# the reader vs Plant Identifier

The clearest difference is update cadence: Plant Identifier at every 5 weeks against the reader's every 14 months. Plant Identifier also leads on ratings volume (9 vs 1). the reader's advantage is device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.0). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for the reader against 4.9 for Plant Identifier. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Plant Identifier has 9 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

the reader ships an update every 14 months, Plant Identifier every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 6, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | the reader | Plant Identifier |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-reader/id475858519/reviews)** | [4.9 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/plant-identifier/id6739638701/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **9** |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 14 months | **Every 5 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 6 MB | 17 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [CROMBEZ Emmanuel](https://appshunter.io/developer/375656695) | [Kawaii](https://appshunter.io/developer/1696001381) |

## What reviewers say

### the reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-reader/id475858519)

This app allows you to read custom text aloud to children. It's designed to engage young minds with personalized stories and content.

**Highlights:** Read custom text aloud, Personalized content, Child-friendly interface, Engaging for young learners

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Plant Identifier

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/plant-identifier/id6739638701)

Instantly identify plants by taking a photo. Get detailed information on common and scientific names, care requirements, and toxicity. Organize your discoveries in a personal digital garden and explore what others are finding globally.

**Highlights:** Instant plant identification via camera, Detailed botanical profiles, Care requirements (sunlight, water, soil), Toxicity information, Personal plant collection (My Garden), Community plant discoveries (Greenhouse)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is the reader free?

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

### Is Plant Identifier free?

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

### Which has better reviews, the reader or Plant Identifier?

the reader is rated higher. the reader averages 5.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Plant Identifier averages 4.9 from 9 ratings.

### Do the reader or Plant Identifier have ads?

Neither the reader nor Plant Identifier shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, the reader or Plant Identifier?

the reader ships an update every 14 months, and Plant Identifier every 5 weeks. Most recently, the reader was updated on October 6, 2026 and Plant Identifier on October 24, 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.*