# YouDevotion vs Encouraging Word

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Encouraging Word at none against YouDevotion's 2. Encouraging Word also leads on ads (none vs shown) and review sentiment (97% vs 82%). YouDevotion's advantage is update cadence (every 4 weeks vs every 6 months). On price, rating and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. YouDevotion sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Encouraging Word asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for YouDevotion against 4.9 for Encouraging Word. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Encouraging Word has 3.2K ratings behind it against 584, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 82% of YouDevotion's written reviews are positive against 97% of Encouraging Word's.

YouDevotion ships an update every 4 weeks, Encouraging Word every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and November 2, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | YouDevotion | Encouraging Word |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (584 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/youdevotion/id760290908/reviews) | **[4.9 (3.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/encouraging-word/id1339362650/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 584 | **3.2K** |
| Positive reviews | 82.4% of reviews | **96.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 weeks** | Every 6 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 74 MB | 40 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **9.1** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [VICTOR GOH](https://appshunter.io/developer/492008273) | [Mark Stewart](https://appshunter.io/developer/1339362649) |

## What reviewers say

### YouDevotion

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/youdevotion/id760290908)

This app provides daily spiritual readings and reflections from 17 classic devotional books. Enhance your spiritual journey with curated Bible verses, audio playback, and personalized notes. Share inspirational content easily with others.

**Highlights:** Daily classic devotional readings, Bible verse reflections, Audio playback, Favorites and notes, Content sharing, Customizable reading experience

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Support & Go Ad-Free | $1.99 | per month |
| Remove Ads Permanently | $19.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 💎 Beautiful and poetic writing
- 📚 Excellent collection of classic devotionals
- 🙏 Spiritually uplifting content
- 📆 Convenient daily devotional experience
- 🌟 High-quality and thoughtful devotionals

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Bugs and glitches in the app
- 💤 Robotic voice for audio playback
- 📢 Intrusive and irrelevant ads
- 🕰️ Calendar/timing issues with devotionals
- 🔇 Audio playback issues

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes or freezes
- Devotional content not displaying correctly
- Incorrect scripture references
- Syncing/timing issues with daily content
- Unreliable audio playback

**Requested features**

- Ability to select Bible translation
- Option to copy/share devotional text
- Improved navigation between devotionals
- Personalization options (e.g., themes, fonts)
- Enhanced audio playback controls


### Encouraging Word

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/encouraging-word/id1339362650)

This app provides daily encouragement and strength through God's promises from the Bible. It aims to lift your spirit and help you live by faith rather than by problems, offering joy and renewed strength.

**Highlights:** Daily Bible promises, Spiritual encouragement, Strength through faith, Joyful living, Biblical devotions

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Encouraging and uplifting content
- 🙏 Helps build a relationship with God
- 📚 Provides daily Bible verses and devotionals
- 💻 Easy to use app
- 🌟 Wonderful and inspiring messages

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Date display issues
- 🔍 Difficulty contacting developer
- 🔁 Lack of new content updates

**Reported bugs**

- App freezing/crashing
- Date display not matching actual date

**Requested features**

- Add prayer feature
- Ability to mark/track read devotionals
- Rotate app with device orientation


## Frequently asked questions

### Is YouDevotion free?

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

### Is Encouraging Word free?

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

### Which has better reviews, YouDevotion or Encouraging Word?

Encouraging Word is rated higher. YouDevotion averages 4.8 out of 5 from 584 ratings, while Encouraging Word averages 4.9 from 3.2K ratings.

### Do YouDevotion or Encouraging Word have ads?

YouDevotion shows ads; Encouraging Word does not.

### Which is updated more often, YouDevotion or Encouraging Word?

YouDevotion ships an update every 4 weeks, and Encouraging Word every 6 months. Most recently, YouDevotion was updated on November 1, 2026 and Encouraging Word on November 2, 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.*