plappa vs Glance
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
plappa
This app is a client for self-hosted media servers like Jellyfin and AudioBookShelf, designed specifically for playing audiobooks. It supports common audio formats, reads metadata, and allows for offline listening with optional in-app purchases for advanced features.
- Jellyfin, Emby, AudioBookShelf client
- Supports common audio formats
- Saves and syncs playback states
- Reads audiobook metadata
- Offline listening (via IAP)
- Podcast and collection support (AudioBookShelf)
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Disclaimer: plappa only works in connection with a Jellyfin or AudioBookShelf media server! plappa is an audiobook player/client for Jellyfin, Emby and AudioBookShelf, the popular self-hosted media server. Features: - Support for most common audio formats - Purpose built for audiobooks - Save and sync playback states via iCloud or your AudioBookShelf server - Reads metadata like author, narrator and others - Download audiobooks and podcast episodes for offline listening* - Support for podcasts, collections and series with AudioBookShelf * plappa allows you to unlock additional features like downloads and customization options through optional in-app purchases: You can choose between a one-time purchase or an auto-renewing subscription (1 month free trial included). The one-time purchase unlocks all current and future updates. With the subscription, all features are available for the duration of your subscription. Both the subscription and one-time purchase can be shared with your family. plappa is licensed under the Apple standard EULA: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Glance
This app offers a minimalist reading experience using RSVP technology to display text word by word. It helps users focus by eliminating distractions and entering a state of flow. Import your own books and customize the reading experience with various fonts and color schemes.
- RSVP speed reading technology
- Import EPUB, MOBI, and save Texts/URLs
- Two reading modes (overview and speed)
- Customizable fonts and color schemes
- Ad-free and tracking-free experience
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Glance is a minimalist reading sanctuary designed to help you reclaim your attention. By using RSVP (Rapid Serial Visual Presentation) technology, Glance brings the text to you, one word at a time. Your eyes stay still, the world fades away, and your mind enters a state of total flow. In an age of endless scrolling and digital noise, Glance invites you to stop scanning and start experiencing. Read in peace, enjoy the moment, and let every sentence resonate. - Total Presence: By centering every word in a single focal point, Glance eliminates distractions and helps you stay deeply connected to the text. - Bring your own Library: Seamlessly import EPUB, MOBI books, or save Texts/URLs to enjoy your favorite articles offline. - Two Reading Modes: Switch between an overview mode similar to conventional reading applications and a speed reading mode - Make it your own: Pick your favorite font and colorscheme from many options We believe your reading time is sacred. That’s why Glance is built on a foundation of respect for your privacy and your pocketbook: No ads. No tracking. No subscriptions. No distractions. Ever. Just you, the words, and the moment.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: plappa at Free against Glance's $3.99. plappa also leads on ratings volume (331 vs 8) and iOS requirement (16.0 vs 18.0). Glance's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 5 weeks). On ads 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
plappa is free to download; Glance costs $3.99 up front. plappa sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per year. Glance asks for nothing beyond the download.
Glance holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: plappa has 331 ratings behind it against 8, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 86% of plappa's written reviews are positive against 100% of Glance's.
plappa ships an update every 5 weeks, Glance every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 12, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | plappa | Glance |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free — better | $3.99 |
| Rating | 4.7 (331 ratings) | 4.9 (8 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 86.4% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 331 — better | 8 |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | Every 2 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases — better | Paid |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 — better | 18.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 34 MB | 3 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Leo Wehrfritz | PETER ZDANKIN |
Customer experience
plappa
Glance
Bugs and requests
plappa
Reported bugs
2 issues- Can't login Audiobookshelf
- Podcasts library not listing all podcasts
Requested features
9 requests- Auto download when start playing book
- Auto delete when finished book
- Option to add multiple servers
- More sorting and filtering options in the library section
- Refresh button for libraries
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- Easy way to change server address without logging out
- Sync the unplayed/unlistened flags with AudiobookShelf
- Shortcut to bookmarks from within the player
- Slider for fine-tuned control of playback speed
Glance
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
plappa
- Subscription (1 Year)1 Month trial$1.991 Year
- Full Version (Lifetime)$4.99
Glance
No in-app purchases
