Hardcover
Hardcover LLC
Hardcover is a social network for people to track what they read and want to read, make lasting connections with other readers and find life-changing books. It is designed to be your 'book brain' to track books, get personalized recommendations, and find new reader friends.
User Sentiments
Top Likes
- Modern and beautiful UI/design
- Comprehensive book tracking features
- Goodreads and StoryGraph import
- Active and transparent developers
- Cross-platform syncing
Top Dislikes
- Smaller book catalog compared to Goodreads
- Occasional bugs and slow loading times
- Some features still under development
Popular Comments
violet_215 - App Store User
2024-09-23
Love this app. Currently a good reads user, but the main thing I dislike about it is that it feels so old fashioned. I was looking for something with a much better UI and design and this is it! I really hope the creators promote the app so we can get more users on here, it's time for something new!
certifiedbookenjoyer - App Store User
2024-08-06
Best Book Tracking app out right now. Surprised to see the small number of downloads and reviews… as someone who's tried most book tracking apps/tracking methods out there (Goodreads, Storygraph, Notion, Obsidian, etc.), this is probably the best i've used in terms of the UI, features, overall aesthetic, and the team's principles! Devs are very transparent (you can read their blog posts on the website for info), active in the community, and use the app themselves frequently. Syncing is flawless, Hardcover works on my ipad, computer, phone, and web browser without issue.
Reddit User - troypavlek
2024-02-02
It should feel great to finish a book and it should feel even greater to write down and share your experience, and hardcover does that for me. It's pretty, it feels great to use...
Reddit User - OsmiumPlatinum
2024-02-02
I really enjoy the app for tracking my books and for recommendations. A strong selling point for using the app is the Jeff Bezos rocket ship BS.
Google Play User
2024-06-21
Love the app, much more than goodreads, but not enough to put up with its many bugs. For example, the app has a hard time saving my updated read progress and an even harder time staying connected to the servers. Not to mention the fact that it has not been updated since late 2023. It's a shame because it has major potential, and I do prefer it over goodreads, but until it receives a major update I will no longer be using it.
Google Play User
2024
Love the idea and the layout, just have an issue currently with the speed of it all. Takes a long time to load anything and can be fairly buggy at times. Will support this app in every way I can, it's a great idea and an amazing alternative to Goodreads! The letterboxd of books!
Detailed Review
Hardcover is a modern book tracking and social networking application available on macOS (for Apple M1 chips or later), iOS, Android, and web browsers. It aims to be a user-friendly alternative to Goodreads, offering a visually appealing interface and a range of features for book lovers. Hardcover allows users to track their reading status, rate and review books, create custom book lists, set reading goals, and connect with other readers. It supports importing libraries from Goodreads and StoryGraph, making it easier for users to switch platforms. While the core features are free, a Supporter plan unlocks advanced reading stats and early access to new features, helping to support the development of the app.
Standout Features
- Book Tracking: Track books as "want to read," "currently reading," "read," and "did not finish." Users can log progress, add ratings and reviews, and categorize books using lists, genres, moods, and tags.
- Social Networking: Connect with other readers, explore their bookshelves, follow their reading activity, and participate in book discussions.
- Personalized Recommendations: The app offers personalized book recommendations based on reading history with a "Match Score" to indicate how likely you are to enjoy a book.
- Library Import: Import existing book libraries from Goodreads and StoryGraph, simplifying the transition from other platforms.
- Reading Stats: Track reading habits and progress through charts and data visualizations. Advanced stats are available for Supporters.
- Cross-Platform Sync: Seamlessly sync data across macOS, iOS, Android, and web platforms.
- AI Features: Includes an AI librarian for book discovery and recommendations.
Conclusion
Hardcover is a promising application for Mac users who are avid readers looking for a modern and feature-rich book tracking and social platform. It offers a refreshing alternative to older platforms like Goodreads, with a focus on user experience and community. While still relatively new and with a smaller book catalog, Hardcover is actively developed and receives positive feedback for its design, features, and developer transparency. Users seeking a visually appealing, cross-platform book tracking app with social features should find Hardcover a compelling option, especially if they are looking for a Goodreads alternative. The optional Supporter plan offers additional features for power users and supports the ongoing development of the app.
