# LibraryThing vs Shelf Checkout

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Shelf Checkout at 100% against LibraryThing's 47%. Shelf Checkout also leads on rating (5.0 vs 3.5) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 4 weeks). LibraryThing's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and ratings volume (278 vs 3). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Shelf Checkout sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. LibraryThing asks for nothing beyond the download.

Shelf Checkout holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: LibraryThing has 278 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 47% of LibraryThing's written reviews are positive against 100% of Shelf Checkout's.

LibraryThing ships an update every 4 weeks, Shelf Checkout every 2 weeks. Both last shipped on October 16, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | LibraryThing | Shelf Checkout |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.5 (278 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/librarything/id948824489/reviews) | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shelf-checkout/id6758561319/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **278** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 47.2% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 weeks | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Freemium |
| Size | 9 MB | 11 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [LibraryThing.com](https://appshunter.io/developer/397718884) | [Dad Mode LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1868754334) |

## What reviewers say

### LibraryThing

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/librarything/id948824489)

Catalog your personal book, DVD, and CD collections. Easily add items by searching or scanning barcodes. Enhance your catalog with high-resolution cover photos and browse your collection visually.

**Highlights:** Catalog books, DVDs, and CDs, Search for media items, Scan ISBN barcodes, Add high-resolution cover photos, Browse collection by cover type

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Quick barcode scanning
- 👍 Useful for cataloging library
- 🚀 Fast book addition

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Glitches and crashes
- 🔍 Limited search and editing capabilities
- 🤖 Outdated and dated UI

**Reported bugs**

- Barcode scanner not working
- Books disappearing from catalog
- Editing and saving issues

**Requested features**

- Ability to create custom collections
- Offline access to library
- Integration with other book apps
- Lending/loan tracking feature


### Shelf Checkout

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shelf-checkout/id6758561319)

Scan book barcodes or search by title to receive AI-powered content analysis tailored to individual readers. Track books in progress, discover personalized recommendations, and make informed decisions about what to read.

**Highlights:** AI-powered content analysis, Barcode scanning and title search, Personalized reader profiles, Content verdict cards, Review Queue tracking, Discover personalized recommendations, Batch scanning

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Shelf Checkout Premium | $2.99 | per month |
| Shelf Checkout Premium | $9.99 | per year |
| Shelf Checkout Premium | $19.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is LibraryThing free?

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

### Is Shelf Checkout free?

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

### Which has better reviews, LibraryThing or Shelf Checkout?

Shelf Checkout is rated higher. LibraryThing averages 3.5 out of 5 from 278 ratings, while Shelf Checkout averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.

### Do LibraryThing or Shelf Checkout have ads?

Neither LibraryThing nor Shelf Checkout shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, LibraryThing or Shelf Checkout?

LibraryThing ships an update every 4 weeks, and Shelf Checkout every 2 weeks. Most recently, LibraryThing was updated on October 16, 2026 and Shelf Checkout on October 16, 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.*