Comparison 2026

Why readers choose Bukku

Honest comparison between the best reading tracker apps. Discover why Bukku is the ideal alternative to Goodreads.

Why so many readers are leaving Goodreads

Since 2007, Goodreads has reigned with 150 million members.
But between an interface frozen in the past, Amazon-driven recommendations and a rigid rating system, frustration is growing.

The StoryGraph bets on stats, Bookly on the timer — but both require a paid subscription to unlock the best features.

Bukku takes a different path: an app built for real readers, with modern design, gamification, an ISBNdb catalog of 108 million titles and an interface in 3 languages.
All without a subscription.

Feature comparison

B BukkuGoodreadsStoryGraphBookly
Price100% freeFree (Amazon ads)Free + Plus $4.99/moFreemium ($30/year)
Modern design
Dark mode
Ratings & reviews
Badges & gamification
Reading statistics
Multi-language (3+)
Ad-freeDiscreet banner
Personalized recommendations
Reading goals
ISBN scanner
Goodreads importComing soonN/A
Offline mode
Reading timer
Independent (non-Amazon)
Native Android
📗

Goodreads

The aging giant

Pros

  • Huge community (150M+ members)
  • Comprehensive catalog
  • Popular annual reading challenge

Cons

  • Outdated interface (2011 design)
  • No half-star ratings
  • No dark mode
  • Amazon-owned (targeted ads)
  • Recommendations biased toward bestsellers
  • Poor search functionality
📊

The StoryGraph

Great stats, limited otherwise

Pros

  • Detailed reading statistics
  • Half-star ratings
  • Independent (non-Amazon)
  • Content warnings on books

Cons

  • Advanced features behind paywall ($4.99/mo)
  • No gamification
  • English only
  • Smaller community
⏱️

Bookly

Great timer, but expensive

Pros

  • Real-time reading timer
  • Polished design
  • Badges and achievements
  • Infographic reports

Cons

  • $30/year to unlock all features
  • Limited to 10 books on free plan
  • Intrusive full-screen ads
  • No multi-language
  • No real community
The Bukku advantage

What makes Bukku unique

💰

100% free, no compromises

Access all essential features for free. Some bonus options are unlockable for life by watching a short ad — no hidden subscription ever.

🎨

Premium native design

Modern mobile-first interface. Dark mode by default, smooth animations, an experience worthy of the best apps.

🏆

Motivating gamification

Badges, levels, reading challenges. Bukku turns your progress into an adventure and motivates you to read more.

🌍

Native multi-language

Available in French, English and Spanish. One of the few reading apps to offer a truly localized experience.

📊

Progress tracking

Visualize your reading journey. Books finished, pages read, goals achieved — track every step of your progress at a glance.

🔒

Independent & transparent

Bukku doesn't belong to any tech giant. Your data is never sold to third parties. No recommendations biased by a commercial algorithm.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. All essential features are free. Some bonus options are unlockable for life by watching a short ad — no subscription, no paywall.

The import feature is under development. In the meantime, you can easily add your books via the built-in search (ISBNdb database with over 108 million books) or ISBN scanner.

Bukku is currently available on Android. The iOS version is in development and coming soon.

StoryGraph offers detailed stats but charges for advanced features and is English-only. Bukku offers progress tracking, gamification and a multilingual interface — all for free, with a database of over 108 million books via ISBNdb.

Bukku is independent and doesn't belong to any tech giant. Your reading data is never sold to third parties. We use occasional ads to fund the app, but your reading habits remain private.

Ready to try the difference?

Join readers who chose a modern, free, no-compromise reading app.

Join the beta — Free