Comparison

CoreNodeReader vs Readive

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side β€” 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: β€’ 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. β€’ Direct Kavita integration Connect your own Kavita server and sync libraries, series, collections, favorites and reading progress. β€’ OPDS catalog support Add compatible OPDS catalogs and use them alongside your local and Kavita libraries. β€’ Local library Import EPUB and PDF files directly to your device or use any Cloud folder for your personal book library. β€’ 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. β€’ EPUB and PDF reading Read books and magazines with table of contents, bookmarks, notes, metadata, search and a focused reading interface. β€’ 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. β€’ Flexible library views Switch between icon, list and compact views. Filter by title, author, source, file type, series, collections and metadata. β€’ 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

Read EPUB, PDF and comics. Listen to audiobooks. Readive brings your own files together in one library on iPhone and iPad, so you can pick up where you left off. BRING YOUR OWN BOOKS - Import EPUB, PDF, TXT, CBZ, CBR, ZIP, RAR, 7z and audio files such as MP3. - Browse and import from SMB/NAS, FTP/SFTP, WebDAV, OPDS, Dropbox and OneDrive. - Connect to BookManager on your local network to read and import books from your PC. - Keep downloaded books on your device for offline reading. - Use Find on the web (Beta) to browse free ebooks and audiobooks from external sources and import supported files. Check each work’s rights, terms of use and availability in your country. Downloads may be limited by source or title, and the Beta feature may change or end. READ YOUR WAY - Adjust fonts, themes, page direction and viewing options. - Read comics with zoom, image filters and support for password-protected archives. - Choose the original layout or optimized reading view for EPUB. - Save bookmarks and highlights, and return to your reading position. LISTEN AS YOU READ - Play audiobooks and resume from your saved position. - Listen to supported text with text-to-speech. - Use playback speed controls and a sleep timer. KEEP TRACK OF YOUR READING - Organize your library into collections. - View reading history, a reading calendar and daily activity. - Add book ratings and keep track of your progress. FREE AND PREMIUM Readive works without a Readive account. The free version includes ads. Optional Premium removes ads and adds themes, fonts, reading insights, reading music and the optional Supertonic offline TTS model. Reading music and the offline TTS model require separate downloads. Imported files are stored on your device. Optional cloud connections and sync use the services you choose. Supported formats and features depend on the file and operating system. Subscriptions are billed through your App Store account and can be managed or canceled in device settings. 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 Β· Rating Β· Positive reviews Β· Number of ratings Β· Update frequency Β· Ads Β· In-app purchases Β· Monetization Β· Best chart rank Β· Devices Β· Requires iOS

CostPrice Β· In-app purchases Β· Ads Β· 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 17, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences Β· 2 level
CoreNodeReader versus Readive: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCoreNodeReaderReadive
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyFortnightlyEvery 5 days β€” better
AdsNo β€” betterYes
In-app purchasesYesNo β€” better
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod β€” better
Requires iOS17.015.1 β€” better
Further details β€” not scored
Size14 MB131 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 17, 2026.

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