# BibleRef vs Bible Mode

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: BibleRef at none against Bible Mode's 15. BibleRef also leads on iOS requirement (15.1 vs 17.6). Bible Mode's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 4 months) and ratings volume (12K vs 179). On price, review sentiment, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Bible Mode sells 13 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. BibleRef asks for nothing beyond the download.

Bible Mode holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Bible Mode has 12K ratings behind it against 179, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 87% of BibleRef's written reviews are positive against 95% of Bible Mode's.

BibleRef ships an update every 4 months, Bible Mode every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 18, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | BibleRef | Bible Mode |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (179 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bibleref/id1596177226/reviews) | **[4.9 (12K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bible-mode-reduce-screen-time/id6744124873/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 179 | **12K** |
| Positive reviews | 87.2% of reviews | **94.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | **#158** |
| Size | 171 MB | 160 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.1** | 17.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Got Questions Ministries](https://appshunter.io/developer/366553553) | [Friday Labs LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1791172487) |

## What reviewers say

### BibleRef

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bibleref/id1596177226)

Access verse-by-verse and chapter-by-chapter Bible commentary with extensive cross-references and context explanations. Understand scripture with easy-to-read explanations and multiple Bible translations.

**Highlights:** Verse-by-verse commentary, Chapter-by-chapter commentary, Extensive cross-references, Context explanation, Six Bible translations, Regularly updated content

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 📚 Comprehensive verse-by-verse commentary and explanations
- 👍 User-friendly and intuitive interface design
- 🆓 Completely free with no paywalls or subscriptions
- 📖 Multiple Bible translations available for comparison
- 🎯 Helpful context and summary sections for each chapter

**What reviewers complain about**

- ⚠️ Incomplete coverage of Old Testament books
- 🔄 Many sections marked 'Coming Soon' throughout app
- 🐛 App freezes and won't download updates
- ❌ Missing features compared to other Bible apps
- 📊 Inconsistent commentary availability across books

**Reported bugs**

- App freezes and won't download updates
- Crashes after iOS updates
- Performance issues with certain devices
- Inconsistent loading of commentary sections

**Requested features**

- Highlighter and font size adjustment options
- Audio/text-to-speech functionality for commentary
- iPad version of the app
- Bookmark or reading progress tracker
- Search function for verses and topics


### Bible Mode

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bible-mode-reduce-screen-time/id6744124873)

**Currently charting:** #158 Top Grossing · Reference (US App Store)

Transform your phone into a tool for spiritual growth with daily prayer widgets and screen time blockers. Engage in Bible Chat, access full Bible translations, and build a daily rhythm of reflection and prayer to reduce distractions and deepen your faith.

**Highlights:** Faith-focused app lock, Bible Chat for guidance, Quiet Time Mode for reflection, Full Bible access with multiple translations, Rotating daily verse widgets, Mindful screen time tracking

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (13)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Bible Time Supporter | $4.99 | per month |
| Bible Time Supporter | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Bible Time Supporter | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Bible Time Supporter | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Bible Time Supporter | $9.99 | per month |
| Bible Time Supporter | $12.99 | per month |
| Bible Time Supporter | $12.99 | per month |
| Bible Time Supporter | $19.99 | per year |
| Bible Time Supporter | $39.99 | per 3 months |
| Bible Time Supporter | $39.99 | per year |
| Bible Time Supporter | $59.99 | per year |
| Bible Time Supporter | $59.99 | per year |
| Bible Time Supporter | $59.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Screen time management
- 👍 Helps build spiritual discipline
- 👍 Keeps user grounded and focused on God
- 👍 Simple yet effective app
- 👍 Calming and provides 'me time'

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Misspelled words

**Reported bugs**

- Misspelled words


## Frequently asked questions

### Is BibleRef free?

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

### Is Bible Mode free?

Bible Mode is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, BibleRef or Bible Mode?

Bible Mode is rated higher. BibleRef averages 4.6 out of 5 from 179 ratings, while Bible Mode averages 4.9 from 12K ratings.

### Do BibleRef or Bible Mode have ads?

Neither BibleRef nor Bible Mode shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, BibleRef or Bible Mode?

BibleRef ships an update every 4 months, and Bible Mode every 2 weeks. Most recently, BibleRef was updated on October 13, 2026 and Bible Mode on October 18, 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.*