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Bible Gateway alternatives: 7 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Nov 8, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rankAll bible study apps

Top picks

Common reasons people leave Bible Gateway: free site and app show ads, and the study library requires an ongoing subscription rather than a one-time purchase. We ranked 7 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Bible Gateway, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. YouVersion Bible App currently ranks first.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingVerified priceOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1YouVersion Bible App logoYouVersion Bible AppFree—NoiOS, Android, Web4 of 468.8
2Xiphos logoXiphosOpen source—YesLinux, Windows4 of 464.8
3BibleTime logoBibleTimeOpen source—YesLinux, Windows, macOS4 of 461.8
4Ezra Bible App logoEzra Bible AppOpen source—YesWindows, macOS, Linux +24 of 459.4
5OlOlive Tree Bible AppFree plan + paid—NoiOS, Android, macOS +15 of 542.3
6Bible Hub logoBible HubFree—NoWeb, iOS, Android5 of 542.3
7STEP Bible logoSTEP BibleFree—YesWeb, Windows, macOS +14 of 442.3
  1. YouVersion Bible App logo

    1. YouVersion Bible AppTop pick

    Best for: Everyday readers and church groups who want a free Bible with plans, audio and offline reading

    FreeiOS, Android, Web

    68.8

    score / 100

    Why switch from Bible Gateway

    Fully free and ad-free, with more languages, reading plans and offline reading.

    Pros

    • Completely free with no ads or paid tier
    • Very wide choice of translations and languages
    • Reading plans, prayers and shared plans with friends
    • Offline reading and audio Bibles

    Cons

    • Few in-depth study tools such as commentaries or Greek and Hebrew lookups
    • Requires an account for syncing notes and social features
    • Plans and content lean toward a devotional, evangelical style
    Visit YouVersion Bible App Compare with Bible GatewayDetails and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.3100
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is YouVersion Bible App a good Bible Gateway alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    Price
    Free
    Checked Nov 8, 2026youversion.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Bible versions
    3,500 versions in 2,300 languages
    Checked Nov 8, 2026youversion.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Offline mode
    Yes
    Checked Nov 8, 2026youversion.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Installs
    700 million+
    Checked Nov 8, 2026youversion.com(opens source in a new tab)
  2. Xiphos logo

    2. Xiphos

    Best for: Linux and Windows users who want a free SWORD-based Bible study program with a GTK interface

    Open sourceLinux, Windows

    64.8

    score / 100

    Why switch from Bible Gateway

    Free desktop study app with downloadable commentaries and lexicons, no subscription.

    Pros

    • Free and open source, developed since 2000
    • Module manager gives access to the CrossWire library
    • Official Windows installer as well as Linux packages

    Cons

    • No macOS or mobile version
    • Dated interface compared with newer Bible apps
    • Few recent copyrighted translations in the free library
    Visit Xiphos Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.387
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Xiphos a good Bible Gateway alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    License
    GPL-2.0
    Checked Oct 30, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Latest release
    4.5.0 (31 Aug 2026)
    Checked Nov 8, 2026xiphos.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    Linux, UNIX, Windows
    Checked Nov 8, 2026xiphos.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Price
    Free
    Checked Nov 8, 2026xiphos.org(opens source in a new tab)
  3. BibleTime logo

    3. BibleTime

    Best for: Linux users who want a free desktop Bible study tool with many free translations and commentaries

    Open sourceLinux, Windows, macOS

    61.8

    score / 100

    Why switch from Bible Gateway

    Open-source desktop study tool with offline modules and parallel translations.

