Comparison

Reading List vs ShelfWise

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

Head to head
About

Reading List

Organize your reading journey by tracking books you've read, are currently reading, or want to read. Log progress, add custom lists, and record notes and ratings. Sync data across devices and export your library.

Highlights
  • Scan barcodes to add books
  • Search online for books
  • Manual book entry
  • Track reading progress (start/finish dates)
  • Create custom book lists
  • Add ratings and notes
  • View reading statistics
  • iCloud data sync
Features
Read full description

Easily track books you’ve read, books you’re reading, and books you want to read. Record your progress by adding the start and finish date of your books. ADD NEW BOOKS • Scan the barcode of a book to quickly add it to your list • Search online to find and add books • Alternatively, add a book manually by typing in its details • Sync your data between all devices via iCloud TRACK YOUR READING • Quickly log the dates you start and finish each book with a tap or swipe • Order the books, to help plan what to read next • Create your own custom lists, like "Wishlist", "Favourites", etc • Record the current page of books you're reading • Add your own rating and notes to each book • View your reading statistics PRIVATE & PERSONAL • No online account or signup needed • All data is private, stored on-device or in your iCloud account • Export and import all your data Some premium features require Reading List Pro, which can be purchased in the app. The app remains fully-featured when used without Reading List Pro. Terms of Use: https://readinglist.app/termsofservice Privacy Policy: https://readinglist.app/privacypolicy

About

ShelfWise

Features
Read full description

Your reading life is personal. ShelfWise keeps it that way. Track your books, set reading goals, and explore your reading habits—all without being tracked yourself. No algorithms. No social feeds. No data harvesting. Just you and your books. ORGANIZE YOUR LIBRARY • Add books by scanning barcodes or searching by title • Batch scan mode for quickly importing your collection • Track reading status: To Read, Reading, Finished, or DNF • Organize with 20+ categories and custom collections • Tag books by mood, pace, and personal themes TRACK YOUR PROGRESS • Set annual reading goals and watch your progress • Log current page and see completion percentages • View total books, pages read, and reading pace • 40+ achievements to unlock as you read INSIGHTS THAT STAY PRIVATE • See your top genres, favorite authors, and rating patterns • Charts for books finished and pages read over time • Reading pace projections and goal insights • All analytics calculated on-device—nothing leaves your phone PRO FEATURES (One-Time Purchase) • Unlimited library size • Advanced analytics and charts • iCloud sync across your devices • Custom app icons • Enhanced export options BUILT DIFFERENT ShelfWise is made by an indie developer who believes your reading sanctuary shouldn't be a marketplace. No subscriptions. No lock-in. Just a fair, one-time purchase if you want more. Your books. Your data. Your terms. --- Tagline Options - "Read more. Share less." - "Your books deserve better than Big Tech." - "The book tracker that doesn't track you." - "A sanctuary for readers."

Screenshots

Reading List4 screens
ShelfWise4 screens

Verdict

The call

Reading List and ShelfWise are too close to call on the numbers: across 5 compared parameters — price, ads, in-app purchases and device support among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.

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

Both are free to download. Reading List sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $2.00 per month and ShelfWise sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ScorecardNo meaningful differences
Reading List versus ShelfWise: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterReading ListShelfWise
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (30K ratings) — better—
Positive reviews92.9% of reviews—
Number of ratings30K — better—
Update frequencyFortnightly—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.017.0
Further details — not scored
Size53 MB19 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAndrew Bennet LtdMARK ANDREW BRIDGE

Bugs and requests

Reading List

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • Issues with date/time tracking when adding books
  • Occasional crashes or data loss when using the app

Requested features

5 requests
  • Add ability to track re-reads and 'on hold' books
  • Improve sorting/organizing options for large collections
  • Add support for audiobooks and reading time tracking
  • Implement cloud sync and account features to preserve data
  • Add more customization options for lists and book display

ShelfWise

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

10 purchases

Reading List

Subscriptions4
  • Reading List Pro (Monthly)$2.001 Month
  • Reading List Pro (Monthly)$3.991 Month
  • Reading List Pro (Yearly)7 Days trial$14.001 Year
Show 1 more
  • Reading List Pro (Yearly)7 Days trial$29.991 Year
One-time6
  • Small Tip$1.00
  • Medium Tip$2.00
  • Large Tip$3.00
Show 3 more
  • Very Large Tip$5.00
  • Giant Tip$10.00
  • Reading List Pro (Lifetime)$38.00
4 purchases

ShelfWise

One-time4
  • Coffee Tip$0.99
  • Large Coffee Tip$2.99
  • Pro Upgrade$4.99
Show 1 more
  • Dinner Tip$4.99

Questions

Is Reading List free?
Reading List is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is ShelfWise free?
ShelfWise is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Reading List or ShelfWise have ads?
Neither Reading List nor ShelfWise shows ads.

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