# Codex Reader Early Access vs Close Reader

The clearest difference is ads: Codex Reader Early Access at none against Close Reader's shown. Close Reader's advantage is update cadence (every 4 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. Codex Reader Early Access sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $11.99 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.

Codex Reader Early Access ships an update every 3 weeks, Close Reader every 4 days. Both last shipped on November 13, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Codex Reader Early Access | Close Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | Freemium | — |
| Size | 130 MB | 61 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.4 | 16.4 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [Cameron Green](https://appshunter.io/developer/1493306411) | [Ilia Ilinskii](https://appshunter.io/developer/1837644458) |

## What reviewers say

### Codex Reader Early Access

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/codex-reader-early-access/id6762022936)

Organize and enjoy your existing digital books and audiobooks in one unified library. Seamlessly switch between reading and listening with synchronized text and narration, all accessible offline. Customize your reading experience with extensive options and device integrations.

**Highlights:** Unified book and audiobook library, Readaloud synchronized text and narration, Offline access to downloaded content, CarPlay and Siri integration, Customizable typography and playback, Home Screen widgets and Live Activity

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Vision Pro support, iPhone Duo support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Codex Cloud Plus Monthly | $11.99 | per month |
| Codex Cloud Pro Monthly | $17.99 | per month |
| Codex Cloud Max Monthly | $49.99 | per month |
| Codex Cloud Plus Yearly | $119.99 | per year |
| Codex Cloud Pro Yearly | $179.99 | per year |
| Codex Cloud Max Yearly | $499.99 | per year |
| 1 Readaloud Creation | $0.99 | one-time |
| A Coffee | $2.99 | one-time |
| 5 Readaloud Creations | $4.99 | one-time |
| Codex Premium | $6.99 | 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 Codex Reader Early Access free?

Codex Reader Early Access 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 Codex Reader Early Access or Close Reader have ads?

Close Reader shows ads; Codex Reader Early Access does not.

### Which is updated more often, Codex Reader Early Access or Close Reader?

Codex Reader Early Access ships an update every 3 weeks, and Close Reader every 4 days. Most recently, Codex Reader Early Access was updated on November 13, 2026 and Close Reader on November 13, 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.*