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Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

Tappytoon Comics & Novels vs Panels

Tappytoon Comics & Novels 4.3★ · Free + IAP 60
Winner Panels
Panels 4.8★ · Free to download 80

Panels is the better choice for users who want a dedicated, high-quality comic reader for their own imported files, while Tappytoon is for those seeking a curated library of original webcomics and novels, provided they are willing to pay per chapter.

Panels (4.8 stars) is a highly-rated comic reader praised for its clean UI and ability to import personal comic files, though recent updates have introduced bugs and monetization concerns. Tappytoon Comics & Novels (4.3 stars) offers a wide selection of original webcomics but is frequently criticized for its expensive pay-per-chapter model and technical issues.

Head to head

Content Library & Variety edge: Tappytoon Comics & NovelsR4R5R8R14
Tappytoon Comics & Novels Tappytoon offers a good selection of original comics and novels, including exclusive titles and a variety of genres like BL R5R8R14R18. Users appreciate the quality artwork and interesting stories R5R18R24. However, some wish for more diverse art styles R14 and a wider range of free content R4.
Panels Panels is primarily a reader for imported comic files, allowing users to access their own extensive libraries R61R65R80. While it has a store, some users dislike its presence and limited content, noting a focus on Western, LGBT, and anti-capitalism themes rather than Japanese manga .
Pricing & Value edge: PanelsR2R4R8R9
Tappytoon Comics & Novels Many Tappytoon users find the pay-per-chapter model expensive, with points costing a lot for a single episode R2R4R9R10. While some find the price reasonable R8, others feel it's an 'endless money pit' and prefer models like Webtoon's free weekly episodes . Daily check-ins and ads can provide some points, but often not enough R17.
Panels Panels offers a free download, with a single purchase or subscription for premium features . Users appreciate the value of the one-time purchase but some criticize locking features like SMB support and epub reading behind a paywall as 'scummy' R90R100. The free version is considered basic .
Ease of Use & Features tieR3R18R24R26
Tappytoon Comics & Novels Tappytoon is generally easy to use with good graphics R24 and a modern UI . However, users complain about the time-gated free episodes R18R26, the lack of a comment section , and issues with payment methods . Some also report app-breaking ads R3 and difficulties with registration .
Panels Panels is praised for its clean, minimalist UI , ease of importing files R65, and organization features . However, recent updates have introduced significant bugs, including broken downloads R61R102, library syncing issues R66R72, slow page loading R80, and app crashes R81. Users also desire features like metadata support , cover art , and better external storage integration .
Reliability & Performance tieR3R31R40R52
Tappytoon Comics & Novels Tappytoon users report various technical issues, including the app not opening R31, ads breaking the app R3, and chapters going back to being locked after purchase R52. Some also mention poor translations and formatting errors R13, and missing sections in paid episodes R40.
Panels Panels has faced significant reliability issues, particularly after recent updates. Users report app crashes R81, downloads breaking R61R102, slow page loading R80, and library syncing problems R66R72. Some also mention blurry duplicate pages and the app making their phone hot . However, when it works, it's described as smooth and flawless .
Customer Support tieR10R13R102R117
Tappytoon Comics & Novels Tappytoon's customer service receives negative feedback, with users describing staff as having an 'attitude' and being unhelpful, often running around issues and mocking users R13. Developers' responses to comments are sometimes seen as not genuine R10.
Panels One user reported messaging Panels support about OPDS syncing issues with no replies R117. Another mentioned the app support button link being dead R102.
Pick Tappytoon Comics & Novels if

you want a curated library of original webcomics and novels, are willing to pay per chapter, and appreciate frequent token events to earn free chapters R5R17.

Pick Panels if

you prefer to read your own imported comic files (CBR, CBZ, PDF, etc.) with a clean, dedicated reader, and are willing to pay a one-time fee for premium features like SMB support and advanced organization R65.

Evidence note: Tappytoon's reviews are heavily skewed towards pricing complaints, while Panels' recent reviews highlight significant bugs introduced by updates.

Frequently asked

Is Tappytoon free to use?
Tappytoon is free to download, but most content requires payment through a points system, with only the first few episodes typically being free R4R9R10. Users can earn some points through daily check-ins and watching ads, but many find it insufficient to read full series without spending money R17.
Can I read my own comics on Panels?
Yes, Panels is highly praised for its ability to import and organize users' own comic files, including CBR, CBZ, and PDF formats R65R80. This is a core feature that many users appreciate, though some advanced import and syncing features might be behind a paywall R90R100.
What are the main complaints about Tappytoon?
The main complaints about Tappytoon revolve around its expensive pay-per-chapter model, with many users feeling that the cost of points for a single episode is too high R2R4R9. Other issues include app-breaking ads, poor customer service, and technical glitches like chapters reverting to locked status R3R13R52.
Are there many bugs in Panels?
Recent updates to Panels have introduced numerous bugs, including broken downloads, library syncing issues, slow page loading, and frequent app crashes R61R66R72R81. While the app is generally well-regarded for its functionality when it works, these recent issues have significantly impacted user experience.

