Bookly Alternatives: Keep Your Reading History Before Switching
Before replacing a reading timer, decide which records you need to keep. A finished-book list does not preserve the sittings behind it. Compare three possible next routines, then check your minutes, page progress, notes and quotes before moving your main record.
A ReadersGuild guide. About the publisher. Revised .
We make ReadersGuild. These recommendations use public documentation, not a hands-on competitor test or a score-based ranking. Read the method and sources.
BookmoryA reading journal
Keep timed reading, notes and a calendar together.
- 1.Record a sitting
- 2.Keep a note
- 3.Look back
The StoryGraphA view of your reading
Explore charts and choose books by mood.
- 1.Log a book
- 2.Explore charts
- 3.Filter by mood
ReadersGuildA shared sitting
Bring your own books. Read at the same time.
- 1.Invite a friend
- 2.Read together
- 3.Save a session
Start with what you need
| What you want | Consider | Why and what to check |
|---|---|---|
| Keep a personal timer and journal | Bookmory | Its publisher lists a timer, notes and file import/export. Generic CSV or Excel support does not establish a direct Bookly session transfer. Test the expected fields first. |
| Choose books by mood and review reading patterns | The StoryGraph | Consider its charts and mood filters if book choices matter more than recreating a timed-session history. We did not verify a direct Bookly import. |
| Start timing new sittings alongside friends | ReadersGuild | Use an iPhone room where everyone brings a book. Bookly session and quote imports are not verified. Android remains a waitlist. |
Separate your library from your sessions
Bookly documents book collections, current-page tracking, timed sittings, quotes and reports. Treat those as separate record types when evaluating a destination. A matching book total tells you little about historical minutes.
- Books: title, author, edition identifier, status and rating.
- Sessions: date, duration and progress before and after reading.
- Personal context: thoughts, quotes and the page or location they refer to.
A report image and device sync solve different jobs
Bookly advertises report images and iCloud sync. A report can help you retain a readable summary; sync serves devices within the supported service. Neither claim proves that another app can import the underlying rows. We did not establish an official outgoing session-file schema, so check current Bookly support before treating a report or backup as a migration file.
Preserve units before comparing totals
Record minutes as minutes and distinguish a page position from pages read. An ending position of 80 is not an 80-page session if you started at 65. Keep percentage progress and audiobook time separate from print pages. Do not invent historical session rows to make a new chart look complete.
Try one new sitting before committing
Add one book to the candidate app and record a short sitting. Check what is saved, what can be retrieved and which controls require payment. Bookmory and Bookly have mobile listings with paid extras. StoryGraph has free core tools and optional Plus. ReadersGuild is free to start with limits and optional Premium on iPhone. Verify local availability and the current offer on your device.
Keep a usable archive even if you change routines
Retain the source account and any available original records while checking the destination. Copy only your own notes and quotes into a private archive when needed. The free reading tracker spreadsheet linked below can record future sittings without an app account; it is not an automatic Bookly converter.
One book can match while its history does not
Fictional example: Jo reads from page 65 to 80 in 25 minutes. The replacement shows the right title, but only a finished-book date. Jo checks the session record separately: 15 pages, 25 minutes and the note attached to page 72. Keeping the title alone would not preserve that context.
Illustrative example, not a reader testimonial.
Bookly switching checklist
ReadersGuild
readers-guild.comREADER RECORD PRESERVATION Source app and device: __________________________ Destination and plan: ___________________________ Date checked: __________________________________ Record to keep | Source copy | Destination result Book and edition: ______________________________ Status, dates and repeat reads: _________________ Session date, minutes and progress: ______________ Quote text and location: ________________________ [ ] Keep the source and any unchanged original file. [ ] Check the current official import instructions. [ ] Inspect representative records, not only totals. [ ] Mark missing or unverified fields before retrying. [ ] Try one new reading session or discussion. No records are uploaded or transferred by this worksheet.
Copy into your own notes or print a blank sheet. Nothing to sign up for.
How we compared the apps
Published by ReadersGuild, a reading app. Sources reviewed October 31, 2026: public product documentation and available store listings. This is a source-based comparison, not a hands-on competitor test. Recommendations reflect the task each product documents. Store offers and platform features can vary by region and version.
Questions before choosing
ReadersGuild for iPhone
Read together, with your own books.
Open a reading room and share its code with a friend. Read quietly together, without an assigned title or a discussion to prepare.
See reading together on iPhoneFree to start. Optional paid upgrades. Android is on the email waitlist.