Comparison

Reading List vs ReadBuddy

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

ReadBuddy

Features
Read full description

ReadBuddy – Build Your Reading Habit ReadBuddy is a simple, focused app designed to help you read more consistently. Track your books, stay on top of your daily goal, and build a reading streak that keeps you coming back. Build a Daily Reading Habit Set a daily page goal and stay consistent. ReadBuddy helps you turn small reading sessions into lasting habits. Track Your Progress - Log reading sessions easily - Track pages read and time spent reading - See your progress across all your books Stay Motivated with Streaks - Build a daily reading streak - Get feedback as your streak grows - Hit milestones and stay on track Manage Your Books - Add and track multiple books - See what you’re currently reading - Keep a record of finished books Understand Your Reading - View daily reading stats - See how your reading builds over time Upgrade to ReadBuddy Pro to unlock: - Unlimited books - Weekly, monthly, yearly, and all-time stats - Full reading history Simple. Focused. Effective. No accounts. No distractions. Just a better way to read more. Privacy First All your data is stored locally on your device. Nothing is tracked or shared. Start building your reading habit today. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Reading List4 screens
ReadBuddy4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is chart position: Reading List at #190 against ReadBuddy's unranked. On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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 and ReadBuddy sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Reading List ships an update fortnightly, ReadBuddy every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 17, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 10 level
Reading List versus ReadBuddy: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterReading ListReadBuddy
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (30K ratings) — better—
Positive reviews92.9% of reviews—
Number of ratings30K — better—
Update frequencyFortnightlyEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
Best chart rank#190 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.0 — better17.6
Further details — not scored
Size53 MB4 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAndrew Bennet LtdWarren Peters

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

ReadBuddy

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
1 purchases

ReadBuddy

One-time1
  • ReadBuddy Pro$5.99

Questions

Is Reading List free?
Reading List is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is ReadBuddy free?
ReadBuddy is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Reading List or ReadBuddy have ads?
Neither Reading List nor ReadBuddy shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Reading List or ReadBuddy?
Reading List ships an update fortnightly, and ReadBuddy every 2 weeks. Most recently, Reading List was updated on October 20, 2026 and ReadBuddy on October 17, 2026.

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