# CroReader vs StoryCodex

The clearest difference is price: StoryCodex at Free against CroReader's $1.99. CroReader's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and ads (none vs shown). On update cadence, monetization model, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

StoryCodex is free to download; CroReader costs $1.99 up front. StoryCodex sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. CroReader asks for nothing beyond the download.

CroReader ships an update every 4 days, StoryCodex weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | CroReader | StoryCodex |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $1.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/storycodex-webnovel-reader/id6770108068/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **7** |
| Positive reviews | 66.7% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 days** | Weekly |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 30 MB | 159 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **17.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [健 陆](https://appshunter.io/developer/1858980070) | [Bilal ARKAN](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896716014) |

## What reviewers say

### CroReader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/croreader/id6762633422)

A minimalist local eBook reader for iPhone that offers a distraction-free reading experience. Import your books in various formats and customize your reading layout with adjustable fonts, themes, and spacing. Enjoy realistic page-turning animations for a comfortable, immersive session.

**Highlights:** Supports TXT, MOBI, EPUB formats, Customizable background themes, Multiple reading fonts (custom import), Adjustable font size, line spacing, margins, Immersive reading mode, Realistic page-turning animation

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### StoryCodex

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/storycodex-webnovel-reader/id6770108068)

This app enhances your reading experience by building a live encyclopedia and visual story map as you progress. It allows you to tap character names for instant profiles and explore relationships without spoilers. Enjoy distraction-free reading and listening with offline capabilities.

**Highlights:** Live encyclopedia of characters and lore, Spoiler-free visual Story Map, Instant character profiles on tap, Offline reading and listening, Customizable reading views, Import EPUB, PDF, and text files, Automatic chapter recaps

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Ads | $4.99 | one-time |
| Pro Upgrade | $4.99 | one-time |
| StoryCodex Pro | $9.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is CroReader free?

CroReader costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is StoryCodex free?

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

### Do CroReader or StoryCodex have ads?

StoryCodex shows ads; CroReader does not.

### Which is updated more often, CroReader or StoryCodex?

CroReader ships an update every 4 days, and StoryCodex weekly. Most recently, CroReader was updated on October 3, 2026 and StoryCodex on October 7, 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.*