# NBReader vs Boldscholar

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: NBReader at none against Boldscholar's 6. NBReader also leads on update cadence (every 10 days vs every 4 months). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Boldscholar sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. NBReader asks for nothing beyond the download.

NBReader ships an update every 10 days, Boldscholar every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | NBReader | Boldscholar |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[2.7 (96 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nbreader/id6746718668/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **96** | — |
| Positive reviews | 21.5% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 10 days** | Every 4 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 73 MB | 58 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.1** | 16.4 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Tai Vuong Duy](https://appshunter.io/developer/1818095626) | [Boldscholar Research Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1839880585) |

## What reviewers say

### NBReader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nbreader/id6746718668)

This app offers a rich novel-reading experience with customizable reading modes, text-to-speech functionality, and instant translation. Build your personal library, track your progress, and enjoy offline reading with daily rewards for unlocking content.

**Highlights:** Customizable reading modes, Text-to-speech playback, Instant paragraph translation, Offline library access, Bookmark and history management, Daily free points for content

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Good app

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Keeps crashing
- 🔋 Crashes during ads
- 💰 Expensive ad removal cost
- 📥 Slow download issues
- 📺 Ads still present

**Reported bugs**

- Constant app termination
- Download issues for large files
- Audio reader not working

**Requested features**

- Lifetime ad removal option
- Points system improvements


### Boldscholar

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/boldscholar/id6752561760)

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

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Videobook Monthly | $0.99 | per month |
| Monthly | $0.99 | per month |
| Annual Subscription | $12.99 | per year |
| Ink Drop – Starter Pack | $0.99 | one-time |
| Ink Vial - Pro | $2.99 | one-time |
| Ink Bottle – Mega Pack | $5.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is NBReader free?

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

### Is Boldscholar free?

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

### Do NBReader or Boldscholar have ads?

Neither NBReader nor Boldscholar shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, NBReader or Boldscholar?

NBReader ships an update every 10 days, and Boldscholar every 4 months. Most recently, NBReader was updated on October 13, 2026 and Boldscholar on October 1, 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.*