Comparison

KeepReading vs Bulb

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

Head to head
About

KeepReading

Effortlessly read foreign language texts with instant translations. This app helps you build vocabulary and comprehension by providing seamless translation options for various content types, making language learning enjoyable and interruption-free.

Highlights
  • Tap-to-show word translation
  • Swipe-to-show phrase/sentence translation
  • Auto-scan translation while reading
  • Supports web pages, ePubs, PDFs, and notes
  • Over 20 languages supported
  • Vocabulary and comprehension building
Read full description

Dive into the world of foreign language reading with KeepReading—your ultimate companion for learning without interruptions. Forget the hassle of stopping to check a dictionary. With KeepReading, translations appear right when you need them, so you can focus on what really matters: enjoying your reading. It’s designed to help you breeze through tricky texts, effortlessly building your vocabulary and comprehension as you go. Here’s how KeepReading keeps things simple: 1. Tap-To-Show: Need a quick word translation? Just tap and keep going. 2. Swipe-To-Show: Want to see a full phrase or sentence translated? Swipe and it’s done. 3. Auto-Scan-To-Show: Let the app scan and translate while you keep reading—no interruptions, no effort. Whether it’s web pages, ePubs, PDFs, or your personal notes, KeepReading makes sure translations are smooth and seamless. With support for over 20 languages—including Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Ukrainian, Vietnamese, and more—KeepReading has you covered, no matter what you’re reading. Reading is one of the best ways to learn a new language, but tackling texts that feel too advanced can be frustrating. KeepReading turns frustration into flow, helping you confidently take on challenging content while growing your skills. Start reading your way to fluency with KeepReading today.

About

Bulb

Read full description

Learn languages by reading real books and browsing websites. Tap any word for instant translation, build vocabulary from what you read, and improve your writing with AI feedback. Bulb is for people who want to learn through authentic content instead of gamified drills. Import EPUB books, browse foreign-language websites with built-in translation, and use AI feedback to improve your writing. === HOW IT WORKS === READ REAL BOOKS Import EPUB books in your target language. Tap any word for instant translation and pronunciation. Save words to your vocabulary as you read. Double-tap sentences for full context. Create bookmarks and highlights. BROWSE AND TRANSLATE WEBSITES Read news, articles, and blogs in your target language with built-in translation. Tap unfamiliar words for definitions. Save vocabulary while browsing. Practice with real-world content that interests you. BUILD VOCABULARY IN CONTEXT Every word you look up is saved with its original sentence. Review with spaced repetition flashcards generated from your reading. Practice translating sentences back and forth. Learn words as they are actually used. GET AI WRITING FEEDBACK Write essays, emails, or journal entries and receive detailed analysis of grammar, style, and vocabulary. See specific error patterns with visual charts. Get suggestions tailored to your level. Track your improvement over time. === WHO IT IS FOR === - Professionals improving business English or foreign-language writing for work - Students preparing for language exams with real reading and writing practice - Book lovers who want to read novels and nonfiction in other languages - Learners who prefer authentic content over artificial lessons and gamified drills === SUPPORTED LANGUAGES === English, Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Korean, Arabic, Serbian === KEY FEATURES === - EPUB reader with tap-to-translate - Built-in web browser with instant translation - Automatic vocabulary capture with context - Spaced repetition flashcards - AI essay analysis with grammar, style, and vocabulary feedback - Writing progress tracking with visual charts - iCloud sync across all your iOS devices Built for focused reading, vocabulary, and writing practice without gamified drills. Requires internet connection for AI features and translation. Privacy Policy: https://thebulb.app/privacy Terms of Service: https://thebulb.app/terms

Screenshots

KeepReading4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: KeepReading at none against Bulb's 3. On price, update cadence, 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. Bulb sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. KeepReading asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 29, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
KeepReading versus Bulb: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterKeepReadingBulb
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews50.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 5 daysEvery 5 days
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS16.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size19 MB40 MB
Age rating17+17+
DeveloperCambridge Technology Innovation Centre LtdDanis Gaiazov

In-app purchases

None

KeepReading

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

Bulb

Subscriptions3
  • Premium Weekly$2.997 Days
  • Premium Monthly7 Days trial$6.991 Month
  • Premium Annual7 Days trial$49.991 Year

Questions

Is KeepReading free?
KeepReading is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Bulb free?
Bulb is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do KeepReading or Bulb have ads?
Neither KeepReading nor Bulb shows ads.
Which is updated more often, KeepReading or Bulb?
KeepReading ships an update every 5 days, and Bulb every 5 days. Most recently, KeepReading was updated on September 21, 2026 and Bulb on September 29, 2026.

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