ThriftBooks: New & Used Books icon
ThriftBooks App Review: Affordable Reading for Bibliophiles

by Thrift Books Global LLC.

3.8
IOSBooks
The ThriftBooks mobile application provides access to 13 million discounted new and used books, featuring barcode scanning, personalized recommendations, and a loyalty program for dedicated readers and budget-conscious students.

Detailed Review

The ThriftBooks iOS application serves as a mobile gateway to one of the largest marketplaces for discounted print materials, offering access to over 13 million new and used books at up to 90% off retail prices. This platform positions itself as an economical alternative for bibliophiles, students, and casual readers seeking affordable reading materials without compromising on selection. The application's core functionality centers on its comprehensive search system, which enables users to locate specific titles, authors, or ISBN numbers efficiently. The barcode scanning feature allows instant price comparison and availability checks in physical stores, providing real-world utility for shoppers. The integrated ReadingRewards program offers tangible benefits, granting users a free book for every 500 points accumulated through purchases. Daily deals section provides additional 10% discounts on over 150,000 rotating items, enhancing the platform's value proposition. User experience demonstrates a utilitarian design philosophy prioritizing functionality over aesthetic flourishes. The interface facilitates rapid transactions with minimal navigation layers, though this approach has generated mixed feedback regarding navigation controls. Real-world usage patterns indicate the application serves both planned purchases and discovery-based shopping, with personalized recommendations based on reading history helping users identify new titles aligned with their interests. User feedback reveals consistent appreciation for cost savings and inventory breadth, with reviewer Spirit Cousin (2025-05-22) noting successful textbook acquisitions for graduate studies. Navigation concerns emerge as a recurring theme, with JM417 (2025-05-02) specifically citing the absence of a back button as an interface limitation. Conversely, nnnin (2025-08-30) praises the straightforward purchasing flow that discourages excessive browsing. Multiple reviewers including Ricker42 (2025-06-01) mention the rewards program's effectiveness, though some note logistical constraints regarding order consolidation. The application excels in providing substantial cost savings and extensive inventory access, particularly benefiting students and frequent readers building personal libraries. Limitations include basic navigation features and order management constraints that may affect users making bulk purchases. The platform proves most valuable for budget-conscious readers seeking specific titles, textbook purchasers, and collectors building curated libraries through repeated small orders.

Key Features

  • Barcode scanning functionality enables instant price comparisons and availability checks against physical bookstore inventories
  • ReadingRewards loyalty program provides free books after accumulating 500 points through purchases
  • Daily Deals section offers additional 10% discounts on over 150,000 rotating items
  • Personalized recommendation engine suggests titles based on user's reading history and preferences
  • Comprehensive search system supports queries by title, author, or ISBN number
  • Extensive inventory access to 13 million new and used books across multiple genres

Why Users Love It

Substantial cost savings
Extensive book inventory

Perfect for: Budget-conscious readers, students, and book collectors

Screenshots

ThriftBooks: New & Used Books screenshot 1ThriftBooks: New & Used Books screenshot 2ThriftBooks: New & Used Books screenshot 3ThriftBooks: New & Used Books screenshot 4ThriftBooks: New & Used Books screenshot 5ThriftBooks: New & Used Books screenshot 6

Ranking History

Track ThriftBooks: New & Used Books's performance in Books over the last 30 days

Top 5
Top 10
Top 15
Below 15

Current Rank

#26

2 from last week

Best Rank

#23

All-time high

Average Rank

#28

30-day average

User Reviews

Ricker42
Jun 2, 2025

The only issue I have with this app is the amount of books that I’m buying lol. My TBR pile is stacking up faster than I can read them. I’m getting multiple free books a month. I wish I could stack them all in one order. It forces me to make alot of smaller purchases instead of getting all the books at once. I buy most of my books from here now. I recommend ThriftBooks. Great app! The only issue I have with this app is the amount of books that I’m buying lol. My TBR pile is stacking up faster than I can read them. I’m getting multiple free books a month. I wish I could stack them all in one order. It forces me to make alot of smaller purchases instead of getting all the books at once. I buy most of my books from here now. I recommend ThriftBooks.

nnnin
Aug 30, 2025

I see what people are saying about the back button; but actually what I love about this app is it gets straight to the point and does not encourage browsing. It’s amazing. I check for a book, yep they have it, boom purchase and move on with life. No online store is this straightforward. I have never been on their website. The app is an absolute gem. Hands down best shopping experience I see what people are saying about the back button; but actually what I love about this app is it gets straight to the point and does not encourage browsing. It’s amazing. I check for a book, yep they have it, boom purchase and move on with life. No online store is this straightforward. I have never been on their website. The app is an absolute gem.

JM417
May 2, 2025

I love ThriftBooks. I can’t recommend them highly enough. The app leaves much to be desired, and the most glaring oversight is the lack of a back button. If I’m looking through my orders and want to go back to another order or if I’m reading an article and want to click on a book link and then go back to the article I can’t, not without starting all over. The website remains one of my most visited websites, but I don’t use the app any longer. Love the books, dislike the app I love ThriftBooks. I can’t recommend them highly enough. The app leaves much to be desired, and the most glaring oversight is the lack of a back button. If I’m looking through my orders and want to go back to another order or if I’m reading an article and want to click on a book link and then go back to the article I can’t, not without starting all over.The website remains one of my most visited websites, but I don’t use the app any longer.

Spirit Cousin
May 22, 2025

I just graduated with my first MS degree and I was able to purchase all required textbooks used at discounted affordable rates. I have built my home library and just absolutely enjoy books. Leaving the review to boost the rating it deserves 5.0 Absolutely Love this App I just graduated with my first MS degree and I was able to purchase all required textbooks used at discounted affordable rates. I have built my home library and just absolutely enjoy books. Leaving the review to boost the rating it deserves 5.0

Spirit Cousin
May 22, 2025

I just graduated with my first MS degree and I was able to purchase all required textbooks used at discounted affordable rates. I have built my home library and just absolutely enjoy books. Leaving the review to boost the rating it deserves 5.0 Absolutely Love this App I just graduated with my first MS degree and I was able to purchase all required textbooks used at discounted affordable rates. I have built my home library and just absolutely enjoy books. Leaving the review to boost the rating it deserves 5.0

App Details

Developer

Thrift Books Global LLC.

Platform

ios

Rating

3.8

Last Updated

10/7/2025