Looking for the best book tracker app to log your reading, track goals, or connect with other book lovers? Whether you’re trying to replace Goodreads, find a prettier alternative, or just stay consistent with your reading habit, there are plenty of options — but they’re not all created equal.

I tested 7 book tracker apps — some well-known, some indie gems — and here’s how they stack up. Jump to chart.

Goodreads vs. Storygraph vs. Fable vs. Bookshelf vs. Bookmory vs. Bookly vs. Margins.

Best for: Social connections & the largest book database

• 🤩 Aesthetic / UX: Let’s be honest — Goodreads feels stuck in 2010. The interface is clunky, dated, and not very customizable.
• 🛠️ Functions / Features: Huge database, author Q&As, community reviews, groups, challenges.
• 💰 Free vs Paid: 100% free.
• 💪 Strengths: Largest user base, nearly every book imaginable is listed.
• 😕 Weaknesses: Limited updates, poor design, weak recommendations.
• ⚖️ Verdict: Goodreads works if you want to see what everyone else is reading, but if you crave a sleek design or personalized insights, you may want to look elsewhere.

Best for: Readers who want data, charts, and tailored recs

• 🤩 Aesthetic / UX: Minimal, clean, and modern.
• 🛠️ Functions / Features: Mood & pacing tracking, detailed charts, strong tagging system, community reading challenges. Goodreads import. 
• 💰 Free vs Paid: Free with optional Plus for advanced stats.
• 💪 Strengths: Gorgeous data visualizations, spot-on recommendations. Half and quarter star ratings.
• 😕 Weaknesses: Smaller community, less social engagement than Goodreads.
• ⚖️ Verdict: Perfect for readers who love stats, mood-based suggestions, and a calmer interface.

Best for: Aesthetic readers & mood journaling

• 🤩 Aesthetic / UX: Beautifully designed — looks like a hybrid between a reading log and a mindfulness app.
• 🛠️ Functions / Features: Add notes, reflections, and personal impressions alongside your book log.
• 💰 Free vs Paid: Limited free tier, premium unlocks more journaling options.
• 💪 Strengths: Gorgeous UI, feels personal and creative. Half star ratings. 
• 😕 Weaknesses: Smaller database, fewer social/community features.
• ⚖️ Verdict: If you want your tracker to feel like a diary as much as a log, Margins is a great choice.

Best for: Habit tracking & timed reading sessions

• 🤩 Aesthetic / UX: Playful, gamified, colorful.
• 🛠️ Functions / Features: Start timers for reading sessions, track pages per hour, estimate completion times.
• 💰 Free vs Paid: Free with ads; Pro unlocks unlimited books, stats, and goals.
• 💪 Strengths: Motivates you to read daily; fun for productivity lovers.
• 😕 Weaknesses: Pushy ads feel distracting, caps number of books in free version at 10, limited community/social aspects.
• ⚖️ Verdict: Great for readers who want to build consistent habits and gamify their reading life.

Best for: A simple, personal library app

• 🤩 Aesthetic / UX: Clean, organized, looks like a real bookshelf.
• 🛠️ Functions / Features: Scan barcodes, track owned books, mark read/unfinished/DNF. Import from Goodreads and Kindle (only reviewed app with kindleimport feature)
• 💰 Free vs Paid: Free limits 3 reading sessions/week. Paid has unlimited sessions, cloud sync, advanced stats.
• 💪 Strengths: Focused on ownership and cataloging, not social media.
• 😕 Weaknesses: Less about reviews and discovery.
• ⚖️ Verdict: Ideal for readers who want a clean personal catalog without distractions.

Best for: Highlighting, note-taking, and memory keeping

• 🤩 Aesthetic / UX: Whimsical, journal-like interface.
• 🛠️ Functions / Features: Quotes, reading notes, diary-style reflections, stats.
• 💰 Free vs Paid: Unlimited books with Free. Pro upgrade removes ads, auto backups, more stats.
• 💪 Strengths: Perfect for readers who like to collect and reflect on passages.
• 😕 Weaknesses: Not as streamlined for recommendations or discovery.
• ⚖️ Verdict: Best if you want your book tracker to double as a reading journal.

Best for: Book clubs & social reading 

• 🤩 Aesthetic / UX: Polished, modern, very app-forward.
• 🛠️ Functions / Features: Join or create book clubs, read-along discussions, curated rec lists from authors. Import from Goodreads
• 💰 Free vs Paid: Free app; premium clubs may have fees.
• 💪 Strengths: Community-first, perfect for readers who thrive on group discussion. Half star ratings.
• 😕 Weaknesses: Less focused on tracking data, more on the social side.
• ⚖️ Verdict: If you love buddy reads and book clubs, this is your app.

• Best for data lovers: StoryGraph
• Best for social readers: Goodreads or Fable
• Best for journaling/aesthetic: Margins or Bookmory
• Best for building habits: Bookly
• Best for cataloging your collection: Bookshelf

Each app meets different reading needs. Now you can choose based on what you want from your reading companion. If you’ve been feeling boxed in by Goodreads, there’s no shortage of creative, thoughtful alternatives to fit how you read.

Which book tracking app do you use and why did you choose it?

Let’s chat in the comments!

May your life be as full as your bookshelf and as long as your TBR list.

Happy Reading!

Last updated: January 2026