Make the Switch to these Top Goodreads Alternatives

There’s nothing more satisfying than finishing a book and heading to your trusty tracker to toggle “currently reading” to “read.” If you’re the type of reader who loves leaving reviews and checking in on your book progress, then you’ve no doubt heard of Goodreads, the nearly 20-year-old literary platform used around the globe.

However, Goodreads’ aging interface and ties with Amazon are turning off many users who are now looking for a Goodreads alternative. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best of the best for you to explore!

Support Small Businesses and Stop Using Goodreads

The secret is out—these days, using Goodreads just doesn’t cut it. If you care about supporting local businesses, it’s time to consider switching to a Goodreads alternative.

We know that Amazon-owned apps, like Audible, Kindle, and Goodreads, appear to be the most convenient option. But if you’re tired of your money going right to the pockets of billionaire Jeff Bezos, making the swap in your book trackers and audiobook services is a great way to show your support for the indie booksellers in your area.

Why People Like Literary Trackers

Reading can sometimes feel like a solo hobby, but that doesn’t have to be the case! Certain Goodreads alternatives provide a social aspect, giving you the option to follow friends, join book clubs, and see other people’s reviews. With a well-made literary tracker, you’re part of an online book-lover community!

Tracking apps are also easy to reference when shopping for your next read at your local Rochester, Michigan, bookstore. The best Goodreads alternatives have a “to read” or “wish list” option, so you can store all of your friends' recommendations and titles of interest in one location.

Elements of a Good Book Tracking App

The best Goodreads alternative has a mix of these essential elements:

• User-friendly interface
• Real-time progress tracking
• Reviews and rating systems
• Yearly or monthly book goal options
• Wish list function
• Data and history can be transferred from Goodreads
• Community-based circles
• Curated book recommendations
• Off-line access

Everything You Need to Know About Our Favorite Goodreads Alternatives

If you’re one of the many long-time users searching for a Goodreads alternative, you’re in luck! It doesn’t matter whether you prefer listening to audiobooks or collecting physical copies—there are plenty to choose from, each with its own unique benefits and functions. Some of our favorites include:

Join the Bookworm Community on Fable

Fable is the leading Goodreads alternative for readers looking to find an online community and dive deep into discussions on their latest reads. With an aesthetically pleasing platform, accessible tracking features, and book club functions, Fable is designed to foster deeper connections between readers, authors, and stories. If you’re searching for a welcoming space to rave about your favorite (and least favorite) novels with like-minded people, Fable is a great choice.

Fable’s Special Features:

• Virtual book clubs anyone can join
• Interactive e-reader function
• Tracking for TV and other media
• Recommendations by authors, celebrities, and other readers
• Encourages quality over quantity when it comes to goal-setting
• Goodreads and Kindle history can be imported
• Available on Android and iOS

Keep Track of Reading Data with The StoryGraph

The StoryGraph, founded by Nadia Odunayo in 2019, is the perfect Goodreads alternative if you’d rather support a Black woman-owned independent company than a billionaire. With a minimalist interface and colorful graph stats, The StoryGraph is the best option for those who prioritize tracking their personal preferences over socializing with other book lovers.

As it states in its motto, “Life’s too short for a book you’re not in the mood for”! That’s why the company’s intricate rating system is designed to spit back out personal recommendations based on your favorite topics, themes, and moods.

The StoryGraph’s Special Features:

• Content warnings based on others’ reviews
• Page and minute tracking systems (for audiobook lovers)
• Unique review format based on moods, character development, and more
• Imports Goodreads history
• Rating system functions on 0.25 star measurements
• Live reactions to specific parts of the book
• Customized breakdowns are shown as pie charts and bar graphs
• Available on Android and iOS

Meet Readers Like You with BookSloth

BookSloth has one basic mission—to pair readers with the perfect read. As one of the more social Goodreads alternatives, BookSloth puts an emphasis on connecting readers with like-minded users, offering the option to create discussion threads, publish full reviews, and reply to or like other members’ posts.

When you first make an account, users are prompted to pick preferred genres, story elements, worldbuilding, writing styles, characters, and perspectives. Once the profile is filled out, BookSloth starts fine-tuning recommendations!

BookSloth’s Special Features:

• “Create a Club” feature that takes you to an existing group chat forum for a book
• Spoiler warnings in chats and reviews
• Modern and sleek page design
• Star rating system in increments of 0.5
• Imports Goodreads history and data
• Available on Android and iOS

Stay Motivated to Read with Bookly

Bookly was created specifically to help you organize your digital bookshelf and reach your personal reading goals. With features geared towards both novice and avid readers, this Goodreads alternative has one mission: to help you set a reading routine that works for you. With a timer and reward system, this app is the perfect option for anyone who needs a little focus, inspiration, and motivation to become the reader they wish to be.

Bookly’s Special Features:

• Timer function to track reading speed and expected finish time
• Regular reading challenges available to all users
• Digital annotations and quote save features on the Book Notes section
• Reading stats in the form of a graph
• Daily, monthly, and yearly reading goals
• Achievements and badges that are unlocked when you read
• Available on Android and iOS

A Few Other Goodreads Alternatives to Check Out

With more and more Goodreads users jumping ship each year, there are always new alternatives popping up online. Don’t hesitate to download these lesser-used apps to find one that works for you, or contact us with your own personal favorites:

• BookWyrm: anti-corporate, ad-free, and community-oriented Goodreads alternative
• LibraryThing: a completely free alternative that can track movies, books, and TV
• Hardcover: designed to be an anti-Amazon “book brain” to track past and present reads in one place

No one can deny that Goodreads has been helpful for millions of readers worldwide. As the first of its kind, the Amazon-owned app changed the game for book tracking. But now, with better alternatives springing up left and right, there’s no need to stick to the outdated app. Try one of the top recommended Goodreads alternatives to find your new platform today!