# Essential vs OpenRead

The clearest difference is update cadence: OpenRead at every 2 days against Essential's every 4 days. OpenRead also leads on iOS requirement (15.1 vs 17.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Essential ships an update every 4 days, OpenRead every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on October 25, 2026 and October 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Essential | OpenRead |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 days | **Every 2 days** |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 40 MB | 43 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **15.1** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Chang Hyun Lee](https://appshunter.io/developer/1661519895) | [KyoungChan Hwang](https://appshunter.io/developer/1837062084) |

## What reviewers say

### Essential

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/essential-calendar/id6791962762)

This productivity app focuses on the core essence of a calendar, inspired by Dieter Rams' philosophy of "less, but better." It provides daily weather, exchange rates, and historical events, aiming for a clean and focused user experience without unnecessary clutter.

**Highlights:** Minimalist design, Daily weather updates, Exchange rate information, Historical daily events, Focused calendar experience

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### OpenRead

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/openread-pdf-document-reader/id6812635014)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Essential free?

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

### Is OpenRead free?

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

### Do Essential or OpenRead have ads?

Neither Essential nor OpenRead shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Essential or OpenRead?

Essential ships an update every 4 days, and OpenRead every 2 days. Most recently, Essential was updated on October 25, 2026 and OpenRead on October 19, 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.*