In the era of smartphones and tablets, it has become easier than ever to carry God's Word around in your pocket. The are many fantastic Bible apps that help you study scripture any time and offer access to useful Bible study tools. 

Depending on what you’re looking for—be it simply a mobile app version of scripture, daily Bible reading plans and online studies, or something for the kids—there is a great Bible app to suit your needs! We’ll break down our suggestions for how to select a Bible study app and offer our picks for the best Bible apps available.

What to Look for in the Best Bible Apps

Who Made the Bible App? 

One of the first questions you should ask before downloading a Bible app is who were the people behind the app’s creation. Was the Bible study app created by a church or Bible institution you recognize? What version of the Bible are they using or referring to? Answering these questions will help you to determine that the entire Bible study app is trustworthy and theologically sound. Increasingly, it has become easier for any person to make and upload a mobile application. For something as important as the Bible or study materials, it’s good to feel confident that you are getting thoughtful information.

Who is the Bible Study App Intended for?

Another important question to ask is who this Bible app was made to serve. If you are a new believer studying the Bible for the first time, you may not want an app designed with seminary students in mind. Likewise, if you are looking for the best Bible study tools to deepen and enrich your study of scripture, a general Bible app or morning devotional app may not be the right fit!

Overall Design

Finally, when choosing a Bible app, take into account the app’s design and functionality. The purpose of mobile Bible apps is to serve as useful Bible study tools as you engage with scripture. If you find the Bible study app confusing or overly complicated, it will be difficult to get the benefits of incorporating it into your Bible study routine. Look for best Bible study apps that are user-friendly and that allow you to easily organize notes and bookmark Bible passages for later.

Top Picks for Best Christian Bible Apps

YouVersion Bible App

Frequently just called “The Bible App”, this app sets the standard for mobile versions of scripture. The app is totally free and available across all devices, Apple and Android devices alike, and offers access to the Bible in over 40 languages and over 1400 Bible translations/versions, including ESV, NKJV, NLT, and NIV among many others.

Key Features:

• Daily Bible Verse of the Day notifications
• Access to numerous Bible reading plans and best Bible study materials
• Audio versions of the Bible translations so you can listen to the ESV Bible

Blue Letter Bible

For those looking to go a little deeper in their studies, there is Blue Letter Bible. This free Bible study app is available for all devices. One of its most useful features is its lexicon, which allows you to consult the original Greek and Hebrew texts in context. This allows you to go right to the source of scripture and see the various ways in which the same God's Word has been translated over the years. This Bible app is a staple among Bible college and seminary students.

Key Features:

• Greek and Hebrew lexicon
• 30+ Bible versions
• An FAQ section with answers to common theological questions

Olive Tree

The Olive Tree app is an excellent Bible app for anyone looking to read relevant commentaries along with the Bible. Available in both free and paid versions, this study app includes a resource guide full of maps, commentaries, and daily Bible reading plans. 

Key Features:

• Offers offline access—no wifi required to study!
• Take notes and highlight passages and sync them across multiple devices
• Allows you to compare multiple translations side by side

Bible App for Kids

Made by the makers of the YouVersion Bible app, the Bible App for Kids is designed to be exciting, interactive, and fun for kids of all ages. It’s also available across devices--perfect for iPhone, iPad, or Android tablets. With colorful animations and challenging games, this Bible app helps the stories of the Bible come alive for kids!

Key Features:

• Kid-friendly navigation
• Content designed with kids in mind
• Available in over 20 languages

Conclusion

There are a number of Bible apps that can help guide Christians as we engage with scripture. Depending on your focus, there will be a Bible app that fits your exact wants and needs. With all the options available on the app store, make sure to choose the Bible study app that best suit you and help you grow into a closer relationship with Jesus and a better basic understanding of the truth of God's word.

It is important to have a Bible solely dedicated to helping you deepen your relationship with God through regular study. In these instances,  the Complete Collection from Alabaster is a good place to start looking as you seek more ways to guide you along your journey.