# NetGalley Shelf vs Boundless

The clearest difference is rating: Boundless at 4.4 against NetGalley Shelf's 2.1. Boundless also leads on ratings volume (18K vs 82) and update cadence (monthly vs every 6 months). NetGalley Shelf's advantage is chart position (#174 vs unranked). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

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

Boundless holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 2.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Boundless has 18K ratings behind it against 82, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 20% of NetGalley Shelf's written reviews are positive against 32% of Boundless's.

NetGalley Shelf ships an update every 6 months, Boundless monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | NetGalley Shelf | Boundless |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.1 (82 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/netgalley-shelf/id1499581600/reviews) | **[4.4 (18K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/boundless/id6449712082/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 82 | **18K** |
| Positive reviews | 20.0% of reviews | **32.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Best chart rank | **#174** | — |
| Size | 24 MB | 177 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [NetGalley, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1499581599) | [Baker & Taylor](https://appshunter.io/developer/634003725) |

## What reviewers say

### NetGalley Shelf

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

**Currently charting:** #174 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


### Boundless

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/boundless/id6449712082)

Access a vast collection of ebooks, digital audiobooks, and videobooks from your local library or school. Enjoy a seamless reading, listening, and watching experience with personalized recommendations and engaging reading programs.

**Highlights:** Discover ebooks, audiobooks, and videobooks, Read, listen, and watch in one app, Personalized recommendations, Join library reading programs, Track reading progress and earn badges, Customizable reading experience

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast access to books
- 👍 Intuitive and easy to navigate
- 🔒 Separate profiles for kids and adults
- 🎨 Customizable reading experience
- 📚 Wide selection of content

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent freezing and crashes
- ⏱️ Slow loading times
- 🔍 Difficulty finding and accessing books
- 📱 Incompatible with some devices
- 🔌 Requires internet connection for offline use

**Reported bugs**

- Books disappearing from user's shelf
- Inability to return or renew books
- Inconsistent behavior when switching between profiles
- Audiobook playback issues

**Requested features**

- Improved page turning and navigation controls
- Ability to adjust margins and font settings
- Offline access to downloaded content
- Better integration with other reading apps
- More detailed progress tracking and analytics


## Frequently asked questions

### Is NetGalley Shelf free?

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

### Is Boundless free?

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

### Which has better reviews, NetGalley Shelf or Boundless?

Boundless is rated higher. NetGalley Shelf averages 2.1 out of 5 from 82 ratings, while Boundless averages 4.4 from 18K ratings.

### Do NetGalley Shelf or Boundless have ads?

Neither NetGalley Shelf nor Boundless shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, NetGalley Shelf or Boundless?

NetGalley Shelf ships an update every 6 months, and Boundless monthly. Most recently, NetGalley Shelf was updated on September 22, 2026 and Boundless on September 23, 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.*