    Pros

    • Free and open source, with over 200 free works via SWORD
    • Side-by-side texts and Strong's lookups
    • Packaged by most Linux distributions

    Cons

    • No mobile app
    • Library limited to free and CrossWire-hosted works
    • Personal notes need a separate commentary module
    Visit BibleTime Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.377
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is BibleTime a good Bible Gateway alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    License
    GPL-2.0
    Checked Oct 29, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Free works
    Over 200 texts
    Checked Nov 8, 2026bibletime.info(opens source in a new tab)
    Built with
    C++ and Qt
    Checked Nov 8, 2026bibletime.info(opens source in a new tab)
    Preinstalled Bibles
    None
    Checked Nov 8, 2026bibletime.info(opens source in a new tab)
  4. Ezra Bible App logo

    4. Ezra Bible App

    Best for: People who study the Bible by topic and want tags and notes synced across computer and phone

    Open sourceWindows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS

    59.4

    score / 100

    Why switch from Bible Gateway

    Open-source desktop app for tagging and topical study, with no ads or accounts.

    Pros

    • Verse tagging and notes built into the reading view
    • Runs on desktop, Android and iOS with Dropbox sync
    • Exports notes and verse lists to Word

    Cons

    • Sync relies on Dropbox
    • Mostly a one-developer project
    • Fewer advanced original-language tools than paid suites
    Visit Ezra Bible App Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.369
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Ezra Bible App a good Bible Gateway alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    License
    GPL-2.0
    Checked Nov 1, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    Windows, macOS, Linux, Android
    Checked Nov 8, 2026ezrabibleapp.net(opens source in a new tab)
    Sync
    Dropbox
    Checked Nov 8, 2026ezrabibleapp.net(opens source in a new tab)
    Export
    Word documents
    Checked Nov 8, 2026ezrabibleapp.net(opens source in a new tab)
  5. Ol

    5. Olive Tree Bible App

    Best for: Pastors, teachers and serious readers who want commentaries and word study offline on every device

    Free plan + paidiOS, Android, macOS, Windows

    42.3

    score / 100

    Why switch from Bible Gateway

    Installable study library with offline commentaries and synced notes.

    Pros

    • Resource Guide shows related commentary for the passage you are reading
    • Full offline use once books are downloaded
    • Strong's, interlinear and parsed Greek and Hebrew texts
    • Purchased books stay in your account across devices

    Cons

    • Most commentaries and study Bibles are paid add-ons
    • Store-centric layout can feel busy for casual readers
    • No web app; you need to install it
    Visit Olive Tree Bible App Compare with Bible GatewayDetails and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.312
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Olive Tree Bible App a good Bible Gateway alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    Platforms
    iOS, Android, Mac, Windows
    Checked Nov 8, 2026olivetree.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Offline mode
    Yes
    Checked Nov 8, 2026olivetree.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Library size
    35,000+ books
    Checked Nov 8, 2026olivetree.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Bible translations
    100+
    Checked Nov 8, 2026olivetree.com(opens source in a new tab)
    In business since
    1998
    Checked Nov 8, 2026olivetree.com(opens source in a new tab)
  6. Bible Hub logo

    6. Bible Hub

    Best for: Students, pastors and serious readers who want free Greek and Hebrew study tools for every verse

    FreeWeb, iOS, Android

    42.3

    score / 100

    Why switch from Bible Gateway

    Free interlinears, Strong's and lexicons on every verse without a paid study tier.

    Pros

    • Free interlinears, Strong's numbers and lexicons
    • Dozens of translations with side-by-side parallel view
    • Large library of classic commentaries and cross references
    • No account or subscription needed

    Cons

    • Dense, ad-supported pages can feel cluttered
    • Commentaries are mostly older public-domain works
    • No personal notes or highlights synced across devices
    Visit Bible Hub Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.312
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Bible Hub a good Bible Gateway alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    Founded
    2004 (as Bible.cc)
    Checked Nov 8, 2026biblehub.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Owner
    Online Parallel Bible Project
    Checked Nov 8, 2026biblehub.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Parallel translations
    30+, up to 5 side by side
    Checked Nov 8, 2026biblehub.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Original-language tools
    Interlinear, Strong's, lexicons
    Checked Nov 8, 2026biblehub.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Price
    Free
    Checked Nov 8, 2026biblehub.com(opens source in a new tab)
  7. STEP Bible logo

    7. STEP Bible

    Best for: Students and pastors who want free Greek and Hebrew word study

    FreeOpen sourceWeb, Windows, macOS, Linux

    42.3

    score / 100

    Why switch from Bible Gateway

    Free Greek and Hebrew word study alongside the translations you read.

