Comparison

Kanso Reader vs Markdown Reader

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Kanso Reader

Features
Read full description

Kanso Reader is trying to be distraction-free reading app for saving web articles and PDFs to read later. It try to remove clutter like ads, promos, related links, and other unnecessary page elements so you can focus on the content that matters. Save from a shared link or pasted URL, import PDFs, and read in a clean, comfortable view designed for focus. Kanso Reader helps you build a private reading library on your device, with simple tools to organize and revisit what you save. Features: • Save web articles and PDFs to read later • Clean reader view for reading • Import from shared links or pasted URLs • Add notes to saved content • Organize with tags • Search your library quickly • Export saved content when needed • Local-first storage or icloud sync Free users can keep 1 saved item at a time. Delete it anytime to save another. Unlock Kanso Reader Lifetime to save unlimited articles and PDFs.

About

Markdown Reader

A lightweight Markdown reader with advanced features like syntax highlighting, diagram rendering, and LaTeX math support. It allows local file import, editing, and offline use, with an optional Pro upgrade for additional functionalities.

Highlights
  • Syntax highlighting for 185+ languages
  • Mermaid diagram rendering
  • LaTeX math support
  • PDF export (Pro)
  • Code block copying (Pro)
  • Outline navigation (Pro)
  • Local file import and editing
Features
Read full description

MarkdownReader is a lightweight Markdown reader built for developers and power users. Key Features: • Immersive Reading — Native Markdown rendering with syntax highlighting (185+ languages) • Mermaid Diagrams — Flowcharts, sequence diagrams, Gantt charts and more • LaTeX Math — Block and inline math formulas rendered beautifully • PDF Export — Export full documents (with formulas/diagrams) to PDF (Pro) • Code Copy — One-tap copy for code blocks (Pro) • Font Size — Adjustable text size for comfortable reading (Pro) • Outline Navigation — Jump to headings in long documents (Pro) • Task Lists — Interactive checkboxes • Callout Blocks — NOTE, TIP, WARNING, CAUTION and more • Multiple Import — Local files, URL fetching, clipboard paste • Share Extension — Save directly from Safari • Lightweight Editor — Edit, preview, save • File Sharing — Export .md to other apps • Dark Mode — Follows system appearance • Bilingual — Full Chinese and English support • Offline — All rendering local, no internet required All data stored locally. No data uploaded to any server. One-time ¥6 Pro unlocks PDF export, code copy, font size, and outline navigation.

Screenshots

Kanso Reader4 screens
Markdown Reader4 screens

Verdict

The call

Kanso Reader and Markdown Reader are too close to call on the numbers: across 5 compared parameters — price, ads, in-app purchases and device support among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Kanso Reader sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Markdown Reader sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ScorecardNo meaningful differences
Kanso Reader versus Markdown Reader: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterKanso ReaderMarkdown Reader
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (2 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—2 — better
Update frequency—Every 6 days
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
Monetization—Freemium
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS17.617.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size114 MB10 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMichael Lee汇慧 杨

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Kanso Reader

One-time1
  • Kanso Reader$7.99
1 purchases

Markdown Reader

One-time1
  • MarkdownReader Pro$0.99

Questions

Is Kanso Reader free?
Kanso Reader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Markdown Reader free?
Markdown Reader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Kanso Reader or Markdown Reader have ads?
Neither Kanso Reader nor Markdown Reader shows ads.

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