# ReadNotes vs ByTheBook

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: ByTheBook at none against ReadNotes's 2. ByTheBook also leads on update cadence (weekly vs monthly) and iOS requirement (15.5 vs 17.6). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. ReadNotes sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. ByTheBook asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReadNotes ships an update monthly, ByTheBook weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 5, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ReadNotes | ByTheBook |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/readnotes-book-tracker/id6757447671/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **5** | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Freemium | — |
| Size | 14 MB | 38 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **15.5** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [AKSHAT ROHELLA](https://appshunter.io/developer/1867029338) | [Miriam Roskind](https://appshunter.io/developer/1876310153) |

## 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 |


### ByTheBook

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bythebook-personal-library/id6762083414)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ReadNotes free?

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

### Is ByTheBook free?

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

### Do ReadNotes or ByTheBook have ads?

Neither ReadNotes nor ByTheBook shows ads.

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

ReadNotes ships an update monthly, and ByTheBook weekly. Most recently, ReadNotes was updated on October 5, 2026 and ByTheBook on October 11, 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.*