# Synapse Reads vs PastReads

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Synapse Reads at none against PastReads's 2. Synapse Reads also leads on iOS requirement (15.1 vs 17.0). PastReads's advantage is update cadence (every 11 days vs every 4 weeks). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. PastReads sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Synapse Reads asks for nothing beyond the download.

Synapse Reads ships an update every 4 weeks, PastReads every 11 days. The most recent releases landed on October 11, 2026 and October 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Synapse Reads | PastReads |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 weeks | **Every 11 days** |
| Size | 32 MB | 18 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.1** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Ansh Dave](https://appshunter.io/developer/1862968247) | [PastReads](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896138319) |

## What reviewers say

### Synapse Reads

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/synapse-reads/id6756804825)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### PastReads

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pastreads/id6765953167)

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| PastReads Pro (Monthly) | $4.99 | per month |
| PastReads Pro (Annual) | $49.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Synapse Reads free?

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

### Is PastReads free?

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

### Do Synapse Reads or PastReads have ads?

Neither Synapse Reads nor PastReads shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Synapse Reads or PastReads?

Synapse Reads ships an update every 4 weeks, and PastReads every 11 days. Most recently, Synapse Reads was updated on October 11, 2026 and PastReads on October 28, 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.*