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] Tappytoon Comics & Novels 1/5 · US Pay to read: Not good- expensive This is a pay to read platform. I looked at dozens of titles and each required u to pay to move past a certain amount of episodes. Like 3 are free. Do NOT use this platform. There are some that have actually free stories
  2. [R5] Tappytoon Comics & Novels 5/5 · US Great comics and artwork: I don’t remember how long ago I’ve downloaded Tappytoons but I appreciate that they’ve never asked me to review their app. That pop up is annoying. I would probably say I’ve downloaded this app maybe 3/4 years ago. The artwork is amazing and the comics are original. I love that they even got some comics from SPOTTOON when they stopped continuing stories. I love when they
  3. [R8] Tappytoon Comics & Novels 5/5 · US Peak: Tappytoon is genuinely AMAZING it's bad we have to pay for coins but over all I love it, it's genuinely so good and totally worth the money, tappytoon has some really great manhwa and probably the best I've ever read
  4. [R14] Tappytoon Comics & Novels 4/5 · US It's a good app! But mostly the same artstyle for EVERYTHING: I personally enjoy this app with it's variety of stories, but it the style gets to a point-yn? I would like to see some more unique artstyles but I have other reading apps so it's ok!!
  5. [R2] Tappytoon Comics & Novels 4/5 · US Tappytoon: It’s a amazing app and there is many incredible comics on here but why I gave it a 4 star rating is because it’s uses a lot of points to read only one comic and that takes a lot of money to get points so that’s why, but overall I love this app!
  6. [R9] Tappytoon Comics & Novels 3/5 · US Coins: I do like it it’s just that we need to pay money to continue I story almost every time besides the first episode.
  7. [R3] Tappytoon Comics & Novels 3/5 · US Ads: Seems like every other week a new ad comes along and breaks the app.
  8. [R18] Tappytoon Comics & Novels 3/5 · US It’s good but i’d change a bit.: Pros: • The stories are really good and very interesting. • i like the art for everything! • i like the amount of BL’s on here 🤤 Cons: • i dislike how you only get an episode A DAY on the TTF (Time Till Free). • there are not many BL’s on TTF. • the ones that I do want to read, you only get the first episode, and then you have to pay for the rest. • coins a
  9. [R24] Tappytoon Comics & Novels 3/5 · US Amazing: All the graphics and pictures are in a high quality but it’s kinda too expensive for a big reader like me
  10. [R26] Tappytoon Comics & Novels 4/5 · US Soo good: It is so good other than having to wait like a day for a new episode
  11. [R31] Tappytoon Comics & Novels 1/5 · US App won’t open??: Every time I try to open the app it’s stuck on the first black screen with the mascot on it. I waited for half an hour and still no change. Please fix.
  12. [R40] Tappytoon Comics & Novels 2/5 · US Partial episodes: Episodes that I have paid for are missing large sections. It’s disgusting that they sell incomplete content
  13. [R52] Tappytoon Comics & Novels 1/5 · US Waste of money: Wasted money on points to unlock chapters for the chapters to go back to being locked, won’t ever waste money on an app like this again.
  14. [R10] Tappytoon Comics & Novels 1/5 · US terrible: when the developers respond to these comments, it’s not genuine. You can only read one or three pages, then you have to buy stuff. 300 points for one page is way too much, it’s like they don’t want people to even use their app.
  15. [R13] Tappytoon Comics & Novels 1/5 · US Horrible staff: Compared to other platforms this one is nothing special. There’s more uncensored and adult titles offered on the big L. There’s lots of stories on this platform with paltry excuses for translations with errors and ugly formatting. If you raise any kind of issue be it technical or otherwise customer service has an attitude and will never help you. Expect to have them run around the
  16. [R102] 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. [R117] Panels 1/5 · US OPDS No Longer Syncing: OPDS stopped syncing read status back to Komga. Messaged support with no replies.
  18. [R17] Tappytoon Comics & Novels 4/5 · US Good selection and price friendly: They have a good selection of series and if you remember to check in daily, you can accumulate points to get a chapter decently quick, in addition the free ads can help as well. Sometimes free tickets are given out so you get to discover new series
  19. [R65] 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!
  20. [R80] 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 🫩
  21. [R90] 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.
  22. [R100] 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 😭
  23. [R61] 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
  24. [R66] Panels 3/5 · US It got bad: Latest update broke the library, every single time I need to re-link the information
  25. [R72] 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
  26. [R81] Panels 3/5 · US Issues on Mac OS 15.6: I love Panels on my iPad, so I was ecstatic when I saw it had finally come to Mac. While the interface is great, and it has dark mode unlike Simple Comic or YAC, I’ve run into some issues. First, it crashes. I’ve had the app freeze and crash on me while adjusting settings at least 3 times in the past 2 days. Finally, my biggest gripe: reversing reading order is finicky. I r

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