# ArcReader vs StoryCodex

The clearest difference is monetization model: StoryCodex at free against ArcReader's free with in-app purchases. ArcReader's advantage is ratings volume (47 vs 7) and iOS requirement (15.6 vs 17.0). On price, rating, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. ArcReader sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month and StoryCodex sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.9 for ArcReader against 5.0 for StoryCodex. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ArcReader has 47 ratings behind it against 7, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ArcReader | StoryCodex |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.9 (47 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/arcreader-web-novel-offline/id6762717697/reviews) | **[5.0 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/storycodex-webnovel-reader/id6770108068/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **47** | 7 |
| Positive reviews | 94.1% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Weekly | Weekly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 138 MB | 159 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Thien Le](https://appshunter.io/developer/1617088747) | [Bilal ARKAN](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896716014) |

## What reviewers say

### ArcReader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/arcreader-web-novel-offline/id6762717697)

Download and read web novels offline with customizable themes, fonts, and scroll modes. Convert novels to audiobooks with on-device narration and build vocabulary with an integrated dictionary. Sync progress across devices and import EPUB files.

**Highlights:** Download and read web novels offline, Customizable reader themes and fonts, On-device text-to-speech narration, EPUB file import, Integrated dictionary with flashcards, Cross-device reading progress sync

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ArcReader VIP — Monthly | $5.99 | per month |
| ArcReader VIP — Annual | $44.99 | per year |
| ArcReader VIP - Lifetime | $79.99 | one-time |


### 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 ArcReader free?

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

### Is StoryCodex free?

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

### Which has better reviews, ArcReader or StoryCodex?

StoryCodex is rated higher. ArcReader averages 4.9 out of 5 from 47 ratings, while StoryCodex averages 5.0 from 7 ratings.

### Do ArcReader or StoryCodex have ads?

Both ArcReader and StoryCodex show ads.

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

ArcReader ships an update weekly, and StoryCodex weekly. Most recently, ArcReader was updated on October 12, 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.*