book trackers

I have used a few reading trackers to not only track what I am reading, but what I have read or what I want to read as well. There are plenty of apps out there to help you, but which ones are the best? What will suit your needs? I have narrowed down a list of potentials. For me, I wanted an app that could track multiple things and had more capabilities so I would not have to download multiple apps. Here are some apps I have used and some I may consider?

Fable

Fable is a recent app I have added to my trackers because of the layout. Something about it is inviting: it might be the social media feel. You can track what books you read on certain days and your progress in each book. You can also track movies and TV shows.

If interested, you can even buy eBooks right on Fable.

It is also very easy to set up a book club with your friends and there is a place to put your notes by chapter as you read!

They also provide stats in colorful infographics such as Reading goal, finished books by month, reading streaks, and most read genres.

The downside for me is the lists. Once a book is added, they are hard to navigate or find books. You can create your own bookshelves and sort the lists. I found when I was trying to update it was not pulling up books in the search and it won't tell you if you read a book on the book's page. Since this is a new app, it seems the creators are reading feedback and making changes, so I'm excited to see how this platform evolves.

Goodreads

This was my first tracker. I tried to get away from it, but found I couldn't let it go just yet. At least not until other apps catch up. The importing and exporting your list is probably the nicest feature. You can update a spreadsheet and then pop it back up and the website will make the changes.

I don't like all the ads on the website. I find the website can feel a little crowded. However, the app and website are fairly simple to use. If you want to stay away from Amazon however, this is not the choice for you.

StoryGraph

Charts! I loved the charts and simplicity of this app. You can also mark books as "owned" to help keep track of your owned copies. You can also mark books as DNF which is something other apps do not have. There are also half and quarter star rating options that other apps don't have.

You can also do buddy reads and read along with friends. They have since added a feature in the buddy read where you can leave notes and reactions that are not visible until someone marks that is how far they have read. They also plan to have a better Book Club hosting feature that sounds a lot like Fable's.

They have also added a reading journal to keep notes.

I will admit, I have let it go in favor of Fable and Goodreads, however, if Charts and a simple design are more your flow, I highly recommend it.

Bookmory

Full disclosure I have not used this app before writing this, but I came across it and thought it was cute. Not only can you tracking your reading, but you can also leave notes.

There is also a reading timer to time yourself while you read. Not a feature that is needed if you eRead, but fun nonetheless.

It also keeps stats on the books read and you can set a reading goal each year. Simple design, so I would recommend if this is all you are looking for.

Notion

I love Notion for so many reasons, but there is a learning curve. So I have a template for you. I love keeping track of things and writing my own thoughts so I developed my own criteria for managing books, movies, games, courses, and concerts.

The only downside is the sharing aspect. This is strictly for you in a sense, and for the most part that is what I want. I don't want my incoherent notes to mess with another potential reader's decision to buy the book; those are just for me.

If you are not interested in my template, you can find plenty of free or paid ones in the Notion Marketplace.

Libib

I have also not used this app, but it is intriguing. For free, it will log your owned books, movies, board games, video games, and music. This is the first app I've seen that keeps track of it all. The only thing is that this is strictly for what you already own and not for wish lists.

For a monthly fee you can upgrade to manage lends and holds, which is a cool feature for schools or small organizations.

Which app is right for you?

App Name	App only?	Website capabilities?	Share with friends?	Track reading habits?	Book club?	Notes
Fable	x		x	x	x	Only book club books
Goodreads		x	x	x	Groups
Storygraph			x	x	Read with friends	x
Notion		x		x		x