Comparison

HiReader vs ReadPDB

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

Head to head
About

HiReader

Organize and read your local ebooks with a feature-rich reader. Supports multiple formats, custom themes, and detailed reading statistics. Sync your progress across devices.

Highlights
  • Multi-format ebook support
  • Organize books into groups
  • Customizable reading layout and themes
  • Detailed reading statistics
  • Cloud sync for progress and files
  • Flexible document import options
Features
Read full description

HiReader is a dedicated local ebook reader designed to create a reading space that belongs only to you. It supports a wide range of ebook formats including TXT, EPUB, MOBI, PDF, AZW, AZW3, AZW4, PDB, and PRC, along with powerful features such as detailed reading statistics, bookmarks and notes, cloud sync, and smart document management. Features Group Management • Create unlimited groups to organize your local documents efficiently. Multi-Format Support • Read all major ebook formats: TXT, EPUB, MOBI, PDF, AZW, AZW3, AZW4, PDB, PRC. Flexible Import Options • Import documents via Wi-Fi transfer, iCloud, AirDrop, or share from other apps. Reading Layout • Adjust character spacing, line spacing, paragraph spacing, and margins. • Includes 10 built-in fonts with support for custom fonts. Custom Themes • Choose from 15 built-in themes or create your own themes and covers. Bookmarks & Notes • Add bookmarks and notes at any time, with easy management and review. Reading Statistics • Track detailed reading data with total statistics, daily calendar heatmaps, and per-document insights. Cloud Sync • Sync reading progress, statistics, book files, and bookshelf organization across devices. We are committed to delivering the best reading experience. If you have any questions or feedback, you can always contact us directly within the app. Subscription Terms Unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period, your subscription will automatically renew at the agreed price and duration. The fee will be charged to your Apple ID account within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period. You can manage or cancel your subscription at any time in your App Store account settings. Any unused portion of a free trial period (if offered) will be forfeited when you purchase a subscription. By subscribing, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Privacy Policy: https://t15ehm6hgj9.feishu.cn/docx/Op86dE0i2ovOY1xXPwfcvu6lnVg Terms of Service: https://t15ehm6hgj9.feishu.cn/docx/OArodZ4OXoUiXOxFgIrcplsXn6e

About

ReadPDB

Features
Read full description

Bring your Palm-era ebook library back to life. ReadPDB opens compatible, non-DRM iSilo 3 and PalmDOC ebook documents stored as Palm Database (.pdb) files. Import books directly from the Files app and read them on your iPhone or iPad—no account required. Reading is offline. Features • Import one or more compatible .pdb books from the Files app • Filter your library by book title • Render supported text formatting and internal links • Automatically return to your last reading position • Adjust text size for comfortable reading • Choose Light, Dark, or System appearance • Navigate with Back, Forward, and Home controls • Highlight passages for later reference • Share selected text using the standard iOS share sheet • Remove imported books from your library at any time • Contact us from Settings • Optional lifetime ReadPDB Pro for unlimited imports after three free books Offline reading ReadPDB has no accounts, subscriptions, advertising, or tracking. Your books remain on your device and are never uploaded. Optional ReadPDB Pro is a one-time in-app purchase processed by Apple. Purchase status is recorded with RevenueCat so the unlock can be restored. The bundled sample does not count toward the three-book free library. Compatibility ReadPDB currently supports compatible, non-DRM iSilo 3 documents and PalmDOC-family documents (including TealDoc and AportisDoc). The .pdb extension was shared by many Palm OS applications, so other .pdb files may use formats that ReadPDB cannot open. The following are not currently supported: • Password- or registration-protected books • MOBI and other Palm Database variants • Damaged or corrupted files • Unrelated files that also use the .pdb extension • PDF documents • Embedded images within documents ReadPDB does not include, sell, or download books. Import only documents that you own or have permission to use.

Screenshots

HiReader4 screens
ReadPDB4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: ReadPDB at none against HiReader's 3. ReadPDB also leads on update cadence (daily vs every 9 days). HiReader's advantage is iOS requirement (15.5 vs 17.0). On price, 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. HiReader sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. ReadPDB asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

HiReader ships an update every 9 days, ReadPDB daily. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 4, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
HiReader versus ReadPDB: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterHiReaderReadPDB
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.4 (10 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews87.5% of reviews—
Number of ratings10 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 9 daysDaily — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.5 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size40 MB13 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developer云根 付Jaime Martin Lozano

In-app purchases

3 purchases

HiReader

Subscriptions2
  • HiReader Pro$1.991 Month
  • HiReader Pro$9.991 Year
One-time1
  • HiReader Pro$19.99
None

ReadPDB

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is HiReader free?
HiReader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is ReadPDB free?
ReadPDB is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do HiReader or ReadPDB have ads?
Neither HiReader nor ReadPDB shows ads.
Which is updated more often, HiReader or ReadPDB?
HiReader ships an update every 9 days, and ReadPDB daily. Most recently, HiReader was updated on October 16, 2026 and ReadPDB on October 4, 2026.

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