JPDBreader+α (Plus Alpha) vs TextLayer Reader
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
JPDBreader+α (Plus Alpha)
This Safari extension allows users to parse Japanese text on websites, access a dictionary, and identify unknown words. It also enables adding and reviewing flashcards, with unique 2D review modes for vocabulary learning at your own pace. Requires a JPDB.io account.
- Parse Japanese text on websites
- Access Japanese dictionary
- Identify unknown words
- Add and review flashcards
- 2D SRS vocabulary review
- Learn words at your own pace
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Everything that you know and love about the JPDBreader with just a little bit more! With this Safari extension, you can: - Parse Japanese you find on websites using your JPDB account. This means you can have easy access to a Japanese dictionary and can see at a glance which words you don't know yet. - Add new flashcards and review them straight from the popup - Lots of quality-of-life improvements aimed at touchscreen users - Review on JPDB.io in 2D! Introducing a new concept where all of your SRS vocabulary words are spread out on the screen, allowing you to review in your own order! - Learn new words at your own pace. Never again will you have to wait until all of your reviews are done Notes: This requires a JPDB.io account and the API key found in the settings page. Credit: This extension is built using Max-Kamp's original jpd-breader with additions/changes applied. Huge shoutout to him for his amazing work!
TextLayer Reader
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TextLayer is a local-first EPUB reader designed for dialogue-heavy books. It helps you keep track of who is speaking by adding optional speaker labels to lines of dialogue, making long conversations easier to follow while you read. Everything is built around privacy and local control: - Import your own EPUB files - Read and organize books on your device - Use your own AI API key for optional speaker annotation - Keep book content, settings, and annotations on your device Key features: - Local EPUB library with fast import and reading progress - Reading Now and Library views for quick resume - Optional speaker labels for dialogue clarity - On-device, local-first workflow with no required account - Custom AI endpoint support using your own provider credentials - Adjustable reading appearance and themes - Local backup and restore for settings and library metadata TextLayer does not provide book content. You import your own EPUB files and control your own reading data.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is device support: JPDBreader+α (Plus Alpha) at 3 against TextLayer Reader's 1. On price, ads, in-app purchases 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
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
| Parameter | JPDBreader+α (Plus Alpha) | TextLayer Reader |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (2 ratings) — better | — |
| Number of ratings | 2 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | — |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 — better | 16.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 2 MB | 2 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Franklin Fanelli | 楠楠 高 |
In-app purchases
JPDBreader+α (Plus Alpha)
No in-app purchases
TextLayer Reader
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is JPDBreader+α (Plus Alpha) free?
Is TextLayer Reader free?
Do JPDBreader+α (Plus Alpha) or TextLayer Reader have ads?
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