ZRead vs Prose 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
Prose Reader
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Prose is a clean, local-first reader for ePub and PDF books. Designed with a focus on speed, privacy, and simplicity, Prose works completely offline to keep your personal library secure on your device. Key Features: - Multi-format support: Read ePub 2, ePub 3, and PDF files. - Offline library: View your books in a custom cover grid or detail list. Search, filter, and sort by title, author, last read, or reading progress. - Tailored reading experience: Customize fonts, font size, margins, and line spacing for reflowable ePub books. Zoom and fit controls are available for PDF files. - Reading themes: Switch between light, dark, and sepia themes to match your environment. Themes apply across the entire application interface. - Local-first sync: Connect your own WebDAV server to sync books, reading positions, bookmarks, highlights, and settings. Sync runs in the background and resolves conflicts by keeping your furthest reading position. - Annotation and reference: Create bookmarks, highlight text, and look up definitions using the built-in offline dictionary. - Privacy and security: Your data is never sent to third-party services. WebDAV credentials are saved securely in your operating system keychain. There is no telemetry, analytics, or tracking.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Prose Reader at none against ZRead's 4. Prose Reader also leads on iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17). ZRead's advantage is update cadence (every 9 days vs every 2 months). 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. Prose Reader asks for nothing beyond the download.
ZRead ships an update every 9 days, Prose Reader every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 1, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | ZRead | Prose Reader |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better | — |
| Number of ratings | 1 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 9 days — better | Every 2 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Freemium | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 17 | 15.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 15 MB | 125 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | 光泽 赖 | Elia Salerno |
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
Prose Reader
No in-app purchases









