Comparison

True Reader vs Offshelf

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

True Reader

Features
Read full description

DarkReader - A Minimalist Dark Mode E-Reader for iOS Read your favorite books in a beautiful dark interface designed for comfortable reading. DarkReader is a simple, elegant e-reader that supports multiple file formats and gets out of your way so you can focus on what matters: reading. FEATURES: Multiple Format Support • PDF - Portable Document Format with page-by-page navigation • EPUB - Electronic books with adjustable text • TXT - Plain text files • CBZ/ZIP - Comic book archives • Images - JPG, PNG, GIF, WebP Designed for Reading • Page-by-page navigation with simple tap controls • Tap right side to turn forward, left to go back • Tap center to access controls • Automatic chapter detection and formatting • Adjustable font sizes for comfortable reading Beautiful Dark Theme • Easy on your eyes in any lighting • Black, white, and gray color scheme • Consistent dark interface throughout • Perfect for nighttime reading Smart Progress Tracking • Automatically saves your reading position • Resume exactly where you left off • Visual progress bars in your library • Track multiple books simultaneously Clean & Simple • No ads or distractions • No account required • No data collection or tracking • Fast and lightweight • Intuitive interface PERFECT FOR: • Book lovers who want a clean reading experience • Students reading textbooks and PDFs • Comic book enthusiasts • Anyone who prefers dark mode interfaces • Readers who value simplicity and privacy Import books from Files, iCloud Drive, or any document source on your device. Your books and reading progress are stored locally and privately on your device. Download DarkReader today and rediscover the joy of focused, distraction-free reading.

About

Offshelf

This app automatically tracks your reading time and progress by detecting when your phone is face-down. Easily import your library, set goals, and earn badges to build a consistent reading habit. All your data is stored locally for privacy.

Highlights
  • Automatic flip-to-read timer
  • Manual timer option
  • Barcode scanner for book addition
  • Goodreads library import
  • Reading streaks and badges
  • Daily and yearly reading goals
  • Detailed reading statistics
Features
Read full description

Offshelf is the reading tracker that gets you off your phone and into your book. Place your phone face-down to start a session. Pick it up when you're done. Your reading time, pages, and streaks are tracked automatically. Import your entire library from Goodreads with a single CSV upload. Set daily and yearly reading goals. Earn badges as you build your habit. Watch your stats grow over time. HOW IT WORKS 1. Add a book by scanning its barcode or searching by title 2. Flip your phone face-down to start reading (or use the manual timer) 3. Pick up your phone when you're done — your session is logged automatically 4. Track your pages, set goals, and watch your reading habit take shape FEATURES • Flip-to-read — a distraction-free reading timer that keeps your phone out of the way • Manual timer — for reading on a Kindle, in bed, or anywhere the flip doesn't work • Barcode scanner — add books instantly • Goodreads import — bring your full reading history • Reading streaks — build consistency day by day • Badges and milestones — celebrate your progress • Daily and yearly goals — stay motivated • Detailed stats — pages, time, sessions, pace, and more • Shareable cards — show off when you finish a book PRIVATE BY DESIGN Offshelf stores everything on your device. No account required. No servers. No data collection. We don't know what you're reading — and we never will. Your reading life is yours alone.

Screenshots

True Reader3 screens
Offshelf4 screens

Verdict

The call

True Reader and Offshelf are too close to call on the numbers: across 5 compared parameters — price, ads, in-app purchases and device support among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.

Scored on Price Ā· Rating Ā· Positive reviews Ā· Number of ratings Ā· Update frequency Ā· Ads Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Monetization Ā· Best chart rank Ā· Devices Ā· Requires iOS

CostPrice Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Ads Ā· Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ScorecardNo meaningful differences
True Reader versus Offshelf: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTrue ReaderOffshelf
PriceFreeFree
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Update frequencyEvery 2 days—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.115.1
Further details — not scored
Size28 MB32 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJohn ChambersAustin Burgard

In-app purchases

None

True Reader

No in-app purchases

None

Offshelf

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is True Reader free?
True Reader is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Offshelf free?
Offshelf is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do True Reader or Offshelf have ads?
Neither True Reader nor Offshelf shows ads.

Other comparisons