# Bookwise vs REF

The clearest difference is monetization model: Bookwise at free against REF's subscription. REF's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). On price, review sentiment, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 months. Both last shipped on October 30, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Bookwise | REF |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[1.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ref-ul-audiobooks/id6715024713/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1** |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Subscription |
| Size | 35 MB | 40 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Dhiraj Sharma](https://appshunter.io/developer/1612823569) | [Refuel Media LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1770343547) |

## What reviewers say

### Bookwise

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bookwise-book-summaries/id6460891593)

Quickly get the gist of fiction and nonfiction books with concise summaries. Decide if a book is worth reading, discover new titles, and explore curated shelves. Access public domain books and save your favorites.

**Highlights:** Concise book summaries, Fiction and nonfiction picks, Discover trending and new books, Browse by genre, Search by title or author, Save favorite books, Access public domain books

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### REF

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ref-ul-audiobooks/id6715024713)

Access a vast and growing library of curated Christian audiobooks. Enjoy unlimited listening across all genres with a monthly membership, including offline playback and new titles added regularly. Get your first month free and cancel anytime.

**Highlights:** Curated Christian audiobooks, New titles added monthly, Unlimited listening access, Offline playback, All titles available to all members, Family plan option

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Bookwise free?

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

### Is REF free?

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

### Do Bookwise or REF have ads?

Neither Bookwise nor REF shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Bookwise or REF?

Bookwise ships an update every 2 months, and REF every 2 months. Most recently, Bookwise was updated on October 30, 2026 and REF on October 30, 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.*