# The Message Audio Bible vs Study Bible Reference

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Study Bible Reference at none against The Message Audio Bible's 1. Study Bible Reference also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 9 days vs every 5 months). The Message Audio Bible's advantage is ratings volume (7 vs 2). On price, review sentiment and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. The Message Audio Bible sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Study Bible Reference asks for nothing beyond the download.

Study Bible Reference holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 7 and 2 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 67% and 67% positive.

The Message Audio Bible ships an update every 5 months, Study Bible Reference every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on September 10, 2026 and July 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | The Message Audio Bible | Study Bible Reference |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-message-audio-bible/id1585777368/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/study-bible-reference/id6468936708/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **7** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 66.7% of reviews | 66.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Every 9 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 38 MB | 40 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **13.4** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [红 陈](https://appshunter.io/developer/1089407168) | [Paul Ezaga](https://appshunter.io/developer/1710971936) |

## What reviewers say

### The Message Audio Bible

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-message-audio-bible/id1585777368)

This app provides a modern, paraphrase version of the Bible for easy reading and study. It offers offline access, advanced search, bookmarking, and sharing features to deepen your understanding of scripture.

**Highlights:** Offline Bible access, Advanced search functionality, Bookmarking and highlighting, Verse sharing, Note-taking, Modern paraphrase translation

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlock and Erase Ads | $5.99 | one-time |


### Study Bible Reference

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/study-bible-reference/id6468936708)

Explore biblical texts with cross-referencing and comparison between versions. Customize font styles and enjoy offline access to scripture. Search Old Testament texts and utilize dark mode for comfortable reading.

**Highlights:** Cross-reference Bible texts, Compare Bible versions, Offline access, Dark mode, Font customization, Text searching

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is The Message Audio Bible free?

The Message Audio Bible is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Study Bible Reference free?

Study Bible Reference is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, The Message Audio Bible or Study Bible Reference?

Study Bible Reference is rated higher. The Message Audio Bible averages 4.6 out of 5 from 7 ratings, while Study Bible Reference averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do The Message Audio Bible or Study Bible Reference have ads?

The Message Audio Bible shows ads; Study Bible Reference does not.

### Which is updated more often, The Message Audio Bible or Study Bible Reference?

The Message Audio Bible ships an update every 5 months, and Study Bible Reference every 9 days. Most recently, The Message Audio Bible was updated on September 10, 2026 and Study Bible Reference on July 8, 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.*