# BookBuds vs PlotLock

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: PlotLock at none against BookBuds's 7. PlotLock also leads on iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.6). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. BookBuds sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per 7 days. PlotLock asks for nothing beyond the download.

BookBuds ships an update weekly, PlotLock every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 5, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | BookBuds | PlotLock |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.2 (156 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bookbuds-read-with-friends/id6755941845/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **156** | — |
| Positive reviews | 39.5% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | Freemium | — |
| Size | 50 MB | 3 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Starter School](https://appshunter.io/developer/6772559426) | [Nicholas Figliolia](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896735478) |

## What reviewers say

### BookBuds

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bookbuds-read-with-friends/id6755941845)

This app transforms solo reading into a shared, motivating experience. Connect with friends virtually, track reading time automatically, and compete on leaderboards. It's designed to help you build reading habits and achieve your reading goals together.

**Highlights:** Virtual bonfire reading sessions, Automatic reading time tracking, Social reading leaderboards, Friend group challenges, Reading habit building, Progress comparison

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

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Subscription | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Subscription | $9.99 | per month |
| Yearly second discount | $29.99 | per year |
| Yearly discounted subscription | $39.99 | per year |
| Yearly Subscription | $49.99 | per year |
| Free Trial Annual | $49.99 | per year |
| Three day trial | $49.99 | per year |


### PlotLock

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/plotlock/id6809834021)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is BookBuds free?

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

### Is PlotLock free?

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

### Do BookBuds or PlotLock have ads?

Neither BookBuds nor PlotLock shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, BookBuds or PlotLock?

BookBuds ships an update weekly, and PlotLock every 2 weeks. Most recently, BookBuds was updated on November 5, 2026 and PlotLock 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.*