# Readibu - Chinese novel reader

> Read Chinese web novels

Canonical page: [https://chrome-stats.com/d/id1474518982](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id1474518982)

## Overview

- **ID:** `id1474518982`
- **Platform:** Apple
- **Type:** Apple app
- **Status:** Available
- **Publisher:** Lingyi Chen
- **Category:** Education
- **Rating:** 4.80 / 5 (156 ratings)
- **Version:** 2.3.2
- **Last updated:** 2026-07-23
- **First published:** 2019-08-09
- **Size:** 88 MB
- **Data as of:** 2026-09-25
- **Store listing:** [Apple App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/readibu-chinese-novel-reader/id1474518982)
- **Website:** [https://www.readibu.com/](https://www.readibu.com/)
- **Privacy policy:** [https://www.readibu.com/privacy](https://www.readibu.com/privacy)

## Description

Readibu is a Chinese web reader that helps you discover popular Chinese web novels, short stories, and children's tales from native sites. Tap on characters for definitions, switch between Simplified and Traditional scripts, and view Pinyin or Zhuyin overlays as you read, all in a distraction-free reader.

Readibu Premium unlocks cloud sync, unlimited translation, image search, offline reading, and learning tools like popover quizzes and smart name recognition. Free trials come with all plans, with clear pricing and renewal details. For questions, privacy, terms, or support, visit readibu.com.

## Rankings

- #113,354 — Overall

## Review summary

Users praise Readibu for importing/reading external content, strong dictionary with pinyin, and vocab/reading-tracking features, plus smooth UI and content variety. However, recurring issues include stories not loading, concerns about ongoing maintenance, audio playback problems, and offline mode not functioning.

### Pros

- Import your own materials and read external content (web novels and other webpages).
- Built-in dictionary with fast word lookup, pinyin, definitions, and idiom recognition.
- Save vocabulary for later review and track progress (vocabulary bookmarking and last reading place).
- Supports Simplified and Traditional Chinese with optional pinyin during reading.
- Smooth, well-designed UI with a wide variety of content (web novels and web comics).

### Cons

- Stories not loading / many stories fail to load.
- App appears not actively maintained; users worry about abandonment.
- Audio playback not working and dictionaries won't play audio.
- Offline mode not functioning.

## Similar extensions and apps

- [ChineseBoo: Read & Learn](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id6758836125)
- [Toku Japanese & Chinese Reader](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id6761078304) — 5.00 / 5
- [BookR Reading](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id6651833666)
- [NBReader](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id6746718668) — 2.70 / 5
- [Chibi Reader](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id1317222757) — 5.00 / 5
- [Read & Listen Novels](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id6782300357)
- [Chin Reader](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id6761106992)
- [FreeIReader](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id6775778456)
- [Wen Reader](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id6755988730) — 5.00 / 5
- [NovelFull: Novel Reader](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id6748983824) — 2.70 / 5
- [Jinbu Chinese: Learn Chinese](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id6782452204) — 5.00 / 5
- [Bamboo Reader: Read Chinese](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id6746738856) — 5.00 / 5

---

Source: [Chrome-Stats](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id1474518982)
