Comparison

ComicReader vs FlowJournal

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

Head to head
About

ComicReader

This application is designed for iPad users with extensive comic collections. It offers a polished interface to manage and read thousands of comics without performance issues. Import comics via iTunes, Wi-Fi web server, or the Files app.

Highlights
  • Polished interface
  • Handles large comic collections (1500+ comics)
  • Background comic import
  • No pre-processing required
  • Supports CBR, CBZ, and PDF
  • Multiple import methods (iTunes, Wi-Fi, Files app)
Features
Read full description

Your comics, ready when you are. ComicReader is a free, open-source comic book reader for iPhone, iPad and Mac. Bring your own comics, organise them into collections and enjoy the page in full screen. READ YOUR WAY • Open PDF, CBZ/ZIP and classic CBR/RAR comic archives. • Zoom into the artwork and move between pages with simple gestures. • Keep track of unread, in-progress and read books. • Return to your current comic when you reopen the app. • Read your imported comics offline. FREE PAGE TEXT • Recognise text on the page you are reading. • Select and copy recognised text, or share a phrase with the comic filename and page number. • Embedded PDF text is used when available; image-only pages are recognised on your device. BUILD YOUR LIBRARY • Select one or more comics with the system file picker. • Transfer books from another device using the built-in local-network uploader. • Connect your preferred WebDAV client. • On iPhone and iPad, use Finder or iTunes File Sharing over USB. • Group comics into folders and sort your collection by name, date or reading status. FREE ICLOUD SYNC • Keep your own comic files, read/unread status and current page in sync across your devices. • Open Free iCloud Sync from its dedicated toolbar button and choose whether to enable it. • Sync uses your personal iCloud Drive storage. iCloud Drive, sufficient storage and an internet connection are required. • Downloaded comics remain available offline. OPTIONAL COMICREADER PLUS ComicReader Plus is an optional non-consumable, one-time in-app purchase. Its localized price is shown before purchase. It adds four groups of tools: • Comic Search & Quotes: build a persistent page-by-page index for the comic you are reading, search its indexed pages and jump to a result. Save selected passages as editable quotes, then share them or return to their source page. • Custom Reading Lists: arrange comics in your own order without moving their files. Smart Queues gather Continue Reading, Unread and Read Again across folders. • Named Page Bookmarks for saving and returning to memorable pages. • Image Filters: Clear Ink, Grayscale and Warm Paper choices in the reader. Try the free preview; Original always remains available. Indexing can be stopped and resumed, and available pages can be searched while it continues. Search is limited to the current comic rather than the whole library. Recognition results vary with language, scan quality and stylised lettering, so check text before saving or sharing it. Search indexes, saved quotes, Reading Lists and Page Bookmarks stay on this device and are not included in iCloud sync. Saved quotes remain available to read, share and open if Plus is no longer active. Image Filters change only the on-screen rendering and never modify your comic files; Original restores the normal artwork. Current-page text recognition, copying, system sharing, reading, importing, transfers and iCloud sync remain free. Use the same Apple Account to restore your one-time Plus purchase across iPhone, iPad and Mac. There is no subscription, and no comics are included with the upgrade. FREE AND OPEN SOURCE ComicReader includes unlimited local-network transfers. It is based on ComicFlow and available under the GPL v3 licence. Source code: https://github.com/pclemente/ComicReader Original project: https://github.com/swisspol/ComicFlow ComicReader is a reader for files you provide. The sample comics shown in the screenshots are not included.

About

FlowJournal

Features
Read full description

Looking for a simple and secure way to record your thoughts, ideas, or daily reflections? FlowJournal is the perfect app for journaling anytime, anywhere, without worrying about internet access or privacy. With its clean interface, auto-save writing experience, and built-in passcode lock, FlowJournal helps you stay consistent with your journaling habit while keeping everything safely on your device. Key Features: Instant Writing: Create and edit journal entries with a smooth, distraction-free experience. Local Storage: All entries are stored securely on your device with no internet required. Privacy Protection: Lock your journal using a 4-digit passcode for complete privacy. Categories and Folders: Group your journal entries by category or folder for better organization and easy access. Offline Use: Write anywhere without needing an internet connection. Multi-Language Support: Available in 30+ languages for users worldwide. Why Choose FlowJournal? Completely offline so your data stays on your device A secure and dependable journal you can trust Download FlowJournal today and rediscover the joy of writing - privately, beautifully, and completely offline. Read more about our Privacy Policy & Terms and Conditions Privacy Policy: https://www.zeepalm.com/app-privacy-policy Terms and Conditions: https://www.zeepalm.com/app-terms-and-conditions EULA: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

ComicReader1 screens
FlowJournal4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: FlowJournal at none against ComicReader's 1. FlowJournal also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). 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. ComicReader sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. FlowJournal asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
ComicReader versus FlowJournal: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterComicReaderFlowJournal
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.5 (51 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews12.5% of reviews—
Number of ratings51 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeks—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.013.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size3 MB26 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperPablo ClementeMuhammad Zubair Alam

In-app purchases

1 purchases

ComicReader

One-time1
  • ComicReader Plus$8.99
None

FlowJournal

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is ComicReader free?
ComicReader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is FlowJournal free?
FlowJournal is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do ComicReader or FlowJournal have ads?
Neither ComicReader nor FlowJournal shows ads.

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