Comparison

Bound vs Glance

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Bound

Listen to your DRM-free audiobooks with a modern interface. Import files from cloud services or your computer, manage your library, and enjoy features like automatic playback saving, adjustable speed, and chapter support. Includes CarPlay integration and a sleep timer.

Highlights
  • Import from cloud services (Dropbox, OneDrive)
  • Web uploader via WiFi
  • Automatic playback position saving
  • Adjustable playback speed (0.5x-3.0x)
  • Chapter support
  • Sleep timer
  • CarPlay support
Features
Currently charting
Read full description

Listen to your favorite DRM-free audiobooks with Bound. Bound allows you to import audio files from various cloud services and play them back in a beautiful modern interface. Bound will automatically save your listening position so that you never lose your place. Supported Audio File Types (DRM-free only): .mp3, .m4a, .m4b, .aac Download - Dropbox and Microsoft OneDrive. - Apple Files. - Web Uploader for importing from your computer via WiFi. Manage - Move audio files between books. - Change cover art. - Sort based on author, title, recently added, and recently played. - Rename title and author. - Choose between a number of fun themes. - Dark mode support. Play - Automatically saves playback location as you progress through the book. - Independently configure seek forward and seek backward times. - Chapter support for audio files with embedded chapters (.m4a / .m4b / OverDrive .mp3). - Change playback speed from 0.5X to 3.0X. - Smart Rewind when returning to your book after a while. - Sleep Timer with configurable time or at the end of a chapter. - Manually bookmark locations that you want to return to. - CarPlay support. If you enjoy using Bound, please consider writing a review.

About

Glance

This app offers a minimalist reading experience using RSVP technology to display text word by word. It helps users focus by eliminating distractions and entering a state of flow. Import your own books and customize the reading experience with various fonts and color schemes.

Highlights
  • RSVP speed reading technology
  • Import EPUB, MOBI, and save Texts/URLs
  • Two reading modes (overview and speed)
  • Customizable fonts and color schemes
  • Ad-free and tracking-free experience
Features
Read full description

Glance is a minimalist reading sanctuary designed to help you reclaim your attention. By using RSVP (Rapid Serial Visual Presentation) technology, Glance brings the text to you, one word at a time. Your eyes stay still, the world fades away, and your mind enters a state of total flow. In an age of endless scrolling and digital noise, Glance invites you to stop scanning and start experiencing. Read in peace, enjoy the moment, and let every sentence resonate. - Total Presence: By centering every word in a single focal point, Glance eliminates distractions and helps you stay deeply connected to the text. - Bring your own Library: Seamlessly import EPUB, MOBI books, or save Texts/URLs to enjoy your favorite articles offline. - Two Reading Modes: Switch between an overview mode similar to conventional reading applications and a speed reading mode - Make it your own: Pick your favorite font and colorscheme from many options We believe your reading time is sacred. That’s why Glance is built on a foundation of respect for your privacy and your pocketbook: No ads. No tracking. No subscriptions. No distractions.  Ever. Just you, the words, and the moment.

Screenshots

Bound4 screens
Glance4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Glance at 100% against Bound's 73%. Glance also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 2 months) and rating (4.9 vs 4.6). Bound's advantage is ratings volume (2K vs 8) and chart position (#1 vs unranked). On ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Bound costs $4.99 and Glance $3.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Glance holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Bound has 2K ratings behind it against 8, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 73% of Bound's written reviews are positive against 100% of Glance's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Bound ships an update every 2 months, Glance every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 12, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard8 real differences · 3 level
Bound versus Glance: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBoundGlance
Price$4.99$3.99 — better
Rating4.6 (2K ratings)4.9 (8 ratings) — better
Positive reviews72.6% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings2K — better8
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree — betterPaid
Best chart rank#1 — better
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.6 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size48 MB3 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperDeadpan, LLCPETER ZDANKIN

Customer experience

Bound

All ratings1,992 ratings
Positive90.4%
Neutral2.5%
Negative7.2%
Written reviews518 reviews
Positive72.6%
Neutral7.9%
Negative19.5%

Glance

All ratings8 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews9 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Bugs and requests

Bound

Reported bugs

5 issues
  • Audiobooks disappearing from library after device restart
  • Inability to delete audiobooks from library
  • Inconsistent behavior when switching between apps
  • Playback issues with multi-part audiobooks
  • Problems with web uploader functionality

Requested features

6 requests
  • Add support for Apple Watch
  • Implement search and filtering options
  • Allow bookmarks with notes/labels
  • Add Chromecast support
  • Introduce dark mode
Show 1 more
  • Improve cloud storage management

Glance

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Bound

No in-app purchases

None

Glance

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Bound free?
Bound costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Glance free?
Glance costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Bound or Glance?
Glance is rated higher. Bound averages 4.6 out of 5 from 2K ratings, while Glance averages 4.9 from 8 ratings.
Do Bound or Glance have ads?
Neither Bound nor Glance shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Bound or Glance?
Bound ships an update every 2 months, and Glance every 2 weeks. Most recently, Bound was updated on September 22, 2026 and Glance on September 12, 2026.

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