Goodreads, Bookie or StoryGraph?

Reading apps in comparison

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As a motivated reader in an age where digital products shape and accompany our day, it is of particular interest to document your reading experience in a mobile app or a web app. At the beginning of the year, we went on a search and found three apps that all seemed to fulfil their purpose equally well at first glance, but depending on the app, it quickly became clear which apps did this better than others.

The reading apps

When comparing the reading apps Goodreads, Bookie and StoryGraph with a special focus on the feature for tracking reading behaviour, it becomes clear that each app has its own strengths and weaknesses in this area. The additional benefits offered by other features are seen as a bonus, although the primary criterion for the ranking remains the effective and comprehensive tracking of reading behaviour.

The comprehensive classic is Goodreads

Goodreads follows in second place, recognised for its extensive database and the web version, which offers a wide range of options for tracking reading habits. The quotes feature is a particular highlight that enriches the reading experience. Despite its outdated design and the difficulty of adding books without an ISBN, Goodreads remains a solid choice for book lovers who value a large community and a wide range of features.

Supported platforms:

• Web
• Android
• iOS

Potential with restrictions at Bookie

Bookie lands in third place, although it is critically noted that the app almost falls out of the ranking due to problems with the database. Although the design and community features are appealing, the inability to add books that are not included in the API to the database significantly limits the tracking of reading behaviour. For users who consider tracking reading habits essential, this is a significant limitation. Despite the potential that Bookie shows and the possibility for improvement, this drawback weighs heavily in the overall assessment.

Supported platforms:

• (soon) Android
• iOS

The frontrunner is StoryGraph

StoryGraph is proving to be the leading app in terms of tracking reading behaviour. The platform makes it easy to add books with title and author, even if they are not yet in the database, which enables comprehensive and almost uncomplicated tracking. But why only almost? Almost, because it can happen that adding books to the database can take longer (apparently the connection is not yet optimised) or even fail. However, this has only happened once so far during the app’s trial period. The well-organised statistics and modern design also make StoryGraph stand out. The ability to receive personalised book recommendations and take part in giveaways is seen as a valuable bonus. Due to these features and its user-friendliness, StoryGraph takes first place in the ranking.

Supported platforms:

• Web
• Android
• iOS

Summary

Based on the focus of tracking reading behaviour, the following ranking emerges: StoryGraph is in first place, followed by Goodreads and Bookie. While StoryGraph impresses with its user-friendliness and comprehensive tracking functions, Goodreads offers a solid alternative despite some design and functional shortcomings. Bookie shows potential but needs to overcome fundamental challenges to be competitive in this specific area. The additional features of the apps, such as sharing quotes or participating in the community, are seen as valuable additions, but they do not overshadow the core criterion of effectively tracking reading habits.