Comparison

CoreNodeReader vs Readive

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

Head to head
About

CoreNodeReader

Features
Read full description

CoreNode Reader is a modern e-book reader optimized for iPad but also running on iPhone, built for readers who want full control over their digital library. The app brings together local books, Kavita servers and OPDS catalogs in one clean reading experience. Read EPUBs and PDFs, browse large libraries, filter by title or author, manage favorites, and keep your reading progress in sync across devices. Highlights: โ€ข One unified library Combine multiple sources into one library view. Local books, Kavita libraries and OPDS catalogs can be shown together or filtered separately, so your entire collection feels like one organized bookshelf. โ€ข Direct Kavita integration Connect your own Kavita server and sync libraries, series, collections, favorites and reading progress. โ€ข OPDS catalog support Add compatible OPDS catalogs and use them alongside your local and Kavita libraries. โ€ข Local library Import EPUB and PDF files directly to your device or use any Cloud folder for your personal book library. โ€ข Cross-device sync Synchronize reading progress, favorites, recently read books, bookmarks, notes, reader profiles and settings between devices. CoreNode Reader supports Apple ecosystem sync and also offers file-based sync for exchanging reading data between iOS, iPadOS and Android devices. โ€ข EPUB and PDF reading Read books and magazines with table of contents, bookmarks, notes, metadata, search and a focused reading interface. โ€ข Built for self-hosting CoreNode Reader is designed for people who want to manage their own books, catalogs and servers instead of being locked into a single store or platform. โ€ข Flexible library views Switch between icon, list and compact views. Filter by title, author, source, file type, series, collections and metadata. โ€ข Customizable reading experience Adjust font size, line height, margins, theme, layout and brightness to match your preferred reading style. CoreNode Reader is optimized for iPad and also works on iPhone. It is ideal for EPUBs, PDFs, magazines, OPDS catalogs and self-hosted libraries in one unified app.

About

Readive

Features
Read full description

Readive is an all-in-one reader for organizing and enjoying comics, ebooks, documents, and audiobooks in a single library. Key features - Supports EPUB, PDF, CBZ, ZIP, TXT, MP3, and more - A local library for importing and organizing files from your device - Dedicated reading experiences for image-based and text-based books - Audiobook playback with resume support - Reading position, bookmarks, and reading history - Multiple themes, fonts, and reading settings - Reading time and recent reading activity insights Readive does not require account registration. Imported files and most reading data are processed locally on your device. The free version may display ads in some areas. Premium removes ads and unlocks additional themes, fonts, reading music, and reading insights. Subscriptions are billed through your App Store account and can be managed or canceled in your device settings. Supported formats and some features may vary depending on the file structure and operating system environment. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

CoreNodeReader4 screens
Readive4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Readive at none against CoreNodeReader's 5. Readive also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs fortnightly) and iOS requirement (15.1 vs 17.0). CoreNodeReader's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

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

CostPrice ยท In-app purchases ยท Ads ยท Monetization

Both are free to download. CoreNodeReader sells 5 one-off in-app purchases. Readive asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

CoreNodeReader ships an update fortnightly, Readive every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 6, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences ยท 2 level
CoreNodeReader versus Readive: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCoreNodeReaderReadive
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyFortnightlyEvery 5 days โ€” better
AdsNo โ€” betterYes
In-app purchasesYesNo โ€” better
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod โ€” better
Requires iOS17.015.1 โ€” better
Further details โ€” not scored
Size14 MB125 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperWerner Stiglbauersungbin jung

In-app purchases

5 purchases

CoreNodeReader

One-time5
  • Tip small$2.99
  • Tip medium$3.99
  • Tip large$5.99
Show 2 more
  • CoreNodeReader Pro$8.99
  • CoreNodeReader Pro Family$17.99
None

Readive

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is CoreNodeReader free?
CoreNodeReader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Readive free?
Readive is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do CoreNodeReader or Readive have ads?
Readive shows ads; CoreNodeReader does not.
Which is updated more often, CoreNodeReader or Readive?
CoreNodeReader ships an update fortnightly, and Readive every 5 days. Most recently, CoreNodeReader was updated on October 6, 2026 and Readive on October 1, 2026.

Other comparisons