# NovelBar vs NovelZoom

The clearest difference is rating: NovelBar at 4.1 against NovelZoom's 1.4. NovelBar also leads on monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs subscription) and ratings volume (2.2K vs 54). NovelZoom's advantage is iOS requirement (12.4 vs 15.0). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. NovelBar sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per 7 days and NovelZoom sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

NovelBar holds the better App Store score, 4.1 against 1.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: NovelBar has 2.2K ratings behind it against 54, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 23% of NovelBar's written reviews are positive against 10% of NovelZoom's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 12, 2026 and November 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | NovelBar | NovelZoom |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.1 (2.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/novelbar/id6453157225/reviews)** | [1.4 (54 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/novelzoom/id6479294763/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **2.2K** | 54 |
| Positive reviews | **22.6% of reviews** | 9.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Best chart rank | **#38** | — |
| Size | 135 MB | 105 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **12.4** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [QVON](https://appshunter.io/developer/1683464261) | [HK IReader Technology Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1110639431) |

## What reviewers say

### NovelBar

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/novelbar/id6453157225)

**Currently charting:** #38 Top Grossing · Book (US App Store)

Discover a vast library of trending novels across diverse genres, from romance to fantasy. This platform offers an immersive reading experience with carefully curated content. Aspiring authors can also apply to have their work featured.

**Highlights:** Vast library of trending novels, Diverse genres including romance and fantasy, Curated content for every preference, Immersive reading experience, Platform for aspiring authors

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

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly subscription | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly subscription | $19.99 | per month |
| Monthly subscription | $19.99 | per month |
| 500 Coins | $4.99 | one-time |
| 900 Coins | $8.99 | one-time |
| 1000 Coins | $9.99 | one-time |
| 2000 Coins | $19.99 | one-time |
| 3000 Coins | $29.99 | one-time |
| 4100 Coins | $40.99 | one-time |
| 6000 Coins | $59.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Great stories
- 👍 Enjoyable reading experience
- 💡 Variety of book options

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Exorbitant costs for reading chapters
- 🔒 Lack of transparency around subscription model
- 🐛 Technical issues like freezing, glitches
- ⏱️ Slow coin accumulation for free reading

**Reported bugs**

- Inconsistent chapter pricing
- Subscription benefits not being properly applied
- Search function not working as expected

**Requested features**

- Option to purchase full books instead of chapters
- Improved customer support responsiveness
- Better editing and proofreading of stories


### NovelZoom

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/novelzoom/id6479294763)

Access a vast library of over 10,000 stories across various genres, including romance, mystery, and fantasy. Enjoy unlimited reading anytime with a single subscription, offering a seamless and immersive storytelling experience.

**Highlights:** Unlimited subscription access, 10,000+ captivating stories, Diverse genres (romance, mystery, fantasy), Seamless reading experience, Explore boundless adventures

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Novelzoom weekly VIP | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Novelzoom weekly VIP | $14.99 | per 7 days |
| Novelzoom yearly VIP | $129.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is NovelBar free?

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

### Is NovelZoom free?

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

### Which has better reviews, NovelBar or NovelZoom?

NovelBar is rated higher. NovelBar averages 4.1 out of 5 from 2.2K ratings, while NovelZoom averages 1.4 from 54 ratings.

### Do NovelBar or NovelZoom have ads?

Both NovelBar and NovelZoom show ads.

### Which is updated more often, NovelBar or NovelZoom?

NovelBar ships an update every 3 weeks, and NovelZoom every 3 weeks. Most recently, NovelBar was updated on November 12, 2026 and NovelZoom on November 8, 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.*