Head to head
Bookly or Magic Bookmark: which is the better smart bookmark?
On our weights Magic Bookmark scores 7.10 against 6.90 for Bookly. Bookly 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 | Bookly | Magic Bookmark | Higher |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exact place 30% | 7 | 10 | Magic Bookmark |
| Story recall 20% | 7 | 10 | Magic Bookmark |
| Print, ebook and audiobook 10% | 9 | 7 | Bookly |
| Works with any book 10% | 8 | 3 | Bookly |
| Phones and platforms 10% | 9 | 2 | Bookly |
| Price 10% | 5 | 5 | Tie |
| Privacy 10% | 3 | 4 | Magic Bookmark |
| Total | 6.90 | 7.10 | Magic Bookmark |
Bookly
Magic Bookmark
Where does each score well?
Bookly
Magic Bookmark
Which formats does each cover?
| Format | Bookly | Magic Bookmark |
|---|---|---|
| Books: timer and page log | Hardcover and paperback: syncs from a photo of your page or the page number you type | |
| Ebook | E-books: timer and page log | 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: timer and session log | Audiobooks: syncs from the last phrase you heard |
What does each cost?
Bookly
- Free to start; the Google Play listing says it contains ads
- Bookly Pro on the App Store: Monthly Pro $4.99, Yearly Pro $29.99, "Bookly Pro" $79.99 (the listing gives no term), plus discounted and family options
Source: Bookly, 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 Bookly if
you value reading the same book in print, ebook and audio and running on every device you own.
Best for: Timed sessions across print, ebook and audiobook.
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, Bookly or Magic Bookmark?
Magic Bookmark scores 7.10 against 6.90 on our weights, so it scores higher on this question. The pick-up calculator lets you change the weights.
Which is cheaper, Bookly or Magic Bookmark?
Bookly: Free to start; the Google Play listing says it contains ads; Bookly Pro on the App Store: Monthly Pro $4.99, Yearly Pro $29.99, "Bookly Pro" $79.99 (the listing gives no term), plus discounted and family options. 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 Bookly and Magic Bookmark work on Android?
Bookly runs on Android. Platforms: iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Vision, Apple Watch and Android. Magic Bookmark is not on Android yet. Platforms: iPhone (iOS 16.4 or later); Android on the roadmap.