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Reading In Levels or News in Levels: which fits your reading routine?

Both turn real stories into easier versions for learners. News in Levels keeps things short and simple with three levels and daily news, while Reading In Levels adds higher levels, in-reader translations, and practice after every article.

Quick snapshot

Reading In Levels

Level range
CEFR A1–C1, plus JLPT, HSK, TOPIK
Learning languages
Several supported languages
Word translations
Tap a word inside the reader
After reading
Exercises, dictation, word review
Free access
Beginner to intermediate levels

News in Levels

Level range
Levels 1–3, up to about B1
Learning languages
English only
Word translations
Not built in
After reading
Discussion in the comments
Free access
Website with ads

Level ladder

How the levels line up

News in Levels sorts stories by vocabulary size. Reading In Levels uses proficiency frameworks such as CEFR, so you can keep climbing after the third step.

  1. A1
    Reading In LevelsFree
    News in Levels Level 1about 1,000 words
  2. A2
    Reading In LevelsFree
    News in Levels Level 2about 2,000 words
  3. B1
    Reading In LevelsFree
    News in Levels Level 3about 3,000 words
  4. B2
    Reading In LevelsPro
    No matching level on News in Levels
  5. C1
    Reading In LevelsPro
    No matching level on News in Levels
  6. C2
    Reading In LevelsPro
    No matching level on News in Levels

The mapping is approximate. It compares the vocabulary size behind each News in Levels level with typical CEFR expectations.

Feature matchups

Side by side, feature by feature

Each card shows what both products offer and which one has the edge. Some rounds go to News in Levels, and we say so.

Number of levels

Edge: Reading In Levels

Reading In Levels

Five CEFR levels from A1 to C1 for English, with levels for each supported framework.

News in Levels

Three levels based on roughly 1,000, 2,000, and 3,000 known words.

Upper-intermediate and advanced learners

Edge: Reading In Levels

Reading In Levels

B2 and C1 versions with Pro, so the same story keeps challenging you.

News in Levels

Level 3 is the highest step and sits around B1.

Languages you can learn

Edge: Reading In Levels

Reading In Levels

Built for several learning languages with CEFR, JLPT, HSK, and TOPIK levels.

News in Levels

Focused on English.

New stories

Edge: News in Levels

Reading In Levels

Regular new articles, each available in every supported level.

News in Levels

Fresh news stories published every day across all three levels.

Audio

Depends on you

Reading In Levels

Narration for every level, with word-by-word sync and sentence replay on Pro.

News in Levels

Recorded audio for its stories, read by human speakers.

Vocabulary help

Edge: Reading In Levels

Reading In Levels

Tap any word for an in-context translation, then save it with its sense, example, and source article.

News in Levels

No built-in translation; learners look words up elsewhere.

Practice after reading

Edge: Reading In Levels

Reading In Levels

Comprehension exercises, dictation, and memorization built around the article.

News in Levels

Discussion questions that readers answer in the comments.

Community

Edge: News in Levels

Reading In Levels

A personal study space focused on your own progress.

News in Levels

An active comment section where learners discuss each story.

How you access it

Depends on you

Reading In Levels

In the browser on any device, free to start, with an optional Pro plan.

News in Levels

Free website supported by ads, plus separate mobile apps.

Fair play

What each one does best

A good comparison names the strengths on both sides, so you can decide with the full picture.

Where News in Levels shines

  • A steady stream of short, fresh news stories every day.
  • Audio recorded by real people, which helps with natural listening.
  • A very simple level system that beginners understand instantly.
  • An active community of readers discussing the news.

Where Reading In Levels goes further

  • Levels beyond B1, so you do not outgrow the platform.
  • Translations and dictionary help without leaving the article.
  • Saved words that keep their meaning, example, source article, and learning status.
  • Exercises, dictation, and memorization that turn reading into practice.
  • Support for other learning languages and frameworks such as JLPT, HSK, and TOPIK.

Find your fit

Pick what matters to you

Select the priorities that describe your study routine. The tally updates as you choose.

I want…

Your match

Reading In Levels0 matches
News in Levels0 matches

Choose at least one priority to see which product fits your routine.

Switching

Moving over from News in Levels

There is nothing to import. You only need to choose a starting level.

  1. 1

    Match your level

    Level 1 is close to A1, Level 2 to A2, and Level 3 to B1 on News in Levels.

  2. 2

    Read one story

    Open an article at that level, listen along, and tap any word you are unsure about.

  3. 3

    Keep climbing

    When the text feels easy, switch the same story to the next level and compare.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

Short answers for learners deciding between the two.

Are Reading In Levels and News in Levels the same company?

No. They are independent products. Reading In Levels is the app you are using now.

Which CEFR level is News in Levels Level 3?

Roughly B1. Its levels are based on vocabulary size, so the match with CEFR is approximate.

Can I keep using News in Levels as well?

Yes. Many learners use one product for daily news and another for deeper practice. Nothing stops you from using both.

Is Reading In Levels free?

You can start for free with beginner to intermediate articles, audio, translations, and up to 50 saved words. Pro adds higher levels and advanced study tools.

Which one is better for complete beginners?

Both work. Choose News in Levels if you prefer human audio and very short stories, or Reading In Levels if you want instant translations and practice after reading.

See the difference in one story

Open a leveled article, listen as you read, and tap a word you do not know.

This page is published by Reading In Levels, so we have an interest in the outcome. Details about News in Levels are based on its public website and may change over time.