Head-to-head · Book Summary Apps
Shortform vs Bookey
Shortform leads on 1 check, Bookey on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreShortform · 8.8/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresShortform · 3 of 4
Shortform scores higher on our rubric for book summary apps: 8.8 against 7.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #6.
Shortform offers notes and highlights; Bookey doesn't publish it.
Shortform is the better fit for readers who want in-depth guides and integrations. Bookey is the better fit for readers wanting book summaries with mind maps.
- Shortform fits best
Readers who want in-depth guides and integrations
- Bookey fits best
Readers wanting book summaries with mind maps
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Side by side
| Feature | Shortform 8.8/10 Visit ↗ | Bookey 7.5/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.8 | 7.5 |
| Ranking | #2 in Book Summary Apps | #6 in Book Summary Apps |
| Best for | Readers who want in-depth guides and integrations | Readers wanting book summaries with mind maps |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | $16.42/user/mo | Not published |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile, Browser extension | Cloud, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android, Chrome extension | Web, iOS, Android |
| Support | Email, Docs | |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business |
| Features Shortform 3/4 · Bookey 2/4 | ||
| Audio summaries | ✓ | ✓ |
| Learning paths | Not published | Not published |
| Notes and highlights | ✓ (best) | Not published |
| Offline access | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Catalog size | 10000 titles | Not published |
| Platform coverage | Web_mobile | Web_mobile |
| Summary languages | Not published | Not published |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Shortform offers book, article, and podcast episode guides through web access and mobile apps, with a Chrome extension for webpages and YouTube videos. Its book guides pair summaries with analysis, examples, and exercises, so it suits… Read the review → |
Bookey is a consumer service for readers who want condensed versions of bestselling nonfiction rather than full-length books. It presents roughly 30-minute summaries as text and audio, with a mind map for each title. Subjects include… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Shortform — where it wins
- 10,000+ books and 1,000+ article and topic guides
- Guides combine summaries with analysis, examples, and exercises
- Offline access, audio, notes, and Readwise, Notion, and Kindle integrations
Where it doesn't
- Annual billing is required for the $16.42 monthly equivalent
- Monthly pricing is $24 per user
- Its in-depth guides may be more than readers seeking brief summaries need
Bookey — where it wins
- Each book has a text summary, audio version and mind map.
- Downloads support offline learning.
- Web, iOS and Android access, with a free plan listed.
Where it doesn't
- The focus is on summaries, not full-length books.
- Paid plan names are listed, but their features are not detailed.
- Email is the listed support channel.
- Shortform8.8/10 · Free plan · paid from $16.42/user/mo (annual)
A broad library of analytical book guides with audio, offline access, and reading tools.
Visit ShortformFull verdict → - Bookey7.5/10 · Free plan · 7-day trial
Bookey pairs short nonfiction summaries with audio, mind maps and offline access.
Visit BookeyFull verdict →
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All book summary apps comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
Last updated · How we research and update