# The Pithy Reader vs Smart Reader

The clearest difference is ads: The Pithy Reader at none against Smart Reader's shown. Smart Reader's advantage is update cadence (every 3 days vs every 6 months). On price, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

The Pithy Reader ships an update every 6 months, Smart Reader every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 18, 2026 and October 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | The Pithy Reader | Smart Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | **Every 3 days** |
| Size | 2 MB | 31 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.4 | **15.1** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Dillon Hafer](https://appshunter.io/developer/1326525397) | [TCC & PARTNERS JOINT STOCK COMPANY](https://appshunter.io/developer/1837665056) |

## What reviewers say

### The Pithy Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-pithy-reader/id1335273352)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Smart Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-reader-pdf-and-ebook/id6754656120)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is The Pithy Reader free?

The Pithy Reader is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Smart Reader free?

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

### Do The Pithy Reader or Smart Reader have ads?

Smart Reader shows ads; The Pithy Reader does not.

### Which is updated more often, The Pithy Reader or Smart Reader?

The Pithy Reader ships an update every 6 months, and Smart Reader every 3 days. Most recently, The Pithy Reader was updated on October 18, 2026 and Smart Reader on October 19, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*