# ucode reader vs JPDBreader+α (Plus Alpha)

The clearest difference is update cadence: JPDBreader+α (Plus Alpha) at fortnightly against ucode reader's every 4 months. ucode reader's advantage is iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

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

ucode reader ships an update every 4 months, JPDBreader+α (Plus Alpha) fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on December 8, 2025 and June 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ucode reader | JPDBreader+α (Plus Alpha) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/jpdbreader-plus-plus-alpha/id6738365000/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **2** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Size | 9 MB | 2 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [UC Technology Corporation](https://appshunter.io/developer/558488148) | [Franklin Fanelli](https://appshunter.io/developer/1495259800) |

## What reviewers say

### ucode reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ucode-reader/id582216165)

**In-app purchases:** none


### JPDBreader+α (Plus Alpha)

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/jpdbreader-plus-plus-alpha/id6738365000)

This Safari extension allows users to parse Japanese text on websites, access a dictionary, and identify unknown words. It also enables adding and reviewing flashcards, with unique 2D review modes for vocabulary learning at your own pace. Requires a JPDB.io account.

**Highlights:** Parse Japanese text on websites, Access Japanese dictionary, Identify unknown words, Add and review flashcards, 2D SRS vocabulary review, Learn words at your own pace

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Safari Extension

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ucode reader free?

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

### Is JPDBreader+α (Plus Alpha) free?

JPDBreader+α (Plus Alpha) is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do ucode reader or JPDBreader+α (Plus Alpha) have ads?

Neither ucode reader nor JPDBreader+α (Plus Alpha) shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ucode reader or JPDBreader+α (Plus Alpha)?

ucode reader ships an update every 4 months, and JPDBreader+α (Plus Alpha) fortnightly. Most recently, ucode reader was updated on December 8, 2025 and JPDBreader+α (Plus Alpha) on June 11, 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.*