    Pros

    • Free original-language word study
    • Hundreds of translations to compare side by side
    • Offline desktop version for Windows, Mac and Linux
    • Open source

    Cons

    • Busy interface with a learning curve
    • No native mobile apps
    • Fewer commentaries and reference books than paid suites
    Visit STEP Bible Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.312
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is STEP Bible a good Bible Gateway alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    Price
    Free
    Checked Nov 8, 2026stepbible.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Bibles online
    700+
    Checked Nov 8, 2026stepbible.org(opens source in a new tab)
    Included offline
    ESV, NIV, Greek and Hebrew
    Checked Nov 8, 2026stepbible.org(opens source in a new tab)
    License
    BSD-3-Clause
    Checked Nov 8, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)

The best Bible Gateway alternative for…

The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.

YouVersion Bible App logo

Best Bible Gateway alternative for most people

YouVersion Bible App

Fully free and ad-free, with more languages, reading plans and offline reading.

Xiphos logo

Best Bible Gateway alternative for a free option

Xiphos

Free desktop study app with downloadable commentaries and lexicons, no subscription.

Ol

Best Bible Gateway alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

Olive Tree Bible App

Installable study library with offline commentaries and synced notes.

BibleTime logo

Best Bible Gateway alternative for open source

BibleTime

Open-source desktop study tool with offline modules and parallel translations.

Ezra Bible App logo

Best Bible Gateway alternative for Mac

Ezra Bible App

Open-source desktop app for tagging and topical study, with no ads or accounts.

STEP Bible logo

Best Bible Gateway alternative for Windows

STEP Bible

Free Greek and Hebrew word study alongside the translations you read.

Xiphos logo

Best Bible Gateway alternative for Linux

Xiphos

Free desktop study app with downloadable commentaries and lexicons, no subscription.

Bible Hub logo

Best Bible Gateway alternative for iPhone and Android

Bible Hub

Free interlinears, Strong's and lexicons on every verse without a paid study tier.

YouVersion Bible App logo

Best Bible Gateway alternative for working in the browser

YouVersion Bible App

Fully free and ad-free, with more languages, reading plans and offline reading.

Bible Gateway alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to Bible Gateway?

YouVersion Bible App ranks first right now. Fully free and ad-free, with more languages, reading plans and offline reading. Xiphos and BibleTime follow it in our ranking.

Bible Gateway vs YouVersion Bible App: what's the difference?

Bible Gateway is free with paid plans; YouVersion Bible App is free to use. Both run on Web, iOS and Android.

Is Bible Gateway free?

Bible Gateway is free with paid plans. Plus (monthly): $6.99 per month; Plus (yearly): $69.99 per year; Free trial: 7 days; Starting price: $6.99 a month (Plus, billed monthly). Checked on Bible Gateway's own site, November 2026.

Is there a free alternative to Bible Gateway?

Yes. YouVersion Bible App (free), Xiphos (open source), BibleTime (open source) and Ezra Bible App (open source) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.

Is there an open-source alternative to Bible Gateway?

Yes: Xiphos, BibleTime, Ezra Bible App and STEP Bible.

Which Bible Gateway alternatives work on Linux?

Xiphos, BibleTime, Ezra Bible App and STEP Bible run on Linux.

Why do people switch from Bible Gateway?

The complaints we hear most: free site and app show ads; the study library requires an ongoing subscription rather than a one-time purchase; fewer languages than YouVersion.

How is this list ranked?

Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Bible Gateway, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.