# Bookcase by Astropad vs ShelfBee

The clearest difference is price: Bookcase by Astropad at Free against ShelfBee's $1.99. Bookcase by Astropad also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs fortnightly) and ratings volume (6 vs 2). ShelfBee's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.7) and review sentiment (100% vs 80%). On ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Bookcase by Astropad is free to download; ShelfBee costs $1.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ShelfBee holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 6 and 2 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 80% of Bookcase by Astropad's written reviews are positive against 100% of ShelfBee's.

Bookcase by Astropad ships an update every 5 days, ShelfBee fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on November 4, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Bookcase by Astropad | ShelfBee |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $1.99 |
| Rating | [4.7 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bookcase-by-astropad/id6736535823/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shelfbee/id6787127118/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **6** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 80.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 days** | Fortnightly |
| Monetization | **Free** | Paid |
| Size | 11 MB | 7 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.6** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Astro HQ](https://appshunter.io/developer/934510729) | [SCOTT TIMOTHY DENNIS](https://appshunter.io/developer/6787127120) |

## What reviewers say

### Bookcase by Astropad

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bookcase-by-astropad/id6736535823)

This app helps create an ideal reading environment by automatically adjusting phone settings and opening preferred reading apps when connected to a specific accessory. Customize your reading experience for seamless immersion.

**Highlights:** Customizable reading environment, Automatic app launching, Phone setting toggles (Do Not Disturb, Reading Mode), Triggered by accessory connection, Personalized reading experience

**In-app purchases:** none


### ShelfBee

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shelfbee/id6787127118)

Instantly check ebook and audiobook availability in your local libraries directly from book pages on popular retail and review sites. Save desired titles to a list and get notified when they become available. Includes barcode scanning for quick lookups.

**Highlights:** Check availability on Amazon, Goodreads, B&N, etc., See wait times and number of holds, Filter by ebook or audiobook, Save books to a Buzz List, Barcode scanning for book lookups, Syncs across iPhone, iPad, and Mac

**Features:** Safari Extension

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Bookcase by Astropad free?

Bookcase by Astropad is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is ShelfBee free?

ShelfBee costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Bookcase by Astropad or ShelfBee?

ShelfBee is rated higher. Bookcase by Astropad averages 4.7 out of 5 from 6 ratings, while ShelfBee averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do Bookcase by Astropad or ShelfBee have ads?

Neither Bookcase by Astropad nor ShelfBee shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Bookcase by Astropad or ShelfBee?

Bookcase by Astropad ships an update every 5 days, and ShelfBee fortnightly. Most recently, Bookcase by Astropad was updated on November 4, 2026 and ShelfBee on October 31, 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.*