# Readest vs iRead

The clearest difference is rating: iRead at 5.0 against Readest's 4.5. iRead also leads on update cadence (every 3 days vs fortnightly). Readest's advantage is ratings volume (191 vs 1). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Readest sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month and iRead sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

iRead holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Readest has 191 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Readest ships an update fortnightly, iRead every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Readest | iRead |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (191 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/readest-ebook-reader/id6738622779/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/iread-read-aloud-epub-reader/id6786994940/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **191** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 84.2% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 58 MB | 38 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.4** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Bilingify LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1781524090) | [Shuhui Sheng](https://appshunter.io/developer/6783579766) |

## 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 |


### iRead

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/iread-read-aloud-epub-reader/id6786994940)

Listen to your EPUB, TXT, and MOBI books with natural-sounding voices, completely offline. Import your existing library and enjoy background playback with lock screen controls. A Pro version unlocks premium voices with a one-time purchase.

**Highlights:** Listen to EPUB, TXT, MOBI aloud, Natural neural voices, Fully offline operation, Background playback, Import from Files/Share Sheet, Light/dark themes, Library management

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| iRead Pro | $11.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Readest free?

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

### Is iRead free?

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

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

iRead is rated higher. Readest averages 4.5 out of 5 from 191 ratings, while iRead averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Readest or iRead have ads?

Neither Readest nor iRead shows ads.

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

Readest ships an update fortnightly, and iRead every 3 days. Most recently, Readest was updated on October 20, 2026 and iRead on October 13, 2026.

---

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