# PaperSense vs Preprint Reader

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Preprint Reader at none against PaperSense's 5. Preprint Reader also leads on update cadence (daily vs every 2 weeks). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. PaperSense sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Preprint Reader asks for nothing beyond the download.

PaperSense ships an update every 2 weeks, Preprint Reader daily. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PaperSense | Preprint Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Daily** |
| Size | 4 MB | 3 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **17.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Florian Schimanke](https://appshunter.io/developer/288399510) | [Ariq Koh](https://appshunter.io/developer/1861149524) |

## What reviewers say

### PaperSense

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/papersense/id6768334599)

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| PaperSense | $3.99 | per month |
| PaperSense Pro Monthly | $8.99 | per month |
| PaperSense (Annual) | $39.99 | per year |
| PaperSense Pro Yearly | $89.99 | per year |
| Bring Your Own Key | $14.99 | one-time |


### Preprint Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/preprint-reader/id6785493048)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PaperSense free?

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

### Is Preprint Reader free?

Preprint Reader is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do PaperSense or Preprint Reader have ads?

Neither PaperSense nor Preprint Reader shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, PaperSense or Preprint Reader?

PaperSense ships an update every 2 weeks, and Preprint Reader daily. Most recently, PaperSense was updated on October 16, 2026 and Preprint Reader 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.*