ZRead vs BookShelf Reader
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
ZRead
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.
- EPUB, PDF, TXT, FB2, MOBI, AZW support
- CBZ, CBR, CB7 comic format support
- Custom source integration
- Privacy-focused design
- Clean reading interface
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Read ebooks, PDFs, and comics with ZRead. ZRead supports EPUB, PDF, TXT, FB2, MOBI, AZW, and comic formats including CBZ, CBR, and CB7. Privacy: https://zread.app/privacy Terms: https://zread.app/terms
BookShelf Reader
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BookShelf is a clean, distraction-free PDF reader built for people who love books. Import your files, track your reading, and organize your library exactly the way you want — with no ads, no subscriptions, and no accounts required. READ YOUR WAY Scroll vertically or flip pages horizontally like a real book. Adjust brightness and switch between clean white and warm sepia mode. Every reading preference, covered. YOUR LIBRARY, YOUR RULES View your books as a grid or a list. Sort by title, last read, or progress. Build custom reading lists — To Read, Reading, Finished — and organize everything with categories and favorites. TRACK YOUR PROGRESS See how many pages you've read, time spent reading, your current streak, and your 30-day reading chart. Stats that keep you motivated without getting in the way. BOOKMARKS & ANNOTATIONS Mark any page with a bookmark and write notes as you read. All your annotations are organized and easy to find when you need them. WORKS OFFLINE. ALWAYS. BookShelf works 100% offline. No internet connection required to read, organize, or track your progress. OPTIONAL CLOUD SYNC Sign in with Google to optionally sync your library, progress, bookmarks, and notes across all your devices. Your PDFs are backed up securely. Turn it off anytime — your data stays on your device. PRIVATE BY DESIGN No ads. No trackers. No analytics SDKs. No behavioral data collection of any kind. If you never sign in, absolutely nothing leaves your device. AVAILABLE IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH Full app interface in both languages. Switch anytime from Settings. WHAT YOU GET • Grid and list library views • Horizontal page-flip and vertical scroll reading modes • Warm sepia and brightness controls • Bookmarks and text annotations • Custom reading lists and categories • Reading statistics and daily streaks • 30-day reading progress chart • Optional cloud sync across devices • PDF file backup and restore • Dark mode support • English and Spanish interface • No ads, no subscriptions, no tracking BookShelf is made for readers who want a simple, beautiful app that respects their time and privacy.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: BookShelf Reader at none against ZRead's 4. BookShelf Reader also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. ZRead sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. BookShelf Reader asks for nothing beyond the download.
| Parameter | ZRead | BookShelf Reader |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better | — |
| Number of ratings | 1 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 9 days | — |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Freemium | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 17 | 13.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 15 MB | 37 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | 光泽 赖 | Heyson Betancourt |
In-app purchases
ZRead
- ZRead Pro Monthly$0.991 Month
- ZRead Pro Yearly$6.991 Year
- Founding Member$6.99
- ZRead Pro Lifetime$12.99
BookShelf Reader
No in-app purchases









