plappa vs CoreNodeReader
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/
CoreNodeReader
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CoreNode Reader is a modern e-book reader optimized for iPad but also running on iPhone, built for readers who want full control over their digital library. The app brings together local books, Kavita servers and OPDS catalogs in one clean reading experience. Read EPUBs and PDFs, browse large libraries, filter by title or author, manage favorites, and keep your reading progress in sync across devices. Highlights: • One unified library Combine multiple sources into one library view. Local books, Kavita libraries and OPDS catalogs can be shown together or filtered separately, so your entire collection feels like one organized bookshelf. • Direct Kavita integration Connect your own Kavita server and sync libraries, series, collections, favorites and reading progress. • OPDS catalog support Add compatible OPDS catalogs and use them alongside your local and Kavita libraries. • Local library Import EPUB and PDF files directly to your device or use any Cloud folder for your personal book library. • Cross-device sync Synchronize reading progress, favorites, recently read books, bookmarks, notes, reader profiles and settings between devices. CoreNode Reader supports Apple ecosystem sync and also offers file-based sync for exchanging reading data between iOS, iPadOS and Android devices. • EPUB and PDF reading Read books and magazines with table of contents, bookmarks, notes, metadata, search and a focused reading interface. • Built for self-hosting CoreNode Reader is designed for people who want to manage their own books, catalogs and servers instead of being locked into a single store or platform. • Flexible library views Switch between icon, list and compact views. Filter by title, author, source, file type, series, collections and metadata. • Customizable reading experience Adjust font size, line height, margins, theme, layout and brightness to match your preferred reading style. CoreNode Reader is optimized for iPad and also works on iPhone. It is ideal for EPUBs, PDFs, magazines, OPDS catalogs and self-hosted libraries in one unified app.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: CoreNodeReader at fortnightly against plappa's every 5 weeks. On price, ads, in-app purchases 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
Both are free to download. plappa sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per year and CoreNodeReader sells 5 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
plappa ships an update every 5 weeks, CoreNodeReader fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | plappa | CoreNodeReader |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.7 (331 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 86.5% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 331 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | Fortnightly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 34 MB | 14 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Leo Wehrfritz | Werner Stiglbauer |
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
CoreNodeReader
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
CoreNodeReader
- Tip small$2.99
- Tip medium$3.99
- Tip large$5.99
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- CoreNodeReader Pro$8.99
- CoreNodeReader Pro Family$17.99








