# Panels vs EPUB Reader for Watch

The clearest difference is rating: Panels at 4.8 against EPUB Reader for Watch's 4.0. Panels also leads on ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (13K vs 1). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Panels sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $1.49 per month and EPUB Reader for Watch sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Panels holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Panels has 13K ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Panels ships an update every 8 days, EPUB Reader for Watch weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Panels | EPUB Reader for Watch |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (13K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/panels-comic-reader/id1236567663/reviews)** | [4.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/epub-reader-for-watch/id6760000431/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **13K** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 70.3% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 8 days | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#169** | — |
| Size | 166 MB | 38 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Produkt Studio](https://appshunter.io/developer/1236567662) | [One Bite Apps Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1680817765) |

## What reviewers say

### Panels

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

**Currently charting:** #169 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


### EPUB Reader for Watch

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/epub-reader-for-watch/id6760000431)

This app allows you to read EPUB and TXT books directly on your smartwatch. It features speed reading modes like RSVP and adjustable word-per-minute settings, as well as a traditional multi-line view. Import books from a companion iPhone app and sync chapters for on-the-go reading.

**Highlights:** Import EPUB and TXT files, Sync chapters to Apple Watch, RSVP speed reading mode, Adjustable reading speed (5-200 WPM), Multi-Line reading mode, Resume reading progress, Light and dark themes

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| Premium Yearly | $24.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Panels free?

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

### Is EPUB Reader for Watch free?

EPUB Reader for Watch is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Panels or EPUB Reader for Watch?

Panels is rated higher. Panels averages 4.8 out of 5 from 13K ratings, while EPUB Reader for Watch averages 4.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Panels or EPUB Reader for Watch have ads?

EPUB Reader for Watch shows ads; Panels does not.

### Which is updated more often, Panels or EPUB Reader for Watch?

Panels ships an update every 8 days, and EPUB Reader for Watch weekly. Most recently, Panels was updated on October 15, 2026 and EPUB Reader for Watch on September 24, 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.*