Comparison

BookTamer vs BookJournal

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

BookTamer

Organize your reading list and log your literary journey. Track books you want to read, record your thoughts on finished titles, and view detailed reading statistics.

Highlights
  • Manage to-be-read stack (TBR)
  • Personal reading journal
  • Track finished books
  • Capture thoughts on books
  • Detailed reading statistics
  • Genre and format analysis
Features
Read full description

Keep your TBR organized, remember every finished book, and choose your next read with a calm book tracker made for readers. More than 1,100 readers use BookTamer to manage their book pile, reading journal, and yearly reading stats without turning reading into work. BookTamer helps you track books you want to read, are reading now, and have already finished. Build a personal bookshelf, keep a gentle reading log, and stay close to the stories that matter to you. What you can do with BookTamer: - Organize your TBR list and personal bookshelf - Add books by search, ISBN, or manual entry - Save ratings, notes, and thoughts in your reading journal - Pick a Book of the Month and keep your highlights - See reading stats for books, pages, audiobooks, hours, genres, and formats How it works: 1. Add books to your TBR or library 2. Track what you are reading and what you finish 3. Use your journal and stats to choose your next book BookTamer is for readers who want a practical book tracker, a personal reading journal, and a clear TBR list in one calm place. Download BookTamer and bring order to your reading life.

About

BookJournal

Features
Read full description

BookJournal is your personal reading journal – for every book you've read, are reading right now, or want to read next. Unlimited books, no paywall. Your library is stored safely with your account and stays up to date on all your devices. YOUR LIBRARY • Add books by search, ISBN scan, or manually – with cover • Custom shelves with color and icon • Book series with volume numbers • Wishlist for books you still want to read • Import from Goodreads and other apps via CSV READING • Reading sessions with a timer – log the pages you've read • Reading goals for the year, month, and week • Reading streak: keep it going every day • Daily reading reminder • Statistics on books, pages, and reading time CAPTURE YOUR THOUGHTS • A journal for every book – with notes and photos • Diary for your mood and personal thoughts • Quote collection and quote of the day • Star ratings with a comment HANDY EXTRAS • Home screen widget • Siri Shortcuts • Dark mode and a choice of app icons • Trends: discover bestsellers and popular books BookJournal is for everyone who wants to keep track of their reading life in a simple, clear way – a reading journal that grows with you.

Screenshots

BookTamer4 screens
BookJournal4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: BookJournal at none against BookTamer's 2. BookTamer's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (15.6 vs 18.5). On price, update cadence and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price Ā· Rating Ā· Positive reviews Ā· Number of ratings Ā· Update frequency Ā· Ads Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Monetization Ā· Best chart rank Ā· Devices Ā· Requires iOS

CostPrice Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Ads Ā· Monetization

Both are free to download. BookTamer sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. BookJournal asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

BookTamer ships an update every 2 weeks, BookJournal weekly. The most recent releases landed on November 7, 2026 and November 9, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences Ā· 5 level
BookTamer versus BookJournal: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBookTamerBookJournal
PriceFreeFree
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeksWeekly — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFreemium—
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.6 — better18.5
Further details — not scored
Size114 MB30 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperWEBGEHEUER OUGarip Koeyluece

In-app purchases

2 purchases

BookTamer

Subscriptions2
  • BookTamer monthly subscription$2.991 Month
  • BookTamer annual subscription7 Days trial$17.991 Year
None

BookJournal

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is BookTamer free?
BookTamer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is BookJournal free?
BookJournal is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do BookTamer or BookJournal have ads?
BookJournal shows ads; BookTamer does not.
Which is updated more often, BookTamer or BookJournal?
BookTamer ships an update every 2 weeks, and BookJournal weekly. Most recently, BookTamer was updated on November 7, 2026 and BookJournal on November 9, 2026.

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