# Return to the Word vs Smart Bible

The clearest difference is ads: Smart Bible at none against Return to the Word's shown. Smart Bible also leads on update cadence (every 10 days vs every 27 months). Return to the Word's advantage is iOS requirement (11.0 vs 14.0). On price, 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.

Return to the Word ships an update every 27 months, Smart Bible every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Return to the Word | Smart Bible |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/return-to-the-word/id1591710653/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **3** | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 27 months | **Every 10 days** |
| Monetization | Ad-supported | — |
| Size | 26 MB | 8 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 14.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Mark Fontecchio](https://appshunter.io/developer/1554698230) | [GUANG YUAN](https://appshunter.io/developer/1817811905) |

## What reviewers say

### Return to the Word

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/return-to-the-word/id1591710653)

Access Bible teachings, podcasts, and writings from Pastor Mark Fontecchio. This ministry app aims to share God's grace through verse-by-verse teaching.

**Highlights:** Bible teaching, Podcasts, Videos, Written ministry, Verse-by-verse study

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Smart Bible

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-bible/id6746670909)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Return to the Word free?

Return to the Word is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Smart Bible free?

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

### Do Return to the Word or Smart Bible have ads?

Return to the Word shows ads; Smart Bible does not.

### Which is updated more often, Return to the Word or Smart Bible?

Return to the Word ships an update every 27 months, and Smart Bible every 10 days. Most recently, Return to the Word was updated on October 21, 2026 and Smart Bible on October 28, 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.*