# The ARC Library vs Understory

The clearest difference is chart position: Understory at #207 against The ARC Library's unranked. Understory also leads on ratings volume (55 vs 12). On price, rating, review sentiment and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. The ARC Library sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and Understory sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. 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 The ARC Library against 4.9 for Understory. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 12 and 55 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 100% of The ARC Library's written reviews are positive against 96% of Understory's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on October 25, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | The ARC Library | Understory |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (12 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-arc-library/id6759504375/reviews)** | [4.9 (55 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/understory-reading-tracker/id6767701983/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 12 | **55** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 95.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 9 days | Every 9 days |
| Monetization | Freemium | Freemium |
| Best chart rank | — | **#207** |
| Size | 111 MB | 171 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **15.1** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 9+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Romana Adamka](https://appshunter.io/developer/1879079829) | [Understory Studios LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896501166) |

## What reviewers say

### The ARC Library

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-arc-library/id6759504375)

Manage your book review workflow with this comprehensive tool. Track ARCs, deadlines, reading progress, and create polished reviews. Features include detailed statistics, a content creator hub, and a public reader profile.

**Highlights:** Track ARCs by ISBN, title, or barcode, Interactive reading calendar with deadlines, Detailed reading statistics and analytics, Rich text review editor with checklist, Content creator hub for social media campaigns, Public reader profile for showcasing stats, TBR spin wheel and Bingo Challenge

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

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ARC Addon (Monthly) | $2.99 | per month |
| ARC Library Premium (Monthly) | $7.99 | per month |
| Authors Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Combo Plan Monthly | $12.99 | per month |
| ARC Addon (Yearly) | $29.99 | per year |
| ARC Library Premium (yearly) | $79.99 | per year |
| Author Yearly | $99.99 | per year |
| Combo Yearly | $129.99 | per year |


### Understory

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/understory-reading-tracker/id6767701983)

**Currently charting:** #207 Top Free · Book (US App Store)

This app helps you track your reading progress, set goals, and build a consistent reading habit. It features a unique plant aesthetic, social interaction with friends, and the ability to grow real-world trees by meeting reading objectives. Organize your library, share recommendations, and gain insights into your reading habits.

**Highlights:** Track reading progress and log books, Set reading goals and streaks, Grow real-world trees by meeting objectives, Social features for book groups and friends, Organize library with custom lists, Share book recommendations, View reading statistics and insights

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

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Understory Premium | $4.99 | per month |
| Understory Premium - Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Understory Premium | $49.99 | per year |
| Understory Premium - Yearly | $49.99 | per year |
| Streak Freeze | $0.99 | one-time |
| Streak Restore | $0.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is The ARC Library free?

The ARC Library is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Understory free?

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

### Which has better reviews, The ARC Library or Understory?

The ARC Library is rated higher. The ARC Library averages 5.0 out of 5 from 12 ratings, while Understory averages 4.9 from 55 ratings.

### Do The ARC Library or Understory have ads?

Neither The ARC Library nor Understory shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, The ARC Library or Understory?

The ARC Library ships an update every 9 days, and Understory every 9 days. Most recently, The ARC Library was updated on October 25, 2026 and Understory on October 24, 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.*