Comparison

Reading List vs BookThread

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
Currently charting
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

BookThread

Features
Read full description

BookThread is your personal book journal and reading tracker. Build your library, take chapter notes, capture quotes, track reading sessions, set goals, and watch your reading stats grow. Features: - Track books you're reading, want to read, and have finished - Take chapter-by-chapter notes - Save quotes with optional photos - Log reading sessions with page tracking and timer - Set yearly and monthly reading goals - View reading streaks, stats, and activity heatmaps - Scan barcodes to add books instantly - Sign in with Apple for quick setup - All data synced securely to the cloud

Screenshots

Reading List4 screens
BookThread4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: BookThread at none against Reading List's 10. Reading List's advantage is update cadence (fortnightly vs every 2 months) and chart position (#198 vs unranked). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement 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

Both are free to download. Reading List sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $2.00 per month. BookThread asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Reading List ships an update fortnightly, BookThread every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 8 level
Reading List versus BookThread: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterReading ListBookThread
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (30K ratings) — better—
Positive reviews92.8% of reviews—
Number of ratings30K — better—
Update frequencyFortnightly — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
Best chart rank#198 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS17.016.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size53 MB77 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAndrew Bennet LtdThomas Basso

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

BookThread

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
None

BookThread

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Reading List free?
Reading List is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is BookThread free?
BookThread is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Reading List or BookThread have ads?
Neither Reading List nor BookThread shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Reading List or BookThread?
Reading List ships an update fortnightly, and BookThread every 2 months. Most recently, Reading List was updated on November 3, 2026 and BookThread on October 25, 2026.

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