# CHM Sharp vs ZenReader

The clearest difference is rating: ZenReader at 4.7 against CHM Sharp's 3.8. ZenReader also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 4 months) and ratings volume (366 vs 11). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. CHM Sharp sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and ZenReader sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ZenReader holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ZenReader has 366 ratings behind it against 11, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 68% of CHM Sharp's written reviews are positive against 82% of ZenReader's.

CHM Sharp ships an update every 4 months, ZenReader every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 9, 2026 and September 26, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | CHM Sharp | ZenReader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.8 (11 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chm-sharp/id467098001/reviews) | **[4.7 (366 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zenreader-read-ebooks-easily/id1660751056/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 11 | **366** |
| Positive reviews | 68.0% of reviews | **82.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 25 MB | 64 MB |
| Requires iOS | 14.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [锦文 游](https://appshunter.io/developer/406832160) | [LexyTech Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1643712954) |

## What reviewers say

### CHM Sharp

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chm-sharp/id467098001)

This app is a reader for CHM (Microsoft Compiled HTML Help) documents on iOS devices. It allows for file management, searching within documents, and various viewing options. Transfer files easily via Wi-Fi or iTunes.

**Highlights:** CHM document reader, File sorting and searching, File management (copy, move, delete), Wi-Fi and iTunes file transfer, In-document search and highlighting, Pinch-to-zoom support, Bookmark functionality

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Full Version | $0.99 | one-time |


### 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


## Frequently asked questions

### Is CHM Sharp free?

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

### Is ZenReader free?

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

### Which has better reviews, CHM Sharp or ZenReader?

ZenReader is rated higher. CHM Sharp averages 3.8 out of 5 from 11 ratings, while ZenReader averages 4.7 from 366 ratings.

### Do CHM Sharp or ZenReader have ads?

Both CHM Sharp and ZenReader show ads.

### Which is updated more often, CHM Sharp or ZenReader?

CHM Sharp ships an update every 4 months, and ZenReader every 2 weeks. Most recently, CHM Sharp was updated on September 9, 2026 and ZenReader on September 26, 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.*