# Bookly vs StoryBytes Reader

The clearest difference is rating: StoryBytes Reader at 5.0 against Bookly's 4.6. StoryBytes Reader also leads on update cadence (every 11 days vs monthly) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.6). Bookly's advantage is ratings volume (63K vs 1) and chart position (#21 vs unranked). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Bookly sells 16 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month and StoryBytes Reader sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

StoryBytes Reader holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Bookly has 63K ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Bookly ships an update monthly, StoryBytes Reader every 11 days. The most recent releases landed on October 25, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Bookly | StoryBytes Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (63K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bookly-book-tracker/id1085047737/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/storybytes-reader/id6756390314/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **63K** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 83.7% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 11 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#21** | — |
| Size | 475 MB | 29 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **13.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 9+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [TwoDoor Games](https://appshunter.io/developer/863075057) | [StoryBytes, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1860416814) |

## What reviewers say

### Bookly

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bookly-book-tracker/id1085047737)

**Currently charting:** #21 Top Free · Book, #36 Top Grossing · Book (US App Store)

This app helps you track your reading habits in real-time, manage your library, and set reading goals. It offers detailed statistics, custom ratings, and ambient sounds to enhance your reading experience and build a consistent reading habit.

**Highlights:** Real-time reading timer, Detailed reading statistics, Custom book ratings, Book library management, Reading goals and reminders, Character tracking, Readathon tracking

**Features:** Family Sharing, Apple Watch app, iMessage stickers, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (16)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Pro | $4.99 | per month |
| Monthly Pro Family Plan | $9.99 | per month |
| Monthly Plan | $9.99 | per month |
| Yearly Pro 50% OFF | $14.99 | per year |
| Six Months of Pro | $19.99 | per 6 months |
| Yearly Pro 30% OFF | $19.99 | per year |
| Yearly Pro | $29.99 | per year |
| Yearly Pro (50% OFF 1st year trial) | $29.99 | per year |
| Yearly Pro 20% OFF | $39.99 | per year |
| Yearly Pro Family Plan | $49.99 | per year |
| 10 extra reading days | $0.99 | one-time |
| A handful of Diamonds | $0.99 | one-time |
| A big bag of Diamonds | $2.99 | one-time |
| A chest of Diamonds | $5.99 | one-time |
| Bookly Pro | $79.99 | one-time |
| Bookly Pro Lifetime | $149.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Helpful for tracking reading progress
- 🚀 Motivates users to read more
- 📊 Provides detailed reading statistics
- 💡 Allows adding quotes, thoughts, and new words
- 👍 User-friendly interface and design

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Paywall for many features
- 🔒 Limited functionality in free version
- 🐛 Occasional bugs and glitches
- 🔍 Difficulty finding/adding some books
- 🔢 Limit on number of books that can be added

**Reported bugs**

- Reading sessions not always accurately recorded
- Inconsistencies in page count/progress tracking
- Syncing issues between devices

**Requested features**

- Ability to delete/edit books
- Option to track audiobook progress
- Sync reading progress across devices
- More customization options
- Integration with other reading apps


### StoryBytes Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/storybytes-reader/id6756390314)

Engage with interactive stories where your decisions shape the narrative and lead to multiple endings. Perfect for quick reading sessions, this app turns idle moments into immersive adventures.

**Highlights:** Interactive stories with branching paths, Bite-sized reading sessions, Rich, interconnected story worlds, Multiple endings and high replayability, Progress saved for easy continuation, Choices shape the story

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Premium | $2.99 | per month |
| Yearly Subscription | $29.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Bookly free?

Bookly is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is StoryBytes Reader free?

StoryBytes Reader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Bookly or StoryBytes Reader?

StoryBytes Reader is rated higher. Bookly averages 4.6 out of 5 from 63K ratings, while StoryBytes Reader averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Bookly or StoryBytes Reader have ads?

Both Bookly and StoryBytes Reader show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Bookly or StoryBytes Reader?

Bookly ships an update monthly, and StoryBytes Reader every 11 days. Most recently, Bookly was updated on October 25, 2026 and StoryBytes Reader on October 9, 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.*