Verithiathe honest score on any app
Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

Panels vs VibeShort

Panels 4.8★ · Free to download 75
Winner Panels
VibeShort 4.5★ · Free + IAP 20

Panels is the better choice for dedicated comic and manga readers who prefer to import their own files, despite recent bugs, while VibeShort is plagued by severe subscription and content issues.

Full reviews: Panels · VibeShort

Panels excels as a reader for imported comics and manga, offering robust organization and a clean UI, though recent updates have introduced stability and import issues. VibeShort, on the other hand, is heavily criticized for its predatory subscription practices, incomplete stories, and excessive ads.

Head to head

Features & Content edge: PanelsR4R5R7R10
Panels Panels is praised for its ability to import and organize comics and manga, supporting various file types like CBR, CBZ, and PDFs R5R56. Users appreciate features like grouping issues into folders and a clean UI . However, it lacks metadata support R22, struggles with EPUB files R7, and some users dislike the integrated store and its content R4R10. There are also requests for features like a stretch option and better external storage support .
VibeShort VibeShort offers short-form video stories, and some users find the storylines engaging R63. A key feature for some is the option to watch ads to unlock episodes, providing an alternative to paying R66. However, a major complaint is that many stories are incomplete or end abruptly R63R66R79R81. The content quality is also criticized, with issues like mangled character names and 'word salad' in AI voiceovers .
Ease of Use & Reliability edge: PanelsR1R6R8R12
Panels Panels is generally considered easy to use for importing and reading R12R20R53. However, recent updates have introduced significant reliability issues, including broken downloads R1, library linking problems R6, app crashes , slow page loading R20, and import difficulties . Some users also report bugs with thumbnails R12, left-hand panel adjustments R8, and blurry duplicate pages .
VibeShort VibeShort is criticized for being difficult to use due to excessive and long ads . Users also report issues with locked content even after paying R79. The process of earning coins for content is not well-received . The app is also accused of false advertising regarding free access . One user even reported the app gave their phone a virus and froze it .
Price & Value edge: PanelsR11R14R30R31
Panels Panels offers a free download, with some features locked behind a one-time purchase or subscription R11R14R30R31. Users generally find the app worth the price for its functionality R11, with one user paying $20 for a perpetual license . However, some criticize the subscription model for common file types like EPUB R30 and SMB access R40, or for locking basic features behind a paywall R31.
VibeShort VibeShort is a 'Free + IAP' app, but users overwhelmingly criticize its pricing and value. Subscriptions are described as pricey R64, with charges of $9.99 per week or $19.99 R61. Many feel the short, often incomplete stories are not worth the cost R64. The free tier is seen as misleading, requiring excessive ads for minimal content .
Support & Cancellation edge: PanelsR3R17R36R42
Panels Panels users report mixed experiences with support. One user mentioned messaging support with no replies , and another found the app support button link dead R42. However, some issues seem to be fixed over time R17. The app also has persistent pop-ups asking for reviews, even after reviewing R3R36.
VibeShort VibeShort has severe and widespread issues with customer support and subscription cancellation. Many users report being unable to cancel subscriptions through Apple settings R64 and that direct emails bounce back as undeliverable . Users frequently report being charged repeatedly even after attempting to cancel R61R67R70. Some had to close their accounts or get new credit cards to stop charges R61. There's a lack of in-app customer service options .
Pick Panels if

you want a dedicated comic and manga reader for importing your own files, appreciate a clean UI, and are willing to tolerate occasional bugs and pay for premium features like EPUB support or SMB access.

Pick VibeShort if

you are interested in short-form video dramas and are willing to navigate a problematic subscription model, excessive ads, and potentially incomplete stories, or if you prefer to unlock content by watching many ads.

Evidence note: The evidence for VibeShort is heavily skewed towards negative experiences, particularly regarding subscriptions and support, making it difficult to find positive counterpoints beyond general enjoyment of stories.

