# ReadNotes vs OpenBookshelf

The clearest difference is monetization model: OpenBookshelf at free against ReadNotes's freemium. OpenBookshelf also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs monthly). ReadNotes's advantage is ratings volume (5 vs 1). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. ReadNotes sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month and OpenBookshelf sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for ReadNotes against 5.0 for OpenBookshelf. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ReadNotes has 5 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

ReadNotes ships an update monthly, OpenBookshelf every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 5, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ReadNotes | OpenBookshelf |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/readnotes-book-tracker/id6757447671/reviews) | [5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/openbookshelf-book-tracker/id6759491266/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **5** | 1 |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Freemium | **Free** |
| Size | 14 MB | 2 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **17.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [AKSHAT ROHELLA](https://appshunter.io/developer/1867029338) | [Jared Floersch](https://appshunter.io/developer/1875435683) |

## What reviewers say

### ReadNotes

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/readnotes-book-tracker/id6757447671)

This app helps you remember what you read by taking notes while you read, cleaning them with AI, and generating key takeaways. It tracks your reading progress, builds a personal knowledge library, and offers spaced repetition flashcards.

**Highlights:** AI-powered note cleaning, Key takeaway generation, Reading progress tracking, Spaced repetition flashcards, Personal knowledge library, Reading statistics and streaks, Goodreads library import

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ReadNotes+ Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| ReadNotes+ Annual | $19.99 | per year |


### OpenBookshelf

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/openbookshelf-book-tracker/id6759491266)

Organize your reading list with a clean, focused book tracker. Easily search millions of titles, import your history from other platforms, and sync across devices without ads or subscriptions. Focus solely on your books.

**Highlights:** Track reading progress, Search millions of books, Import from Goodreads, Sync across devices, No ads or subscriptions, Organize reading lists

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlock | $2.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ReadNotes free?

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

### Is OpenBookshelf free?

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

### Which has better reviews, ReadNotes or OpenBookshelf?

ReadNotes and OpenBookshelf are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 5 and 1 ratings respectively.

### Do ReadNotes or OpenBookshelf have ads?

Neither ReadNotes nor OpenBookshelf shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ReadNotes or OpenBookshelf?

ReadNotes ships an update monthly, and OpenBookshelf every 2 weeks. Most recently, ReadNotes was updated on October 5, 2026 and OpenBookshelf on October 1, 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.*