# True Reader vs ZRead

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: True Reader at none against ZRead's 4. True Reader also leads on update cadence (every 2 days vs every 9 days) and iOS requirement (15.1 vs 17). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. ZRead sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. True Reader asks for nothing beyond the download.

True Reader ships an update every 2 days, ZRead every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on September 13, 2026 and July 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | True Reader | ZRead |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zread-epub-reader/id6758880626/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 days** | Every 9 days |
| Monetization | — | Freemium |
| Size | 28 MB | 15 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.1** | 17 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [John Chambers](https://appshunter.io/developer/1818117158) | [光泽 赖](https://appshunter.io/developer/1873981179) |

## What reviewers say

### True Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/true-reader/id6754861119)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### ZRead

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zread-epub-reader/id6758880626)

A versatile reader for ebooks, PDFs, and comics. Supports numerous file formats including EPUB, MOBI, and CBZ. Offers a clean reading experience with privacy in mind.

**Highlights:** EPUB, PDF, TXT, FB2, MOBI, AZW support, CBZ, CBR, CB7 comic format support, Custom source integration, Privacy-focused design, Clean reading interface

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ZRead Pro Monthly | $0.99 | per month |
| ZRead Pro Yearly | $6.99 | per year |
| Founding Member | $6.99 | one-time |
| ZRead Pro Lifetime | $12.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is True Reader free?

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

### Is ZRead free?

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

### Do True Reader or ZRead have ads?

Neither True Reader nor ZRead shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, True Reader or ZRead?

True Reader ships an update every 2 days, and ZRead every 9 days. Most recently, True Reader was updated on September 13, 2026 and ZRead on July 9, 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.*