1K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 70% of Panels's written reviews are positive against 59% of TaqReader's.

Panels ships an update every 8 days, TaqReader every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Panels | TaqReader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (12K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/panels-comic-reader/id1236567663/reviews)** | [4.4 (1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/taqreader/id1499478323/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **12K** | 1K |
| Positive reviews | **70.2% of reviews** | 58.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 8 days** | Every 6 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | #166 | **#88** |
| Size | 165 MB | 71 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Produkt Studio](https://appshunter.io/developer/1236567662) | [Madan Ali Abu Hayzah](https://appshunter.io/developer/1463413369) |

## What reviewers say

### Panels

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/panels-comic-reader/id1236567663)

**Currently charting:** #166 Top Free · Book (US App Store)

Enhance your comic and manga reading with a clean, customizable interface. Enjoy universal file compatibility, cross-device syncing, and advanced reading presets. Organize your library, secure your content, and import from various cloud services and local networks.

**Highlights:** Universal file compatibility (CBR, CBZ, PDF, ePUB), Cross-device reading progress sync, iCloud Drive integration, Customizable reading presets, Right-to-left reading for manga, OPDS server support, Content security with password/Face ID

**Features:** Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Panels+ Monthly | $1.49 | per month |
| Panels+ Yearly | $14.99 | per year |
| Panels 3 Upgrade | $9.99 | one-time |
| Panels 2 | $19.99 | one-time |
| Panels 3 | $19.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Smooth and responsive
- 👍 Clean and modern UI
- 💡 Useful features like panel view and vertical scrolling
- 🔒 No ads in paid version
- 👍 Good import and organization options

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes and bugs
- 🔒 Useful features locked behind paywall
- 🔒 Subscription model instead of one-time purchase
- 🐛 Issues with page navigation and zoom
- 🐛 Problems with reading right-to-left content

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes when opening large files
- Issues with page order and navigation
- Problems with zooming and scrolling
- Syncing and importing bugs
- Compatibility issues with older devices

**Requested features**

- Ability to create sub-folders and nested collections
- Automatic sorting and organization of comics
- Option to lock reading direction
- Double-tap to zoom functionality
- Progress tracking and bookmarking features


### TaqReader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/taqreader/id1499478323)

**Currently charting:** #88 Top Free · Book (US App Store)

This application allows users to download and read EPUB files directly from web links. It offers a straightforward and efficient reading experience for digital books.

**Highlights:** EPUB reader, Download from links, Fast performance, Reliable functionality, Free to use

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 📚 Enjoyable reading experience
- 💰 Affordable book prices
- 🗂️ Convenient book organization
- 🤖 Helpful in-app commands

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes and stability issues
- 🖥️ Suboptimal iPad/iOS experience
- 🌙 Lack of dark mode
- 📝 Limited annotation/highlighting tools

**Reported bugs**

- Frequent app crashes
- Audiobook playback issues
- Inconsistent page/progress tracking
- Subscription/purchase problems

**Requested features**

- Add dark mode option
- Improve iPad/iOS compatibility and features
- Implement annotation and highlighting tools
- Add custom folder organization for books


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Panels free?

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

### Is TaqReader free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Panels or TaqReader?

Panels is rated higher. Panels averages 4.8 out of 5 from 12K ratings, while TaqReader averages 4.4 from 1K ratings.

### Do Panels or TaqReader have ads?

Neither Panels nor TaqReader shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Panels or TaqReader?

Panels ships an update every 8 days, and TaqReader every 6 weeks. Most recently, Panels was updated on October 13, 2026 and TaqReader on October 11, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Panels or TaqReader?

Panels currently peaks at #166 in the App Store charts, and TaqReader at #88. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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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.*