Frequently asked

Is Panels good for reading manga?
Yes, Panels is widely used and praised for reading manga, with users appreciating its ability to import and organize manga files, although some note issues with manually switching reading direction and a lack of metadata support R20R22R53R56.
Can I cancel VibeShort easily?
No, many VibeShort users report significant difficulty canceling subscriptions, with charges continuing even after attempts to cancel, and customer support often being unresponsive or unhelpful R61R64R67R70.
Does Panels have a free version?
Yes, Panels is free to download and offers basic functionality, but many advanced features like EPUB support, SMB access, and certain viewing options are locked behind in-app purchases or a subscription R14R30R31R40.
Are the stories on VibeShort complete?
No, a significant number of VibeShort's stories are reported to be incomplete, ending abruptly or without scheduled updates, leading to user frustration R63R66R79R81.

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R4] Panels 1/5 · US get rid of the store: i remember when this app was cool
  2. [R5] Panels 5/5 · US Amazing for reading: I love to get books off of Anna’s archive but files on there always seemed to be different, I finally got this app and sent files to panels and instantly got tons of books!
  3. [R7] Panels 2/5 · US Awesome app but..: I like the with the seamless adding of some manga I have, my biggest gripe comes to light novels tho, I hate that I can’t even read them because they don’t really work with epub which I really love more than PDFs. Besides that the app is amazing would recommend it.
  4. [R10] Panels 2/5 · US Get rid of the store: There are enough markets. I just wanted a reader app, not another thing trying to sell me things. At least let us remove it from the main navigation. I promise you I will never spend a dollar there, and if it becomes unavailable I’ll have to switch to a new app.
  5. [R1] Panels 1/5 · US Garbage: This worked for a while and then suddenly the Downloads section just broke. It won’t load anymore. I have 75GB of content downloaded. Now my options are to not have access to them or try to delete the app and redownload all of it. Spectacular. I have comic apps that haven’t been update in over 5 years that don’t screw up this bad. If you read locally avoid this app. Update: I ended up cl
  6. [R6] Panels 3/5 · US It got bad: Latest update broke the library, every single time I need to re-link the information
  7. [R8] Panels 4/5 · US Left-hand panel bug.: The panel on the left side keeps re-adjusting itself when opening the app again. It’s very annoying unfortunately. I want it to be minimized as small as possible. Or can we completely hide it in a toggle menu completely?
  8. [R12] Panels 3/5 · US new bugs needs more fixes: app was running great for months, then the new update broke parts of it. files i’ve had loaded before the big update a couple weeks ago now have broken thumbnails that can’t be restored. if i turn my ipad off, the app has to resync my whole manga library from the folder on my ipad storage, which breaks more thumbnails. if these bugs could get fixed the app would be back
  9. [R11] Panels 5/5 · US Excellent: Worth the single price, best comic reading app
  10. [R14] Panels 5/5 · US Amazing: I’ve been a TestFlight member for quite some time now, and this is one of the most incredible book and manga readers I’ve ever used. I only wish that the page-curl feature was one of the free options, rather than being a paid feature.
  11. [R30] Panels 3/5 · US Subscription Model is Stupid: App works very well but of course for some reason they feel the need to charge to read comic epub files. Not really sure why support for a common file format is locked behind a paywall. Very annoying and scummy practice.
  12. [R31] Panels 2/5 · US Used to be five stars…: Incorporated buttons which can’t be used or disabled without subscription. Permanently on your screen as you read.
  13. [R3] Panels 3/5 · US Stop😭: Please stop giving me pops ups to review it (even when you actually do review it I will give you a pop up to review it every time you leave a book)
  14. [R17] Panels 5/5 · US App seems to be fixed: Just bought a new iPad mini and I’m bummed the app doesn’t work. Update: seems to have been fixed, changed my rating
  15. [R36] Panels 3/5 · GB Great but…: I like the app but I’m giving it 3 stars because it constantly nags me to review it. Very annoying.
