# Bookshelf vs Codex Books

The clearest difference is ads: Codex Books at none against Bookshelf's shown. Codex Books also leads on update cadence (every 3 days vs every 2 weeks) and iOS requirement (18.0 vs 26.2). On price, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Bookshelf sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $18.99 per year and Codex Books sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Bookshelf ships an update every 2 weeks, Codex Books every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on November 5, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Bookshelf | Codex Books |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bookshelf-tracker-and-catalog/id6757687876/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **1** | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 15 MB | 6 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.2 | **18.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Tien Do](https://appshunter.io/developer/718633900) | [Shinro OU](https://appshunter.io/developer/6780296771) |

## What reviewers say

### Bookshelf

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bookshelf-tracker-and-catalog/id6757687876)

Digitally catalog your physical book collection with this app. Organize your library using collections and tags, sort by various criteria, and view insightful statistics. Avoid buying duplicates by checking your inventory from any bookstore.

**Highlights:** Digital book inventory, Organize with collections and tags, Sort by title, author, date, View collection statistics, Check inventory at bookstores, Native iOS experience, iCloud sync

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 Year Plan + Family | $18.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Access + Family | $38.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime Access | $99.99 | one-time |


### Codex Books

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/codex-books/id6794109669)

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlimited Library (Lifetime) | $5.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Bookshelf free?

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

### Is Codex Books free?

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

### Do Bookshelf or Codex Books have ads?

Bookshelf shows ads; Codex Books does not.

### Which is updated more often, Bookshelf or Codex Books?

Bookshelf ships an update every 2 weeks, and Codex Books every 3 days. Most recently, Bookshelf was updated on November 5, 2026 and Codex Books 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.*