# Dolphin Reader vs Wordshelf

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Wordshelf at 100% against Dolphin Reader's 25%. Wordshelf also leads on rating (4.8 vs 3.3) and in-app purchases (none vs 10). Dolphin Reader's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.0). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Dolphin Reader sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month. Wordshelf asks for nothing beyond the download.

Wordshelf holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Wordshelf has 112 ratings behind it against 16, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 25% of Dolphin Reader's written reviews are positive against 100% of Wordshelf's.

Dolphin Reader ships an update every 9 days, Wordshelf every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Dolphin Reader | Wordshelf |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.3 (16 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dolphin-reader/id1569280416/reviews) | **[4.8 (112 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/wordshelf/id6444873974/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 16 | **112** |
| Positive reviews | 25.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 9 days | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 55 MB | 102 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 9+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Dolphin Technology Company Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1569145150) | [Sourse Labs LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1535336712) |

## What reviewers say

### Dolphin Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dolphin-reader/id1569280416)

Access a vast library of web novels and fantasy stories across multiple genres. Enjoy popular titles, the latest chapters, and exclusive membership benefits. Read for free or purchase coins for discounted chapter access.

**Highlights:** Extensive book genres: Romance, Mystery, Fantasy, Werewolf/Vampire, Collection of popular web novels and new reads, Latest chapters available, Hundreds of books read over 1 million times, Membership privileges: free books, discounted chapters, bonus coins, Purchase gold coins for chapter access

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

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Membership | $5.99 | per month |
| Beginner Pack 1 | $0.99 | one-time |
| 500 Coins | $4.99 | one-time |
| Beginner Pack 2 | $4.99 | one-time |
| 1000 Coins | $9.99 | one-time |
| 2000 Coins | $19.99 | one-time |
| Chapter Unlock Pack 3 | $19.99 | one-time |
| Annual Membership | $39.99 | one-time |
| 5000 Coins | $49.99 | one-time |
| 10000 Coins | $99.99 | one-time |


### Wordshelf

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/wordshelf/id6444873974)

Effortlessly capture, understand, and remember new words encountered while reading or studying. Utilize AI-powered mnemonics and visual aids to enhance retention. Track your vocabulary growth and organize learned words by the book you're reading.

**Highlights:** Scan pages or type words to look up, Definitions, pronunciation, examples, synonyms, etymology, Personalized AI mnemonics and memory images, Words organized by book, Vocabulary progress tracking, Supports 20+ languages

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Dolphin Reader free?

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

### Is Wordshelf free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Dolphin Reader or Wordshelf?

Wordshelf is rated higher. Dolphin Reader averages 3.3 out of 5 from 16 ratings, while Wordshelf averages 4.8 from 112 ratings.

### Do Dolphin Reader or Wordshelf have ads?

Dolphin Reader shows ads; Wordshelf does not.

### Which is updated more often, Dolphin Reader or Wordshelf?

Dolphin Reader ships an update every 9 days, and Wordshelf every 3 days. Most recently, Dolphin Reader was updated on September 23, 2026 and Wordshelf on October 12, 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.*