# NetGalley Shelf vs Build A Reader

The clearest difference is update cadence: NetGalley Shelf at every 6 months against Build A Reader's every 14 months. NetGalley Shelf also leads on chart position (#150 vs unranked). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

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

NetGalley Shelf ships an update every 6 months, Build A Reader every 14 months. The most recent releases landed on September 27, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | NetGalley Shelf | Build A Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[2.1 (82 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/netgalley-shelf/id1499581600/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **82** | — |
| Positive reviews | 20.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 months** | Every 14 months |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Best chart rank | **#150** | — |
| Size | 24 MB | 204 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [NetGalley, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1499581599) | [Tulsa City-County Library](https://appshunter.io/developer/456403254) |

## What reviewers say

### NetGalley Shelf

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/netgalley-shelf/id1499581600)

**Currently charting:** #150 Top Free · Book (US App Store)

Access and review digital books and audiobooks provided by publishers and authors. Discover new titles, download them for offline reading, or stream audiobooks directly within the app. This platform is designed for book advocates and industry professionals to provide valuable feedback.

**Highlights:** Access digital review copies, Listen to audiobooks, Download books for offline reading, Stream audiobooks, Discover new titles, Request and review books

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Works fine for some users
- 👍 Keeps user logged in
- 👍 Audiobooks work well
- 🚀 Able to read ebooks

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Narration speed issues
- 🐛 Confusing interface
- 🔒 Login issues
- 🐛 Bookmarks and positions don't sync
- 🐛 No built-in dictionary

**Reported bugs**

- Login issues
- Downloading issues with audiobooks
- Books disappearing from shelf
- Inability to remove expired books
- Inconsistent behavior when opening books

**Requested features**

- Add ability to write reviews within the app
- Improve audiobook playback controls
- Add font size adjustment
- Implement dark mode
- Sync reading progress across devices


### Build A Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/build-a-reader/id1601749442)

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is NetGalley Shelf free?

NetGalley Shelf is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Build A Reader free?

Build A Reader is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do NetGalley Shelf or Build A Reader have ads?

Neither NetGalley Shelf nor Build A Reader shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, NetGalley Shelf or Build A Reader?

NetGalley Shelf ships an update every 6 months, and Build A Reader every 14 months. Most recently, NetGalley Shelf was updated on September 27, 2026 and Build A Reader on September 22, 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.*