Hardcover vs StoryGraph
HardcoverA connected library
Track books and explore other readers' shelves.
The StoryGraphA view of your reading
Explore charts and choose books by mood.
Consider Hardcover when other readers' shelves help you find your next book. Consider StoryGraph when mood filters, reading charts or progress-linked buddy discussion are the part you want to use. Both can hold a book library. Choose the daily action you want, then check the edition, privacy and paid controls that matter to you.
A ReadersGuild guide. About the publisher. Revised .
We make ReadersGuild, a different reading app. It is not a contender in this table. This comparison uses public documentation, not a hands-on competitor test. Read the sources and method.
Compare the reading workflow
| Task | Hardcover | StoryGraph |
|---|---|---|
| Finding the next book | Browse books and other readers' libraries; follow readers for their next picks. | Filter by mood, pace and book type; view recommendations. |
| Keeping a library | Documents want-to-read, currently-reading, read and did-not-finish statuses. | Documents tags, owned and did-not-finish markers, plus an up-next queue. |
| Reading with others | A connected-shelf workflow centered on following readers and exploring their books. | Buddy reactions remain locked until participants reach the corresponding progress point. Also documents clubs. |
| Reading patterns | Check the current library and discovery views against the specific question you want answered. This comparison does not establish chart-by-chart parity. | Standard reading charts; Plus adds custom charts, extra filters and stats comparisons. |
| Moving records | Publisher listing advertises Goodreads and StoryGraph import. Complete field parity was not tested. | Documents Goodreads import. A direct Hardcover-specific transfer was not verified here. |
| Where to check access | Web service with iOS and Android listings. Inspect the current Supporter offer for any paid control you need. | Web, iOS and Android. Free core features with optional Plus; check the current plan and local listing. |
Consider Hardcover if
- You enjoy choosing a book from people whose shelves you want to follow.
- You want to inspect its documented StoryGraph library import before moving.
- Its current library and privacy settings fit the records you want to keep.
Consider StoryGraph if
- You want mood and pace filters when choosing books.
- You want to discuss the same book with progress-linked spoiler boundaries.
- You have checked whether standard charts or a particular Plus control fits your task.
Make the choice with one book
Pick one real decision: find a shorter next read, follow a reader's shelf or react to the part of a book you just reached. Use the official services to try that action. A feature list cannot tell you whether the specific books or people you want are there.
Keep your current account while testing. A service importing your library does not establish that private notes, reading dates, tags and conversations all move together. Keeping one app for discovery and another for a different reading task is also a valid choice.
Test a discovery choice and a record separately
Use one book already in your library and one question about your next read. These are suggested checks, not test results from us.
- Find the same work and edition, then inspect its status and any reading dates you rely on.
- For discovery, try a mood/pace filter or a reader's shelf. Check whether the actual suggestions are available to you.
- For discussion, inspect the current invitation and spoiler controls before inviting a real group.
- Check the exact paid boundary on the official plan page before subscribing.
The Hardcover plan page was not readable in this research environment. No exact price or free/paid chart comparison is asserted.
Before moving your library
Hardcover's listing explicitly advertises StoryGraph import. Follow current official instructions and keep the unchanged source file. Inspect edition, status, rating, dates and tag membership individually. We did not test an authenticated transfer or establish that private journals, chart settings or buddy discussions carry across.
Try a free web reading timerHow 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
Want company for your next reading session?
In ReadersGuild, friends can bring their own books into a shared room and read at the same time. Check the iPhone workflow if company is the part you want to add.
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.