Comparison

Bookends vs SlurryBase

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Bookends

Manage your research references and PDFs on your mobile device. Search online databases, import metadata, annotate PDFs, and organize your library. Offers basic functionality for free with optional one-time purchase and yearly subscription for advanced features like cloud sync and unlimited imports.

Highlights
  • Search online reference databases
  • Import metadata and PDFs
  • PDF annotation and markup
  • Barcode scanning for references
  • Cloud sync across devices
  • Share online libraries
  • Create multiple libraries
Features
Read full description

Bookends is the reference management app you've been looking for. The basic version offers: • Search online sites directly (arXiv, Google Books, Google Scholar, JSTOR, the Library of Congress, PubMed, PubMed Central, and Semantic Scholar) or use the built-in browser (EZProxy-compliant) to download reference metadata and PDFs (access privileges required). Searches can return a maximum of 20 references, and only 50 references can be stored in your personal database. • Use unique identifiers such as DOI, PMID, ISBN, or arXiv id to autofill references. • View the text of PDF annotations in a note stream, and create your own with our powerful PDF markup engine. • Barcode scanning, one per day. • And many more features designed to help you discover, organize, and use reference information. Standard, one-time purchase ($14.99): • No limit on searches or importing. Premium, yearly subscription ($14.99). Requires a Standard purchase. • Cloud sync with all your iOS devices and Bookends for Mac (separate purchase). • Share online libraries with colleagues. • Scan documents with Mellel Mobile*. • Create multiple libraries. • Unlimited barcode scanning. • Extract PDF annotations with deep links to annotations and text. • Convenient UI to add PDF notes to the library. • Automate your actions with Shortcuts. * iPad-only. Requires a Mellel Mobile Premium subscription. Subscription is for one year and has an auto-renew option. The subscription can be managed in iOS -> Settings > [your name] > Subscriptions. A subscription will renew if it isn't canceled at least 24 hours before the renewal date. If the subscription is not renewed, Premium will be disabled but Standard will continue to work. Terms of Service: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

SlurryBase

Features
Read full description

SlurryBase is an offline logbook for Material Records and indicative slurry pipeline calculations. Review model applicability, assumptions, citations, warnings, and input basis. The automatic settling policy uses equivalent fluid below critical LDV, a disclosed transition blend through the safety band, and GIW 4-component where its source-audited input policy applies. Outside that policy, uncorrected equivalent fluid remains a screening fallback. Durand and a simplified two-regime settling estimate are comparison/manual options; the full DHLLDV framework is not implemented. Compare Calculation Cases and export PDF/CSV datasheets with their evidence context. Engineering records stay on your device and calculations work offline; purchases, restore, update checks, and external links require connectivity. Verify results against project standards and obtain expert review before design. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Bookends4 screens
SlurryBase4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: SlurryBase at every 2 weeks against Bookends's every 2 months. SlurryBase also leads on iOS requirement (15.1 vs 18.6). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Bookends sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $14.99 per year and SlurryBase sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $14.99 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Bookends ships an update every 2 months, SlurryBase every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Bookends versus SlurryBase: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBookendsSlurryBase
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (399 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews76.4% of reviews—
Number of ratings399 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS18.615.1 — better
Further details — not scored
Size114 MB58 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSonny Software, LLCMario Cerda

Bugs and requests

Bookends

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Incompatibility with iCloud Optimized Storage
  • Unreliable sync between desktop and mobile versions
  • Occasional data loss or corruption

Requested features

4 requests
  • Nested folders and tags for better organization
  • Automatic PDF metadata extraction
  • Improved search and filtering capabilities
  • Seamless integration with third-party services

SlurryBase

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Bookends

Subscriptions1
  • Premium3 Months trial$14.991 Year
One-time1
  • Standard$14.99
2 purchases

SlurryBase

Subscriptions1
  • SlurryBase Pro Annual7 Days trial$14.991 Year
One-time1
  • SlurryBase Pro Lifetime$24.99

Questions

Is Bookends free?
Bookends is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is SlurryBase free?
SlurryBase is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Bookends or SlurryBase have ads?
Neither Bookends nor SlurryBase shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Bookends or SlurryBase?
Bookends ships an update every 2 months, and SlurryBase every 2 weeks. Most recently, Bookends was updated on November 1, 2026 and SlurryBase on October 25, 2026.

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