# ZenReader vs ReadTool

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: ReadTool at none against ZenReader's 4. ReadTool also leads on ads (none vs shown). ZenReader's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 24 months). On price, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. ZenReader sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per year. ReadTool asks for nothing beyond the download.

ZenReader ships an update every 2 weeks, ReadTool every 24 months. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ZenReader | ReadTool |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (359 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zenreader-read-ebooks-easily/id1660751056/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **359** | — |
| Positive reviews | 81.9% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 24 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 64 MB | 19 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | 13.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [LexyTech Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1643712954) | [FAMEINK PTE. LTD.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1746028804) |

## What reviewers say

### ZenReader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zenreader-read-ebooks-easily/id1660751056)

This app is a versatile ebook reader and document manager supporting numerous file formats. It offers a customizable reading interface, note-taking capabilities, text-to-speech functionality, and robust library management features. Track your reading progress and protect your privacy with advanced security options.

**Highlights:** Supports EPUB, MOBI, PDF, TXT, ZIP, RAR, and more, Customizable reading interface with night mode, Note-taking, highlighting, and dictionary integration, Text-to-speech with multiple language options, Wi-Fi transfer, iCloud, and AirDrop import, Gesture and facial recognition for privacy, Reading statistics and goal setting

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1年订阅 | $6.99 | per year |
| 限时特惠 | $9.99 | one-time |
| Pro专业版 | $14.99 | one-time |
| Pro渠道优惠 | $39.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Simple and intuitive user interface
- 📚 Excellent TXT file reading capabilities
- 🔄 Seamless synchronization across Apple devices
- ⚡ Smooth and responsive performance
- 🎨 Beautiful and minimalist design

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Text replacement fails intermittently
- 🐛 Chapter segmentation issues and duplicates
- 🐛 File parsing errors on some formats
- 🐛 Screen lock stops audiobook playback
- 🐛 Voice narration changed to Cantonese after iOS 18 update

**Reported bugs**

- Text replacement shows success but reverts after reopening
- Duplicate chapters in segmentation
- File parsing errors on valid documents
- Audiobook stops when screen locks
- Voice narration language changed to Cantonese after iOS 18

**Requested features**

- Simplified audiobook playback controls
- Flexible audiobook starting point selection
- Include audiobook listening time in statistics
- English language UI support
- Direct TXT file editing capability


### ReadTool

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/readtool-offline-reader/id6451404740)

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ZenReader free?

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

### Is ReadTool free?

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

### Do ZenReader or ReadTool have ads?

ZenReader shows ads; ReadTool does not.

### Which is updated more often, ZenReader or ReadTool?

ZenReader ships an update every 2 weeks, and ReadTool every 24 months. Most recently, ZenReader was updated on September 22, 2026 and ReadTool on September 7, 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.*