BookShelf vs SmartReader
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side β with what reviewers say about each.
BookShelf
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BookShelf turns reading into the most natural way to learn a language. Pick a book from thousands of free classics in 17 languages β or import your own EPUB β read in a clean, distraction-free reader, and tap any word you don't know. The translation appears instantly, right where you're reading, in your own language. But a dictionary only tells you what a word means. BookShelf goes further: an AI grammar assistant explains how the word actually works in the sentence you're reading β tense, form, nuance, and why it's used that way. It's the difference between "look" meaning "Π²ΠΎΠ»Ρ" out of context and understanding "people will call" as a real future tense. Every word you tap can be saved to your personal vocabulary and synced across your devices. Then practice them with built-in flashcards β swipe to mark what you know, and BookShelf brings each word back exactly when you're about to forget it. WHY BOOKSHELF - Thousands of free books in 17 languages β browse and download public domain classics right in the app, no account or payment needed - Read your own books β import any EPUB and read comfortably with adjustable, distraction-free display - Tap for instant translation β one tap on any word, translated in context without leaving the page - AI grammar explanations β understand tense, form, and nuance, not just the dictionary definition - Build your vocabulary β save words as you read and turn them into a personal study list - Review with flashcards β spaced repetition brings words back right before you forget them - Cloud sync β your books and words follow you across devices - Export anywhere β send your vocabulary to Anki, Quizlet, or CSV in one tap - Clean, focused design β nothing between you and the book FREE & PRO BookShelf is free to use, with daily free translations and a generous saved-word limit. Upgrade to Pro for unlimited AI translations, advanced grammar explanations, and unlimited cloud vocabulary sync. Pro is available as a monthly or annual subscription. The monthly plan includes a discounted first month; the annual plan includes a free trial. Payment is charged to your Apple ID; subscriptions renew automatically unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the period. You can manage or cancel anytime in your App Store account settings. Free books are provided by Project Gutenberg and are in the public domain. Start reading the books you actually want to read β and learn the language as you go. Terms of Use: https://bookshelf-reader.github.io/terms.html Privacy Policy: https://bookshelf-reader.github.io/privacy.html
SmartReader
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Learn English naturally through interactive stories designed for levels A1βB2. SmartReader combines reading, translation, listening, speaking, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes in one learning experience. READ AND UNDERSTAND β’ Explore engaging English stories across many categories β’ Choose content for levels A1, A2, B1, and B2 β’ Tap words and sentences to understand them β’ View instant translations in your preferred language β’ Listen to stories with clear audio β’ Adjust playback speed and repeat difficult parts BUILD YOUR VOCABULARY β’ Open detailed word cards while reading β’ Listen to pronunciation β’ Review translations, examples, synonyms, and antonyms β’ Save useful words and return to them later β’ Learn vocabulary naturally in context β’ Some vocabulary features require a Reader subscription PRACTICE SPEAKING β’ Answer questions about each story β’ Record your voice using the microphone β’ Practice pronunciation and spoken English β’ Build confidence through guided story discussions β’ Speaking and AI-powered pronunciation features require an AI Plus subscription IMPROVE LISTENING β’ Listen to individual sentences β’ Repeat and record what you hear β’ Compare your pronunciation with the original β’ Practice shadowing and improve speaking rhythm β’ AI-powered pronunciation feedback requires an AI Plus subscription LEARN GRAMMAR IN CONTEXT β’ Read clear grammar explanations connected to each story β’ Study examples taken from the text β’ Complete interactive grammar exercises β’ Grammar features require a Reader subscription TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE β’ Answer comprehension questions β’ Complete quizzes based on each story β’ Track your reading activity and daily learning goal β’ Quiz features require a Reader subscription CREATE PERSONALIZED STORIES Generate AI-powered English stories based on selected topics, categories, and learning levels. AI story generation requires an AI Plus subscription. SUBSCRIPTIONS SmartReader offers optional auto-renewable in-app subscriptions that require an additional purchase. β’ Reader unlocks additional learning features, including grammar, quizzes, and expanded vocabulary tools. β’ AI Plus unlocks AI-powered features, including story creation, speaking practice, pronunciation feedback, and live AI voice features. You can use SmartReader without purchasing a subscription. Available features and usage limits may vary by plan. SmartReader is designed for independent learners who want to improve English through meaningful reading and regular practice. Start reading, listening, and speaking English today. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
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Verdict
BookShelf and SmartReader are too close to call on the numbers: across 5 compared parameters β price, ads, in-app purchases and device support among them β neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.
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
Both are free to download. BookShelf sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month and SmartReader sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
| Parameter | BookShelf | SmartReader |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Update frequency | Every 4 days | β |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone, iPad β better |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 | 16.0 β better |
| Further details β not scored | ||
| Size | 32 MB | 25 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Dima Vakylyk | Vladyslav Zymovskyi |
In-app purchases
BookShelf
- BookShelf Pro Monthly1 Month trial$4.991 Month
- BookShelf Pro Annual7 Days trial$44.991 Year
SmartReader
- Premium Reader$2.991 Month
- Premium AI+$7.991 Month
- Premium Reader$29.991 Year
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- Premium AI+$59.991 Year









