# Rootread vs Shelv

The clearest difference is ads: Shelv at none against Rootread's shown. Shelv also leads on update cadence (monthly vs every 2 months). On price, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Rootread sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month and Shelv sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Rootread ships an update every 2 months, Shelv monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 1, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Rootread | Shelv |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Monthly** |
| Size | 19 MB | 90 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **17.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Nephia](https://appshunter.io/developer/1882027802) | [Joshua Aideloje](https://appshunter.io/developer/1840741133) |

## What reviewers say

### Rootread

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rootread/id6759971607)

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| RootRead Pro (Monthly) | $3.99 | per month |
| RootRead Pro (Annual) | $29.99 | per year |
| RootRead Pro (Lifetime) | $49.99 | one-time |


### Shelv

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shelv/id6761499389)

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Shelv Premium | $2.99 | per month |
| Shelv Premium (Yearly) | $19.99 | per year |
| Shelv Pro Lifetime | $59.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Rootread free?

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

### Is Shelv free?

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

### Do Rootread or Shelv have ads?

Rootread shows ads; Shelv does not.

### Which is updated more often, Rootread or Shelv?

Rootread ships an update every 2 months, and Shelv monthly. Most recently, Rootread was updated on October 1, 2026 and Shelv on October 11, 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.*