# Readest vs Own Shelf

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Own Shelf at none against Readest's 9. Own Shelf also leads on update cadence (every 2 days vs fortnightly). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

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

Readest ships an update fortnightly, Own Shelf every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on October 17, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Readest | Own Shelf |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (191 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/readest-ebook-reader/id6738622779/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **191** | — |
| Positive reviews | 84.2% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Every 2 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 58 MB | 33 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.4 | **15.1** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Bilingify LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1781524090) | [DANIELLA TOPPLE](https://appshunter.io/developer/6793436026) |

## 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 |


### Own Shelf

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/own-shelf/id6793436024)

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Readest free?

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

### Is Own Shelf free?

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

### Do Readest or Own Shelf have ads?

Neither Readest nor Own Shelf shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Readest or Own Shelf?

Readest ships an update fortnightly, and Own Shelf every 2 days. Most recently, Readest was updated on October 17, 2026 and Own Shelf on September 28, 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.*