TotalSync vs Reader
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
TotalSync
Securely store, manage, and share files across your own devices without relying on cloud storage. This app ensures your data remains private and under your control, connecting devices via encrypted connections for safe file sharing.
- Secure file storage
- Cross-device file management
- Encrypted connections
- Private file sharing
- No cloud dependency
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Securely store, manage and share your files, photos and documents on your own devices without using cloud storage. Store and manage your own files on your own devices! Unlike cloud providers, we do not store your data and do not see your data in transit either. Your devices connect to each other via an encrypted connection. If you like, you can share your files with friends, family and co-workers. TotalSync puts you in control of your files, documents and photos.
Reader
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Reader turns the EPUBs you already own into books read aloud, in a voice you choose, entirely on your iPhone. CLASSIC BOOKS, BUILT IN Open the app and start listening. A shelf of classic novels is included free, with cover art made for them, refreshed for the season. No book purchases, no extra downloads, no account to make. YOUR OWN BOOKS TOO Bring any EPUB from Files, Safari, AirDrop, or another app. Standard Ebooks and Project Gutenberg both offer thousands of free, beautifully prepared books, and Reader points you to them. READ ALOUD, IN YOUR VOICE Reader uses Apple's built-in voices, so you can pick the one you actually want to listen to and change it whenever you like. Every word is highlighted as it is spoken, so you can follow along, look up, and find your place again. BUILT FOR LONG LISTENING • Playback continues with the screen locked, with controls on the Lock Screen • Adjust the reading pace from half speed to double • Your place is saved, and a book reopens where you left it • Jump between chapters, or scrub to any point • Choose your typeface and size, including OpenDyslexic WORKS ANYWHERE Reading and speech happen on your device. Once your books and voices are available, no connection is needed to listen, so Reader works on a plane, underground, or off the grid. Your books stay on your iPhone. FREE TO READ Every reading feature is available to everyone. There are no listening limits, no subscription, and no paid feature tier. Reader is supported by banner ads, with an optional one-time purchase to remove them. Reader is built and supported by one person who reads every message. If something is wrong or missing, write to nick@thefreereader.app.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is ads: TotalSync at none against Reader's shown. TotalSync also leads on device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (11.4 vs 18.6). Reader's advantage is update cadence (every 5 days vs every 2 months). On price and in-app purchases 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
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
TotalSync ships an update every 2 months, Reader every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on September 16, 2026 and October 2, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | TotalSync | Reader |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (4 ratings) — better | — |
| Number of ratings | 4 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 5 days — better |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 11.4 — better | 18.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 68 MB | 30 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Akruto, Inc. | Nick Ueda |
In-app purchases
TotalSync
No in-app purchases
Reader
No in-app purchases
