# Readest vs Issa Reader

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Issa Reader at none against Readest's 9. Issa Reader also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.5) and review sentiment (100% vs 84%). Readest's advantage is ratings volume (197 vs 3) and chart position (#189 vs unranked). On price, ads 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. Issa Reader asks for nothing beyond the download.

Issa Reader holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Readest has 197 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 100% of Issa Reader's.

Readest ships an update fortnightly, Issa Reader every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 30, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Readest | Issa Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (197 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/readest-ebook-reader/id6738622779/reviews) | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/issa-reader/id6806803431/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **197** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 84.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | **#189** | — |
| Size | 58 MB | 23 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.4** | 26.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Mac | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Bilingify LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1781524090) | [Benjamin Issa](https://appshunter.io/developer/1860745071) |

## What reviewers say

### Readest

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

**Currently charting:** #189 Top Free · Book (US App Store)

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 |


### Issa Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/issa-reader/id6806803431)

This app syncs your ebooks with audiobooks from a self-hosted server, allowing seamless transitions between reading and listening. It offers a native reading experience with customizable text and themes, and advanced audiobook playback features.

**Highlights:** Seamless read-to-listen transition, Native typesetting engine, Customizable reading fonts and themes, Variable speed audiobook playback, CarPlay integration, Offline library access, Home Screen widget

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Readest free?

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

### Is Issa Reader free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Readest or Issa Reader?

Issa Reader is rated higher. Readest averages 4.5 out of 5 from 197 ratings, while Issa Reader averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.

### Do Readest or Issa Reader have ads?

Neither Readest nor Issa Reader shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Readest or Issa Reader?

Readest ships an update fortnightly, and Issa Reader every 5 days. Most recently, Readest was updated on October 30, 2026 and Issa Reader on October 31, 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.*