  16. [R42] Panels 3/5 · GB Great reader, but download glitches: A great reader app, usually with useful ability to download from Google Drive and OneDrive. However, lately my downloads from the latter are frequently freezing at 98%, forcing me to reboot the app. I'm using a 2014 iPad Mini, but have not had problems until recently. A real shame, as otherwise this is my favourite comic reader. Tried tge app support button but
  17. [R20] Panels 4/5 · US Best App For Reading Comics By Far: I’ve been reading the whole entire invincible comics, demon slayer manga, spider man comics, moon knight comics, etc. And surprisingly I haven’t got any ads and it’s also very easy to use, however my only flaw with it is that only takes a bit to load for the next page for me 🫩
  18. [R22] Panels 1/5 · US No metadata support: Does not support any kind of comic metadata. When importing manga, users need to manually switch reading direction. Comic "titles" are just the filename, and there is no way to sort or filter by any other data field, because they are not read by this app. Devs say they will implement this in an upcoming major version, but it's been 3 versions already without this feature.
  19. [R53] Panels 5/5 · US THE ABSOLUTE BEST: I absolutely love this app. This is single-handedly the only reason I bought an iPad and I get tons of use out of it. Even have the panels widget in the lock screen so I can just hop in and get back to reading. This app allowed me to hop in and start reading TONS of comics. Again absolutely love this app.
  20. [R56] Panels 5/5 · US The Best Comic Book Reader.: Easy to use and to keep up with your reading. Let you transfer your own .cbr with ease.
  21. [R61] VibeShort 1/5 · US Scam! BEWARE!: I cancelled my subscription on 5-19-26 and Agile Quadrant charged me $19.99 5 additional times while telling me through emails they would refund me and not charge me anymore. I finally had to close my account and they continue to try and charge my closed account and as of 7-8-26 I have not received any refunds. SCAM!! Do NOT order, they do not honor their cancellation policy. Edit:
  22. [R64] VibeShort 1/5 · US Avoid at all cost!: The price and stories aren’t worth it. Repetitive. They end when they aren’t over like midwork. It’s the same stories just changed barely. And the subscription can’t be cancelled through Apple subs. You have to email them!!! Not worth it!!! Several others are better and cheaper like 5.99 a week!!
  23. [R67] VibeShort 1/5 · US Worst app at canceling subscription: I won’t not recommend you downloading, tied to cancel subscription several times and keep getting charged. Had to report it to my credit card.
  24. [R70] VibeShort 1/5 · US Trial subscription: Purchased the trail subscription and assumed it had been cancelled as it was not listed in my active subscriptions. Was charged the next day, contacted customer support who was very unhelpful and asked to cancel the subscription and refund me. They did neither and actually tried to charge me again! What a joke. Horrible customer service. Don’t recommend this app.
  25. [R40] Panels 1/5 · US SMB is Free: SMB is not a proprietary technology, the fact that you make us pay for SMB is a scam. I can literally use any other reader with smb flawlessly. FOR FREE. Youre not getting MY money bud. Stop scamming, your service isnt "premium" at all 😭
  26. [R63] VibeShort 3/5 · US Good but need to finish stories: I've found a lot of really great stories to start. My only is that quite a few of them are not completed. They set up for the second act when we get to meat of things and leave it unfinished even with it saying the story is completed. Also would like features where we can leave comment to the creators so they know people are invested in the story. It's good but the
  27. [R66] VibeShort 3/5 · US Incompleted Stories: This stories in this app are mostly imcompleted, short with only 20-25 episodes. Not to mention that they don't schedule updates for unfinished story, so we would have to wait forever until it is completed. There is one thing this app does better than any other A.I dramas app, which is to let the user watch 30 ads for EACH dramas, instead of restricting to only 20 ads for the
  28. [R79] VibeShort 2/5 · US Updates: May shows are not completed. Although subscription is purchase, shows are still locked. I will see how long you have to wait for new episodes to be available.
  29. [R81] VibeShort 3/5 · US Uncomplicated: Wish you would finish the story most of them end in the middle

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store