Comparison

Manual Reads vs Plain Events

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

Head to head
About

Manual Reads

Manually input meter readings without needing specific hardware. This utility app simplifies data entry for submetering systems.

Highlights
  • Manual meter reading entry
  • No hardware installation required
  • Data input for submetering systems
  • User-friendly interface
Features
Read full description

The Manual Read App by NextCentury allows users to manual enter reads for meters without installing NextCentury equipment.

About

Plain Events

Features
Read full description

Plain Events helps groups coordinate the details that make an event work: who is coming, where to be, what is happening, what needs to get done, and what has changed. Create an event, invite guests, build a schedule, add activities, assign tasks, share updates, and collect quick decisions with polls. Whether you are planning a wedding weekend, birthday, potluck, trip, conference, or casual get-together, PlainEvents keeps the moving pieces organized in one shared place. Key features: • Create events with dates, locations, descriptions, and helpful details • Invite guests and track response states • Build schedules and activities with registrations for multi-part events • Assign tasks so responsibilities are clear • Post event news and updates • Use polls to make group decisions • Organize locations and event-specific details • Coordinate potlucks, weddings, conferences, birthdays, and more PlainEvents is built for real coordination, not just saving a date. It gives hosts and guests a clear shared view of the plan so everyone knows what is happening and where to be next. Privacy Policy: https://www.plainevents.com/privacy Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Manual Reads3 screens
Plain Events4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Manual Reads at none against Plain Events's 3. Manual Reads also leads on iOS requirement (15.0 vs 18.5). Plain Events's advantage is update cadence (every 8 days vs every 3 weeks). 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. Plain Events sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Manual Reads asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Manual Reads ships an update every 3 weeks, Plain Events every 8 days. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Manual Reads versus Plain Events: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterManual ReadsPlain Events
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.3 (6 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews66.7% of reviews—
Number of ratings6 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksEvery 8 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.0 — better18.5
Further details — not scored
Size47 MB53 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperNext Century Submetering SystemsTightApps

In-app purchases

None

Manual Reads

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

Plain Events

Subscriptions2
  • Plain Events Pro (Monthly)7 Days trial$4.991 Month
  • Plain Events Pro (Yearly)1 Month trial$44.991 Year
One-time1
  • Plain Events Pro (Lifetime)$399.00

Questions

Is Manual Reads free?
Manual Reads is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Plain Events free?
Plain Events is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Manual Reads or Plain Events have ads?
Neither Manual Reads nor Plain Events shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Manual Reads or Plain Events?
Manual Reads ships an update every 3 weeks, and Plain Events every 8 days. Most recently, Manual Reads was updated on November 3, 2026 and Plain Events on October 30, 2026.

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