Head to head
Basmo or Magic Bookmark: which is the better smart bookmark?
On our weights Magic Bookmark scores 7.10 against 6.10 for Basmo. Basmo scores higher on print, ebook and audiobook, works with any book and phones and platforms; Magic Bookmark scores higher on exact place, story recall and privacy. They tie on price. Magic Bookmark is not on Android yet.
Magic Bookmark works only with supported titles, which focus on books popular on BookTok. Check that your book is covered before you compare further.
By The Margin Desk · Smart Bookmark Compare · Published 2026-10-08
Desk research from public App Store and Google Play listings and the app makers' own pages. Vendor facts read September 2026, updated 2026-10-11. Editorial assessment; we did not test the apps hands-on.
How do the scores compare?
| Criterion | Basmo | Magic Bookmark | Higher |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exact place 30% | 5 | 10 | Magic Bookmark |
| Story recall 20% | 8 | 10 | Magic Bookmark |
| Print, ebook and audiobook 10% | 8 | 7 | Basmo |
| Works with any book 10% | 7 | 3 | Basmo |
| Phones and platforms 10% | 7 | 2 | Basmo |
| Price 10% | 5 | 5 | Tie |
| Privacy 10% | 3 | 4 | Magic Bookmark |
| Total | 6.10 | 7.10 | Magic Bookmark |
Basmo
Magic Bookmark
Where does each score well?
Basmo
Magic Bookmark
Which formats does each cover?
| Format | Basmo | Magic Bookmark |
|---|---|---|
| Print: lists and a page scanner for highlights | Hardcover and paperback: syncs from a photo of your page or the page number you type | |
| Ebook | Ebooks: lists and Kindle highlight import | Inconsistent: the website lists ebooks, but its FAQ calls it a companion to the physical book in your hands and the App Store names only physical books and audiobooksSources differ |
| Audiobook | Audiobooks: tracked in your lists; no audio-specific tools described | Audiobooks: syncs from the last phrase you heard |
What does each cost?
Basmo
- Free to start
- Basmo PRO: $4.99 billed monthly or $39.99 billed annually, after a free 7-day trial (US App Store)
Source: Basmo, US App Store (October 2026) · Read 11 Oct 2026
Magic Bookmark
- Free to download
- Bookmark Credits: 1 for $4.99, 5 for $19.99, 10 for $34.99, 50 for $69.99
- One credit per book; credits never expire; no subscription
Source: Magic Bookmark: Book Recaps, US App Store · Read 27 Sep 2026
Which should you choose?
Choose Basmo if
you value help remembering the story and reading the same book in print, ebook and audio.
Best for: Keeping a reading journal with highlights.
Choose Magic Bookmark if
you value saving your exact place and help remembering the story.
Best for: Picking a print book or audiobook back up after a break.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the better smart bookmark, Basmo or Magic Bookmark?
Magic Bookmark scores 7.10 against 6.10 on our weights, so it scores higher on this question. The pick-up calculator lets you change the weights.
Which is cheaper, Basmo or Magic Bookmark?
Basmo: Free to start; Basmo PRO: $4.99 billed monthly or $39.99 billed annually, after a free 7-day trial (US App Store). Magic Bookmark: Free to download; Bookmark Credits: 1 for $4.99, 5 for $19.99, 10 for $34.99, 50 for $69.99; One credit per book; credits never expire; no subscription.
Do Basmo and Magic Bookmark work on Android?
Basmo runs on Android. Platforms: iPhone (the App Store says "Only for iPhone") and Android. Magic Bookmark is not on Android yet. Platforms: iPhone (iOS 16.4 or later); Android on the roadmap.