# Bible vs Handy Bible

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Bible at none against Handy Bible's 11. Bible also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 3 months) and ratings volume (14M vs 276). On price, ads, monetization model and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Handy Bible sells 11 one-off in-app purchases. Bible asks for nothing beyond the download.

Bible holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Bible has 14M ratings behind it against 276, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 99% of Bible's written reviews are positive against 88% of Handy Bible's.

Bible ships an update every 2 weeks, Handy Bible every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 17, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Bible | Handy Bible |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (14M ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bible/id282935706/reviews)** | [4.7 (276 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/handy-bible/id442993767/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **14M** | 276 |
| Positive reviews | **98.9% of reviews** | 87.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#2** | — |
| Size | 172 MB | 196 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **17.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Vision Pro** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Life.Church](https://appshunter.io/developer/282935709) | [Vincent Chiu](https://appshunter.io/developer/414105379) |

## What reviewers say

### Bible

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bible/id282935706)

**Currently charting:** #2 Top Free · Reference (US App Store)

Access a vast library of Bible versions in multiple languages, listen to audio Bibles, and engage in daily study with friends. Create prayers, add notes, and customize your reading experience with themes and verse images.

**Highlights:** 3,500+ Bible versions, Audio Bibles, Thousands of Reading Plans, Create and organize Prayers, Study with Friends, Offline Bible access, Customizable themes and notes

**Features:** Apple Wallet, iMessage stickers

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🙏 Brings me closer to God
- 💡 Convenient access to the Bible
- 🚀 Seamless user experience
- 🤝 Connects me with a community of believers
- 📚 Vast selection of Bible versions and reading plans

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔄 Frustrating streak reset issue
- 🕰️ Slow performance on older devices
- 🔍 Difficulty finding specific verses or passages

**Reported bugs**

- Occasional app crashes or freezes
- Syncing issues with reading plans and notes

**Requested features**

- Offline Bible access without needing internet
- More customization options for the user interface
- Improved search and navigation functionality
- Integration with other Bible study tools and resources


### Handy Bible

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/handy-bible/id442993767)

This app provides a fast and convenient way to read and study the Bible. It offers advanced search capabilities, rich text note-taking, and multiple Bible versions, all accessible offline. Customize your reading experience with adjustable fonts and backgrounds.

**Highlights:** Offline Bible access, Fast Bible search engine, Rich text note editing, Multiple Bible versions, Customizable text and background, Verse history and bookmarks

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| NET Bible | $0.99 | one-time |
| Bible Note can add Audio Recording/Playing | $0.99 | one-time |
| Add Text-To-Speech | $1.99 | one-time |
| Prayer Requests | $1.99 | one-time |
| The Message Bible | $4.99 | one-time |
| ESV Bible | $4.99 | one-time |
| NASB Bible | $5.99 | one-time |
| NKJV Bible | $7.99 | one-time |
| Donate-support our ministry | $9.99 | one-time |
| Donate-support our ministry | $24.99 | one-time |
| Donate-support our ministry | $49.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Bible free?

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

### Is Handy Bible free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Bible or Handy Bible?

Bible is rated higher. Bible averages 4.9 out of 5 from 14M ratings, while Handy Bible averages 4.7 from 276 ratings.

### Do Bible or Handy Bible have ads?

Neither Bible nor Handy Bible shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Bible or Handy Bible?

Bible ships an update every 2 weeks, and Handy Bible every 3 months. Most recently, Bible was updated on September 25, 2026 and Handy Bible on September 17, 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.*