# BookLight vs Close Reader

The clearest difference is ads: BookLight at none against Close Reader's shown. BookLight also leads on update cadence (every 6 days vs every 3 weeks). On price, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. BookLight sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 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.

BookLight ships an update every 6 days, Close Reader every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 7, 2026 and November 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | BookLight | Close Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 days** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 94 MB | 61 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.4 | 16.4 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [Jungjun Lee](https://appshunter.io/developer/1485806455) | [Ilia Ilinskii](https://appshunter.io/developer/1837644458) |

## What reviewers say

### BookLight

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/booklight-epub-translator/id6759386987)

This app helps language learners build vocabulary by translating words with a single tap while reading EPUB, PDF, or TXT files. It automatically saves new words and uses spaced repetition flashcards to aid memorization, eliminating the need for manual flashcard creation or app switching.

**Highlights:** Tap to translate words instantly, Automatic vocabulary saving, Spaced-repetition flashcards, Import EPUB, PDF, TXT files, Offline reading support, Customizable reading themes and fonts, Pronunciation audio

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Plan | $0.99 | per month |
| Yearly Plan | $7.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Plan | $9.99 | one-time |


### 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 BookLight free?

BookLight 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 BookLight or Close Reader have ads?

Close Reader shows ads; BookLight does not.

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

BookLight ships an update every 6 days, and Close Reader every 3 weeks. Most recently, BookLight was updated on November 7, 2026 and Close Reader on November 10, 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.*