The key facts
- TechCrunch highlighted five apps: Fable, Bookshelf, Pagebound, StoryGraph, and Margins
- Goodreads was not included in the list — the editorial team chose new and lesser-known platforms
- Almost all apps are free but offer paid subscriptions from $4.99 to $9.99 per month; Margins is completely free
Five apps for readers
TechCrunch published a review of apps that help track what you've read, discover new books, and maintain a reading habit. The editorial team noted that the market has many such services and compiled a list of five platforms, some of which appeared recently while others have been around for several years. Amazon-owned Goodreads — described by the publication as 'possibly the most popular book app' — was not included in the list, since the focus is on new and lesser-known services.
Fable and Bookshelf: community and AI tools
Fable combines reading tracking with a social platform: users can create lists, set goals, maintain reading streaks, write reviews, and join virtual book clubs. According to TechCrunch, the app stands out for putting reading and community first. Fable is free on iOS and Android, the Fable Plus subscription with customizable goals and advanced analytics costs $5.99 per month. Bookshelf positions itself as a Goodreads alternative and combines classic reading journals with AI recommendations: it offers custom shelves, goals, reminders, quote saving, as well as AI-generated summaries and thematic analyses. The app is free on iOS; premium features like unlimited collections cost $6.99 per month.
Pagebound, StoryGraph, and Margins
Pagebound lets you track books, create lists, set goals, and discuss individual titles on dedicated forums. Discussions are organized by reading progress, so spoilers for the ending aren't a problem; TechCrunch calls the app a good fit for those who don't want to join a book club with a schedule. The app is free on iOS and Android, a subscription with extra features like profile customization costs $9.99 per month. StoryGraph offers detailed reading statistics and personalized recommendations based on mood, themes, genres, and pace; according to the publication, the recommendation system doesn't rely only on what's popular. A free version is available on iOS and Android, the StoryGraph Plus subscription at $4.99 per month unlocks custom charts and additional statistics. Margins is aimed at 'mood readers': searching for books by mood (for example, 'books like 1920s Paris'), customization of the virtual library, including arranging shelves by color, and a built-in meditation timer called 'Reading Time' that blocks social media. The app is completely free on iOS and Android.
Why it matters
The roundup shows that the book app market is actively developing against the backdrop of Goodreads' dominance: services compete through social features, AI tools, and mood-based search. For readers, this means a real choice — from free Margins to subscription services costing between $4.99 and $9.99 per month, with basic tracking features available for free almost everywhere. It's worth noting that the review reflects the opinion of a single editorial team and does not cover the entire app market.
