# Readest vs Softcover

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Readest at 84% against Softcover's 33%. Readest also leads on ratings volume (191 vs 3) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 2 months). Softcover's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 9). On price, ads, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Readest sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Softcover asks for nothing beyond the download.

Readest holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Readest has 191 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 84% of Readest's written reviews are positive against 33% of Softcover's.

Readest ships an update fortnightly, Softcover every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 19, 2026 and October 4, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Readest | Softcover |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (191 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/readest-ebook-reader/id6738622779/reviews)** | [4.3 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/softcover/id6753820163/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **191** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | **84.2% of reviews** | 33.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 58 MB | 7 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.4** | 18.5 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Bilingify LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1781524090) | [Robin Bolinsson](https://appshunter.io/developer/1844702769) |

## What reviewers say

### Readest

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/readest-ebook-reader/id6738622779)

This app is a powerful ebook reader designed for deep thinkers and researchers. It offers advanced annotation tools, seamless device syncing, and robust library management with OPDS and Calibre support. Enjoy a distraction-free reading experience with customizable modes and multi-book viewing for enhanced study and analysis.

**Highlights:** OPDS Online Libraries, Calibre Integration, Sync Across Devices, Bookshelf Management, Customizable Reading Modes, Multi-Book View, Advanced Annotations & Highlights

**Features:** Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Subscribe to Plus Plan | $4.99 | per month |
| Subscribe to Pro Plan | $9.99 | per month |
| Subscribe to Plus Plan | $49.99 | per year |
| Subscribe to Pro Plan | $99.99 | per year |
| 1 GB | $9.99 | one-time |
| 2 GB | $14.99 | one-time |
| Full Customization | $19.99 | one-time |
| 5 GB | $29.99 | one-time |
| 10 GB | $49.99 | one-time |


### Softcover

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/softcover/id6753820163)

Track your reading progress, manage book lists, and connect with a community of readers. Discover new titles, follow friends, and engage in discussions. Features include detailed statistics, release notifications, and home screen widgets.

**Highlights:** Track reading progress (page/percentage/time), Manage reading lists (Currently Reading, Want to Read, Finished), Follow friends and explore trending titles, Community book discussions and curated lists, Detailed reading statistics and annual goals, Release notifications for anticipated books, Home screen widgets for reading progress

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Readest free?

Readest is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Softcover free?

Softcover is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Readest or Softcover?

Readest is rated higher. Readest averages 4.5 out of 5 from 191 ratings, while Softcover averages 4.3 from 3 ratings.

### Do Readest or Softcover have ads?

Neither Readest nor Softcover shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Readest or Softcover?

Readest ships an update fortnightly, and Softcover every 2 months. Most recently, Readest was updated on October 19, 2026 and Softcover on October 4, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*