# The.Reader vs DopamineOS

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: The.Reader at none against DopamineOS's 1. The.Reader also leads on device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.0). DopamineOS's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 3 months vs every 7 months). On price there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. DopamineOS sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. The.Reader asks for nothing beyond the download.

The.Reader ships an update every 7 months, DopamineOS every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and September 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | The.Reader | DopamineOS |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 7 months | **Every 3 months** |
| Size | 19 MB | 56 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [santiago ortega](https://appshunter.io/developer/1107646234) | [Konrad Kern](https://appshunter.io/developer/6775921733) |

## What reviewers say

### The.Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thereader/id6444778523)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### DopamineOS

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dopamineos/id6782207382)

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| DopamineOS Pro | $1.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is The.Reader free?

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

### Is DopamineOS free?

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

### Do The.Reader or DopamineOS have ads?

The.Reader shows ads; DopamineOS does not.

### Which is updated more often, The.Reader or DopamineOS?

The.Reader ships an update every 7 months, and DopamineOS every 3 months. Most recently, The.Reader was updated on October 12, 2026 and DopamineOS on September 29, 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.*