# Adobe Digital Editions vs Epub Reader

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Epub Reader at 55% against Adobe Digital Editions's 3%. Epub Reader also leads on rating (4.5 vs 1.2) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 4 months). Adobe Digital Editions's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and ads (none vs shown). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Epub Reader sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per year. Adobe Digital Editions asks for nothing beyond the download.

Epub Reader holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 1.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2.6K and 11K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 3% of Adobe Digital Editions's written reviews are positive against 55% of Epub Reader's.

Adobe Digital Editions ships an update every 4 months, Epub Reader every 2 weeks. Both last shipped on October 26, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Adobe Digital Editions | Epub Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.2 (2.6K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/adobe-digital-editions/id952977781/reviews) | **[4.5 (11K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/epub-reader-read-epubchmtxt/id1296870631/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 2.6K | **11K** |
| Positive reviews | 2.9% of reviews | **55.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | **#140** |
| Size | 74 MB | 91 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Adobe Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/331646274) | [俐 马](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896144174) |

## What reviewers say

### Adobe Digital Editions

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/adobe-digital-editions/id952977781)

This application serves as a digital reader for Adobe DRM-protected eBooks, supporting EPUB and PDF formats. It allows users to borrow library books, organize their collection, and enjoy interactive content. Read online or offline with customizable reading settings and note-taking features.

**Highlights:** Read EPUB and PDF books, Supports Adobe DRM, Borrow library ebooks, Organize custom library, Interactive EPUB3 content, Customizable reading modes, Highlighting and note-taking

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Epub Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/epub-reader-read-epubchmtxt/id1296870631)

**Currently charting:** #140 Top Free · Book (US App Store)

This app offers a seamless reading experience for various ebook formats including EPUB, PDF, and CHM. It supports multiple compression formats and provides features like table of contents, note-taking, and bookmarking. Customize your reading with adjustable font sizes.

**Highlights:** Supports EPUB, PDF, CHM, RTF formats, Opens compressed files (ZIP, RAR, 7Zip), Table of Contents navigation, Note-taking functionality, Bookmark management, Customizable font size

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Annual professional version | $3.99 | per year |
| Remove Ads | $0.99 | one-time |
| Passcode Lock | $0.99 | one-time |
| Pro Version | $5.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Fast and responsive
- 💡 Convenient file transfer via WiFi
- 🤩 Great for casual reading

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Loses bookmarks and reading progress
- 🔍 Lacks search functionality
- 🌗 No dark mode option
- 📏 Limited customization options
- 💤 Doesn't remember last read position

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes when opening certain files
- Distorts images in some ebooks
- Fails to open ePub files consistently

**Requested features**

- Add dark mode
- Improve bookmark and progress tracking
- Implement search feature
- Increase customization options
- Allow variable screen timeout


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Adobe Digital Editions free?

Adobe Digital Editions is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Epub Reader free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Adobe Digital Editions or Epub Reader?

Epub Reader is rated higher. Adobe Digital Editions averages 1.2 out of 5 from 2.6K ratings, while Epub Reader averages 4.5 from 11K ratings.

### Do Adobe Digital Editions or Epub Reader have ads?

Epub Reader shows ads; Adobe Digital Editions does not.

### Which is updated more often, Adobe Digital Editions or Epub Reader?

Adobe Digital Editions ships an update every 4 months, and Epub Reader every 2 weeks. Most recently, Adobe Digital Editions was updated on October 26, 2026 and Epub Reader on October 26, 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.*