There are so many Christians I know who are using the YouVersion app for devotions and study of the Bible. But I do not use my iPad a lot and I do not have a phone. I had to check out this app and see what I can find out about it.
What YouVersion can connect you to other people who are reading the Bible devotionally in community and keep you dedicated to devotions and Bible reading every day.
Type of Software: Free
Disclaimer: I am basing this review off the free Android app.
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Availability
You can download the YouVersion app by going to Google Play or the Apple App Store and search for “YouVersion” to see the image that looks like a Bible.
User Interface
The user interface is clean and easy to navigate. It opens with the Daily Refresh with A Nice Image and a verse of the day. It has a social aspect with the “Community” tab to interact with others.
On the left side of the screen, you have the home button, the Scripture button, the “Plans” button, the “Discover” button, and the More button. Each of these leads to a screen that has options with further buttons on the top right contextualized to each function.
Starting with the Scripture button, it directs you to whatever scripture you have been reading. On the bottom, you can tap the Scripture reference to choose a different book, chapter, and verse, or you can tap the side buttons to go from chapter to chapter.
The top right menu gives you options for how to read your Bible including audio version, text formatting options, a Bible search icon, and a version to choose from. There are over 70 versions and you can download whichever ones you desire.
Next, the Plans button shows you so many different reading plans anyone would be satisfied. They have plans based on topics as well as choosing from the Old and New Testament and other options. They even have Listen & Watch Bible reading plans. Each plan has a range from days and weeks to a whole year, and perhaps even longer.
The Discover button opens up to videos and teaching by different Christian people. You can search the Discover pane by topic or just use the search bar at the top. You can also browse through the people, featured plans, find a church near you, and featured videos.
The More button gives you all the functions of the app you can use. It has prayer, videos, events, notes, badges, highlights, bookmarks, and many more. If you can’t find it anywhere else in the app, it would be here.
Tools and Features
The features I find most useful are connected to the Bible. You can highlight text and choose colors, and even make a note if you wish. The devotions and reading plans are also very helpful. Because YouVersion is mainly a Bible reading app with some other devotional features, all the tools and features link to devotions, Bible reading, and prayer.
I like that you can write down your prayers and your notes as you read. I also like the different types of devotions and teachings that offer the reader audio and video options.
Resources (Books)
You can download over 70 versions of the Bible, as well as the many devotions and videos that are at your fingertips. As far as other books or resources, the app is limited.
Accessibility
You can increase the text size of the Bible you are reading, which is a feature I really like. Listening to the Bible and reading it is also an option. You can use your app in light and dark modes, and several other options. I especially appreciate as someone who is legally blind these many different viewing options.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The strengths of the YouVersion app have to do with enhancements for reading and highlighting your Bible. Being able to take notes is also a plus of this app. Perhaps it’s strongest and most unique feature is being able to listen to and watch devotions and Bible studies.
Weaknesses for this app are only not utilizing it for what it is. You cannot expect deep Bib in le study tools or other books to come along with this app. It is limited to Bible listening/reading, devotions, and videos of some Bible teaching. I even found it hard to find longer reading plans as most of them are designed for short topical reading of the Bible.
Final Thoughts
The YouVersion app is incredibly useful for daily Bible reading and devotions. It is also helpful for prayers and light notetaking of Bible passages as you read. Video lessons and devotions are a great way to utilize the app.
Especially if you are attached to your phone a lot or use your phone on the road for other things, it is just as easy to utilize the YouVersion app and to have Bible reading and devotions at your fingertips. However, the app is limited to these functions and does not give you options for much deeper Bible study.
I recommend this app to anyone who’s on their phone a lot. It makes it much more convenient to read your Bible or follow a Bible reading plan. It will help you to stay disciplined in your Bible reading efforts.
Check out my review of other Bible software
