# Read Scripture vs Through the Word

The clearest difference is monetization model: Read Scripture at free against Through the Word's free with in-app purchases. Through the Word's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 5 weeks) and chart position (#84 vs unranked). On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for Read Scripture against 4.8 for Through the Word. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1.8K and 4.8K respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 87% and 88% positive.

Read Scripture ships an update every 5 weeks, Through the Word every 2 weeks. Both last shipped on September 25, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Read Scripture | Through the Word |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (1.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/read-scripture/id1067865974/reviews) | [4.8 (4.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/through-the-word-bible-guide/id1324825712/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1.8K | **4.8K** |
| Positive reviews | 87.3% of reviews | **87.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | **#84** |
| Size | 103 MB | 37 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.1** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Crazy Love Ministries](https://appshunter.io/developer/945236274) | [Through the Word Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/490465297) |

## What reviewers say

### Read Scripture

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/read-scripture/id1067865974)

This app guides users through a year-long Bible reading plan, enhanced by explanatory videos. It aims to help individuals discover the truth and beauty of God's Word through a curated experience.

**Highlights:** Year-long Bible reading plan, Creative explanatory videos, Book of the Bible explanations, Gospel theological themes, Tips for Bible reading, Community or solo experience

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 💡 Helpful videos provide context and overview of each book
- 👍 Organized reading plan with Psalms
- 🚀 Streamlined and intuitive interface
- 👍 Visually appealing design and animations
- 💡 Ability to set your own start date

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Progress and reading position sometimes gets reset after updates
- 🔋 Videos can't be downloaded for offline viewing
- 🔍 Lack of verse numbers makes it harder to reference specific passages
- 🔍 Limited translation options (only ESV)

**Reported bugs**

- Videos sometimes fail to load or play
- App crashes or freezes on certain devices
- Reading position not always saved correctly

**Requested features**

- Add ability to highlight, take notes, and bookmark passages
- Incorporate audio narration of the Bible text
- Provide a dark mode option for easier reading
- Allow syncing of reading progress across devices
- Integrate more Bible Project theme videos


### Through the Word

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/through-the-word-bible-guide/id1324825712)

**Currently charting:** #84 Top Free · Book (US App Store)

This app offers a guided audio journey through the Bible, providing daily plans and chapter-by-chapter audio guides. It aims to make understanding scripture accessible in about ten minutes a day, with options for group study.

**Highlights:** Daily Bible plans, Audio guides for every chapter, 10-minute daily commitment, Group study features, Offline listening, Thematic Bible journeys

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 💻 Easy to use and understand
- 🙌 Helpful in understanding the Bible
- 🎓 Excellent teaching and insights
- 🤗 Engaging and relatable presenters
- 🕰️ Bite-sized, manageable content

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔑 Frequent sign-in issues
- 🔀 Difficulty maintaining progress across updates
- 🔊 Audio quality and volume inconsistencies
- 🔍 Lack of search and navigation features

**Reported bugs**

- Corrupted audio recordings
- Unexpected app crashes and freezes

**Requested features**

- Ability to choose Bible translation
- Option to bookmark progress and resume
- Improved search and navigation
- Customizable audio/visual settings


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Read Scripture free?

Read Scripture is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Through the Word free?

Through the Word is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Read Scripture or Through the Word?

Read Scripture and Through the Word are both rated 4.8 out of 5 on the App Store, from 1.8K and 4.8K ratings respectively.

### Do Read Scripture or Through the Word have ads?

Neither Read Scripture nor Through the Word shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Read Scripture or Through the Word?

Read Scripture ships an update every 5 weeks, and Through the Word every 2 weeks. Most recently, Read Scripture was updated on September 25, 2026 and Through the Word on September 25, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*