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Storytel - Audiobooks & Books vs its rivals

Side-by-side comparison against Storytel - Audiobooks & Books's closest competitors — identity, store metrics, ratings & sentiment, and strategic intel.

Storytel - Audiobooks & Books
This App
iPusnas
Nemesis
iDoyle: Sherlock Holmes
Contender
Simulizi za Hadithi Audio
Contender
FBReader Bookshelf
Contender
Gumroad
Contender
BookBub
Peer
Moonlite - Storytime Projector
Peer
MovieBuddy Pro: Movie Tracker
Peer
The Cantina Archive
Peer
Core Identity
DeveloperStorytel Sweden ABPerpustakaan Nasional Republik IndonesiaiClassics Productions, S.L.BongoclassFBReader.ORG LimitedGumroadPubmark Inc.Redwood Ventures LLCKimico, Ltd.JAMES ANTHONY BOOKER
CategoryBooks & ReferenceBookBookEntertainmentBooks & ReferenceUtilitiesBookEntertainmentEntertainmentBooks
PlatformAndroidiOS, AndroidiOS, AndroidAndroidAndroid, iOSiOS, AndroidAndroid, iOSiOSiOS, AndroidiOS, Android
Store Metrics
Rating4.4 / 53.8 / 54.5 / 50.0 / 54.6 / 54.7 / 54.8 / 53.9 / 54.8 / 54.6 / 5
Ratings Count511,84098605036,83392050696049
PriceFreeFree$3.99FreeFreeFreeFreeFree$9.99$3.99
Release DateSep 16, 2016Sep 9, 2016Jun 22, 2016Sep 13, 2024Jun 9, 2012Sep 30, 2014Dec 4, 2015Dec 10, 2020Jun 25, 2015May 9, 2025
Last UpdatedMay 15, 2026Mar 10, 2025Feb 11, 2020May 9, 2026Mar 17, 2026Apr 29, 2026Jan 29, 2026Mar 18, 2026May 11, 2026Feb 14, 2026
Sentiment & Reviews
Sentimentnegative-positive-----positivepositive
Score25/100-75/100-----75/10075/100
Praises
  • The extensive library of audiobooks provides a reliable source of entertainment for long-term loyal users
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  • Immersive interactive storytelling blends animation and music to create a highly engaging reading experience
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  • Barcode scanning functionality allows for rapid cataloging of large physical media collections
  • Comprehensive tracking of Star Wars book collections across canon and legends timelines
Complaints
  • Unexpected playback position resets and chapter skipping force users to manually search for their progress
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  • Technical friction during page navigation makes the reading experience feel unresponsive or broken
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  • Alphabetical sorting logic incorrectly includes the word The when organizing movie titles
  • Incomplete book databases and missing titles frustrate users attempting to log full collections
Requests
  • Users request granular control over playback settings including chapter-only scrubbing and custom font weight adjustments
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  • Expansion of the library to include more classic literature titles in the same format
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  • Wishlist feature allows collectors to track desired titles separate from their owned inventory
  • Expanded support for comics and junior novels to improve catalogue coverage
Strategic Intel
Strengths
  • Unified library increases time-in-app
  • Kids Mode secures family-segment retention
  • Multi-device playback supports diverse consumption
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  • Device-native hardware triggers create a non-replicable reading experience
  • High-fidelity 2D animation quality exceeds standard digital book adaptations
  • Hyper-localized Swahili content library provides cultural intimacy global platforms cannot replicate
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  • Proprietary physical-to-digital bridge creates a premium, screen-free family bonding experience
  • Curated storybook content offers a safer environment for young children than general media apps
  • Barcode scanner reduces manual entry friction for large collections
  • One-time purchase model lowers barrier to entry against subscription rivals
  • Cross-device sync increases utility across Apple hardware
  • Niche collection-tracking utility builds high switching costs for Star Wars fans
  • AI-video export mechanism drives organic social discovery
Weaknesses
  • Playback position resets erode daily habit
  • Pay-per-title prompts frustrate active subscribers
  • Regional content restrictions limit library access
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  • $4.99 Android price point sits above the $3.99 iOS tier
  • Technical navigation stalls reported in reviews
  • Content-locking post-purchase triggers user distrust
  • No user-generated content or social features limits long-term retention
  • No offline-mode despite regional connectivity constraints
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  • Hardware-dependent model requires physical shipping and inventory management
  • 3.86 rating suggests friction in the setup or activation process
  • Sorting logic incorrectly includes articles in titles
  • Incomplete database coverage requires frequent manual entry
  • Data persistence issues during device upgrades
  • $3.99 one-time purchase model limits recurring revenue
  • Rigid collection logic prevents logging borrowed or unowned items
Pricingsubscriptionfreepaidfreefreemiumfreefreefreemiumpaidfreemium
MomentumZombieIntenseZombieZombieActive-SteadyMaintenanceMaintenanceIntense
Update Cadence1 versions5 versions5 versions1 versions5 versions-5 versions1 versions4 versions, 1 majors/6mo, ~36d avg5 versions

Compare Storytel - Audiobooks & Books head-to-head

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AI-powered analysis with editorial review, built from publicly available sources. Marlvel.ai is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Storytel - Audiobooks & Books, its developer, the app publisher, Apple, or Google Play. All trademarks, logos, and screenshots referenced remain the property of their respective owners.

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