# GemRed Instruments vs SimplyRead

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: GemRed Instruments at none against SimplyRead's 1. GemRed Instruments also leads on iOS requirement (12.0 vs 16.0). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SimplyRead sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. GemRed Instruments asks for nothing beyond the download.

GemRed Instruments ships an update every 10 days, SimplyRead weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 25, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | GemRed Instruments | SimplyRead |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplyread-ebook-reader/id6756316775/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 10 days | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | — | Freemium |
| Size | 34 MB | 145 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [GemRed](https://appshunter.io/developer/1279222567) | [阳 张](https://appshunter.io/developer/1832378186) |

## What reviewers say

### GemRed Instruments

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gemred-instruments/id6754753413)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### SimplyRead

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplyread-ebook-reader/id6756316775)

This app allows you to read and listen to your own e-books in various formats. Customize typography, scroll through pages, and bookmark your progress. It also offers natural voice narration and library management features.

**Highlights:** Customizable typography and themes, Page-by-page or continuous scroll, Automatic chapter detection, Natural voice narration with highlighting, Import from Files app, clipboard, or URL, Built-in editor with Find & Replace, iCloud Drive backup and restore

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro User | $1.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is GemRed Instruments free?

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

### Is SimplyRead free?

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

### Do GemRed Instruments or SimplyRead have ads?

Neither GemRed Instruments nor SimplyRead shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, GemRed Instruments or SimplyRead?

GemRed Instruments ships an update every 10 days, and SimplyRead weekly. Most recently, GemRed Instruments was updated on October 25, 2026 and SimplyRead on October 30, 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.*