# Softcover vs AuthorWatch

The clearest difference is rating: AuthorWatch at 5.0 against Softcover's 4.3. AuthorWatch also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 2 months). Softcover's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2). On price, ratings volume, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. AuthorWatch sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Softcover asks for nothing beyond the download.

AuthorWatch holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 2 respectively.

Softcover ships an update every 2 months, AuthorWatch weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 4, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Softcover | AuthorWatch |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/softcover/id6753820163/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authorwatch/id6755863123/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **3** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 33.3% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 7 MB | 18 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.5 | 18.5 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Robin Bolinsson](https://appshunter.io/developer/1844702769) | [PAUL-WILSON CAULEY](https://appshunter.io/developer/1856787680) |

## What reviewers say

### Softcover

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/softcover/id6753820163)

Track your reading progress, manage book lists, and connect with a community of readers. Discover new titles, follow friends, and engage in discussions. Features include detailed statistics, release notifications, and home screen widgets.

**Highlights:** Track reading progress (page/percentage/time), Manage reading lists (Currently Reading, Want to Read, Finished), Follow friends and explore trending titles, Community book discussions and curated lists, Detailed reading statistics and annual goals, Release notifications for anticipated books, Home screen widgets for reading progress

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### AuthorWatch

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authorwatch/id6755863123)

Never miss a new book from your favorite authors again. This app tracks releases, provides pre-order links, and sends customizable notifications. All your data is stored locally for privacy.

**Highlights:** Track favorite authors, New release notifications, Pre-order purchase links, Customizable notification preferences, Local data storage, Ad-free experience

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly | $0.99 | per month |
| Yearly | $4.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Softcover free?

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

### Is AuthorWatch free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Softcover or AuthorWatch?

AuthorWatch is rated higher. Softcover averages 4.3 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while AuthorWatch averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do Softcover or AuthorWatch have ads?

Neither Softcover nor AuthorWatch shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Softcover or AuthorWatch?

Softcover ships an update every 2 months, and AuthorWatch weekly. Most recently, Softcover was updated on October 4, 2026 and AuthorWatch on October 13, 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.*