Comparison

command_line vs Read Selective

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

Head to head
About

command_line

A fast, terminal-style client for reading and participating in Hacker News discussions. Offers a focused interface with features like offline caching and story saving. Premium unlocks account actions and advanced tools for deeper engagement.

Highlights
  • Terminal-inspired interface
  • Browse all story types
  • Threaded comment discussions
  • Search Hacker News
  • Save stories with bookmarks
  • Offline caching
  • Account sign-in and participation
Features
Read full description

command_line is a fast, terminal-style Hacker News client built for readers who want speed, focus, and real participation. Browse top stories, new stories, best stories, Ask HN, Show HN, jobs, polls, profiles, and full discussion threads in a clean mobile experience designed to feel quick, dense, and intentional. Unlike many read-only Hacker News apps, command_line is built for both reading and doing. Free users can browse and read comfortably, while premium unlocks account-based actions and power-user tools. FREE FEATURES • Read Hacker News with a fast, terminal-inspired interface • Browse Top, New, Best, Ask HN, Show HN, Jobs, and Polls • Open full story discussions with threaded comments • Search Hacker News stories and discussions • Save stories with bookmarks for later • Use offline-friendly caching for faster repeat visits • View user profiles and activity • Enjoy a focused dark interface designed for mobile reading PREMIUM FEATURES • Sign in to your Hacker News account • Upvote stories and comments • Reply to discussions • Submit posts • Manage your account session from the app • Access RSS tools and advanced power-user features WHY command_line Most Hacker News clients feel outdated, slow, or limited. command_line was rebuilt to feel fast on every revisit, not just the first load. It combines quick browsing, cached reading, dense threaded discussions, and a terminal-style design that stands out from generic news apps. Whether you just want a better way to read Hacker News on mobile or a premium tool for participating in the community, command_line is built to help you move through the news quickly and stay close to the conversation. SUBSCRIPTION / PURCHASE INFO Premium is available as an optional monthly, yearly, or lifetime upgrade. Reading remains free. Premium unlocks account actions and advanced features such as sign-in, voting, replying, posting, and RSS tools. Subscriptions automatically renew unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. You can manage or cancel your subscription anytime in your App Store account settings.

About

Read Selective

Read full description

Welcome to Read Selective, where we believe in providing a news-reading experience that is tailored to your interests and reading habits. Our app offers more than just headlines; it delivers a handpicked selection of news stories from around the world, ensuring you're always informed and engaged. Key Features: Curated Content: Enjoy a personalized feed of news stories that caters to your specific interests. Our intelligent algorithms sort through the noise to bring you the news that matters most to you. Bookmark & Collect: Found an article that piqued your interest? Simply bookmark it for later reading. Our seamless bookmarking feature ensures that your favorite stories are always at your fingertips. Share with Ease: Whether it's a story that surprised you or news you think everyone should know about, sharing is just a click away. Spread the word across your social networks effortlessly. Night Mode Reading: Read comfortably in any lighting condition with our night mode feature. It reduces screen glare and eye strain, making it easier to read the latest news before bed or in low-light environments. Up-to-Date Information: Our app continuously updates with the latest news, providing you with real-time information that keeps you in the loop. Interactive Interface: Engage with the news like never before. Swipe through articles, tap to explore, and interact with a user-friendly interface designed for optimal performance and speed. Join the Read Selective community today and transform the way you stay informed. Whether you're in the mood for world news, business insights, sports updates, or entertainment scoops, Read Selective is your all-in-one news hub that adapts to what you like, so you can read what you love.

Screenshots

command_line4 screens
Read Selective4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Read Selective at none against command_line's 3. command_line's advantage is device support. On price and iOS requirement 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. command_line sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Read Selective asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard2 real differences · 7 level
command_line versus Read Selective: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
Parametercommand_lineRead Selective
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 15 months—
AdsNo—
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFreemium—
DevicesiPhone, iPod — better—
Requires iOS15.114.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size39 MB30 MB
Age rating9+17+
DeveloperDaniel ShawJatin Sethi

In-app purchases

3 purchases

command_line

Subscriptions2
  • Premium Monthly$4.991 Month
  • Premium Yearly$39.991 Year
One-time1
  • Premium Lifetime$99.99
None

Read Selective

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is command_line free?
command_line is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Read Selective free?
Read Selective is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

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