# GlowWords vs Close Reader

GlowWords and Close Reader are too close to call on the numbers: across 6 compared parameters — price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.

Both are free to download. GlowWords sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and Close Reader sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 5, 2026 and November 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | GlowWords | Close Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/glowwords/id6755664722/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **1** | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 82 MB | 61 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 16.4 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | +12 | 9+ |
| Developer | [Viktorya Hovhannisyan](https://appshunter.io/developer/1855383837) | [Ilia Ilinskii](https://appshunter.io/developer/1837644458) |

## What reviewers say

### GlowWords

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/glowwords/id6755664722)

Enhance your reading and vocabulary with an AI English tutor. Import EPUB books, translate words, and review new vocabulary with flashcards. Practice conversation with an AI tutor for real-time feedback and corrections.

**Highlights:** EPUB reader, Parallel translation, AI English tutor, Vocabulary practice, Flashcards, Imported books, Reading progress tracking

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| GlowWords Plus | $2.99 | per month |
| GlowWords Plus | $2.99 | per month |
| GlowWords Plus – 3 months | $5.99 | per 3 months |
| GlowWords Plus Yearly | $17.99 | per year |


### Close Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/close-reader-ai-book-reader/id6817067048)

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

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Light – monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Medium – monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Max – monthly | $19.99 | per month |
| Light – yearly | $39.99 | per year |
| Medium – yearly | $79.99 | per year |
| Max – yearly | $149.99 | per year |
| 10,000 energy | $2.99 | one-time |
| 30,000 energy | $6.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is GlowWords free?

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

### Is Close Reader free?

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

### Do GlowWords or Close Reader have ads?

Both GlowWords and Close Reader show ads.

### Which is updated more often, GlowWords or Close Reader?

GlowWords ships an update every 3 weeks, and Close Reader every 3 weeks. Most recently, GlowWords was updated on November 5, 2026 and Close Reader on November 10, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*