Comparison

Shakespeare vs ActiveBook

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Shakespeare

Access all of Shakespeare's plays translated into simple, modern English. This app offers a user-friendly interface, offline reading, and customizable themes to make the Bard's works accessible and enjoyable for students, educators, and enthusiasts.

Highlights
  • Complete collection of Shakespeare's plays
  • Simple English translations
  • Offline reading capability
  • Customizable themes and reading settings
  • Educational tool for students and teachers
  • Improved vocabulary and understanding
Features
Read full description

Unlock the timeless magic of William Shakespeare—made simple, accessible, and fun! Welcome to Fluid Shakespeare, your ultimate companion to the Bard's complete works. Whether you are a student prepping for literature exams, a teacher looking for engaging classroom tools, or a classic literature enthusiast, this app bridges the gap between Elizabethan English and modern readers. Experience all of Shakespeare’s plays and poems with line-by-line modern translations, read-along audio, and in-depth study guides! KEY FEATURES: The Complete Works Access every single play and poem written by William Shakespeare. From legendary tragedies to beloved comedies and historical epics, it's all here in one app. Side-by-Side Modern Translation Say goodbye to confusing old English! Read the original text side-by-side with a clear, simple modern English translation. Go line-by-line to truly understand the beauty of Shakespeare’s storytelling. Read-Along Audio Immerse yourself in the drama! Listen to high-quality, read-along audio for all content. Perfect for auditory learners, commuters, and those wanting to hear the rhythm of the Bard’s words. Comprehensive Study Guides (Exam Prep) Ace your literature classes! Our built-in study materials include detailed scene summaries, deep-dive character sketches, and thematic breakdowns to help students master their exams. In-Built Glossary & Dictionary Stuck on a word? Tap to instantly look up archaic words and phrases with our built-in Shakespearean dictionary. Expand your vocabulary as you read. Custom Themes & Dark Mode Personalize your reading experience. Adjust font sizes and styles, and switch to Dark Mode for comfortable, eye-friendly nighttime reading. Read Offline Download your favorite plays, poems, and audio tracks to read and listen anywhere, anytime—no internet connection required! WHAT YOU'LL FIND INSIDE: Popular Tragedies: Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Macbeth, Othello, King Lear, Julius Caesar. Beloved Comedies: A Midsummer Night's Dream, Much Ado About Nothing, The Merchant of Venice, Twelfth Night, As You Like It. Historical Epics: Henry V, Richard III, King John. Classic Romances: The Tempest, The Winter’s Tale. Complete Poetry: All 154 Sonnets and narrative poems. WHO IS THIS APP FOR? Students: Simplify your homework, understand complex plots, and prepare for exams with confidence. Teachers: Enhance your curriculum and engage your students with side-by-side translations and audio. Enthusiasts & Beginners: Break down the language barrier and discover (or rediscover) the greatest stories ever told. Language Learners: Improve your English vocabulary by comparing classic texts with modern equivalents. Embrace the brilliance of Shakespeare without the language barrier. Download Fluid Shakespeare today and start your journey into the world of the Bard! Support & Feedback: We love hearing from our community of readers! For any feedback, feature requests, or suggestions, please write to us at support@knovella.com

About

ActiveBook

Read full description

ActiveBook provides instant access to an extensive library of academic resources directly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer. It seamlessly syncs your activities and materials across multiple platforms, ensuring you can always pick up right where you left off. Additionally, ActiveBook offers a variety of interactive features to enhance your learning experience. To start using ActiveBook, visit activebook.online

Screenshots

Shakespeare4 screens
ActiveBook4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: ActiveBook at none against Shakespeare's 20. ActiveBook also leads on ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.6). On price, update cadence and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Shakespeare sells 20 one-off in-app purchases. ActiveBook asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Shakespeare ships an update fortnightly, ActiveBook monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 11, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Shakespeare versus ActiveBook: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterShakespeareActiveBook
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews66.7% of reviews—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyFortnightly — betterMonthly
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple WatchiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac
Requires iOS15.612.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size62 MB28 MB
Age rating12+4+
DeveloperMysthetic IncLinus Learning

In-app purchases

20 purchases

Shakespeare

One-time20
  • Venus and Adonis$0.99
  • The Rape of Lucrece$0.99
  • The Phoenix and the Turtle$0.99
Show 17 more
  • A Lovers Complaint$0.99
  • The Passionate Pilgrim$0.99
  • The Twelfth Night$0.99
  • Romeo and Juliet$0.99
  • Hamlet$0.99
  • Macbeth$0.99
  • Cymbeline$0.99
  • King John$0.99
  • Henry IV Part II$0.99
  • Troilus and Cressida$0.99
  • Henry VI Part II$0.99
  • Henry VI Part III$0.99
  • Henry VIII$0.99
  • Richard III$0.99
  • Pericles, Prince of Tyre$0.99
  • Richard II$0.99
  • Complete Collection - 37 Plays$19.99
None

ActiveBook

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Shakespeare free?
Shakespeare is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is ActiveBook free?
ActiveBook is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Shakespeare or ActiveBook have ads?
Shakespeare shows ads; ActiveBook does not.
Which is updated more often, Shakespeare or ActiveBook?
Shakespeare ships an update fortnightly, and ActiveBook monthly. Most recently, Shakespeare was updated on October 11, 2026 and ActiveBook on October 7, 2026.

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