# Common Reader vs PillowBook Reader

The clearest difference is update cadence: Common Reader at every 3 days against PillowBook Reader's monthly. PillowBook Reader's advantage is review sentiment (100% vs 83%) and iOS requirement (18.0 vs 26.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Common Reader sells 5 one-off in-app purchases and PillowBook Reader sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Common Reader ships an update every 3 days, PillowBook Reader monthly. The most recent releases landed on November 7, 2026 and November 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Common Reader | PillowBook Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/common-reader-epub-azw3-pdf/id6770067434/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **2** | — |
| Positive reviews | 83.3% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 days** | Monthly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 119 MB | 131 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | **18.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [天宇 高](https://appshunter.io/developer/1851416147) | [HAO GONG](https://appshunter.io/developer/6813302748) |

## What reviewers say

### Common Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/common-reader-epub-azw3-pdf/id6770067434)

This app offers a unified reading and AI-powered analysis experience for various ebook formats. It allows users to ask questions about book content, automatically organize their library, and sync across multiple devices. Privacy is a core focus, with no proactive data collection.

**Highlights:** Supports multiple ebook formats (epub, azw3, mobi, txt, md, pdf), AI-powered questions about book content, Automatic library organization with generative AI, Cloud sync (iCloud, OneDrive, WebDAV), Fast full-library search, Unified cross-platform interface

**Features:** iPhone Duo support

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 Cup of Coffee | $4.00 | one-time |
| 2 Cups of Coffee | $8.00 | one-time |
| Lifetime Unlock | $9.99 | one-time |
| 4 Cups of Coffee | $16.00 | one-time |
| Many coffees | $32.00 | one-time |


### PillowBook Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pillowbook-reader/id6813302746)

A local-first TXT and EPUB reader designed for comfortable, personalized reading. Enjoy a clean interface, customizable reading settings, and text-to-speech functionality without ads or account requirements. Manage your personal library offline.

**Highlights:** Customizable reading interface, Adjustable font, spacing, and themes, Horizontal/vertical text support, Multiple page-turning options, System text-to-speech integration, Offline library management, Import via Files or Wi-Fi sharing

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, iPhone Duo support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Campaign: 10 Extra Books | $1.99 | one-time |
| Coffee Tip | $2.99 | one-time |
| Campaign: 60-Day Library Pass | $5.99 | one-time |
| Unlimited Library | $9.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Common Reader free?

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

### Is PillowBook Reader free?

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

### Do Common Reader or PillowBook Reader have ads?

Neither Common Reader nor PillowBook Reader shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Common Reader or PillowBook Reader?

Common Reader ships an update every 3 days, and PillowBook Reader monthly. Most recently, Common Reader was updated on November 7, 2026 and PillowBook Reader on November 6, 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.*