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Dwell
Dwell is an audio Bible app designed for listening to Scripture throughout daily life, whether commuting, cooking, falling asleep, or in quiet reflection. It offers 20+ narrators, 15 Bible translations, original background music, sleep mode, and over 300 curated passages and 100+ themed playlists. Users can create and share personalized Scripture playlists and cast audio to other devices.
The app is free to download and explore, but full access requires a subscription. Plans include Solo, Duo, and Family tiers on monthly or annual billing. Dwell is aimed at Christians who want to build a habit of hearing Scripture regularly rather than only reading it. It is available on iOS and Android, with Alexa integration also available.
Screenshots
Our verdict
Dwell is still the audio Bible that sounds like a record, not a robot. The site now lists a long bench of human narrators across CSB, ESV, KJV, NIV, NKJV, NLT, NASB, NRSV, LSB, ICB, The Message, plus Spanish and Portuguese. Official stats: 3 million-plus installs, 75,000 reviews. This week people on X are using it for the Bible Recap in a year, and calling the voice options a game changer.
The extras keep growing. Mood playlists, looping a verse for memory, synced text, and as of late August a Hymns collection in Dwell Music, Be Thou My Vision and the rest, scored for rest rather than a Sunday set list.
You pay. After a 7-day trial it is $59.99 a year or $9.99 a month. Duo, family, church, and lifetime plans exist. There is no real free library. That is still cheaper than Pray.com's upper end, so the old 'priciest in the category' line is no longer fair. If you will listen every day, it is worth it. If you want a free reader, YouVersion will speak the Bible too.
How we scored it
Standout features
12 human voices
Warm, natural narration across every book of the Bible.
7 translations + Spanish
ESV, NIV, KJV, CSB, NKJV, NRSV, MSG and Spanish in one app.
Original background scores
Custom-composed music and soundscapes you can toggle on or off.
Plans & mood playlists
Bible-in-a-year plans plus playlists for stress, sleep, and anxiety.
Repeat & reflect
Loop verses for memorization and pause for quiet reflection.
Read-along text
Follow synced Scripture on screen while you listen.
Pros & cons
✓ Pros
- Studio-grade human narration across many English translations, plus Spanish and Portuguese
- Original music, mood playlists, verse looping, and now a Hymns collection in Dwell Music
- People use it for real year-long plans like the Bible Recap
- Clear public price: $59.99/year or $9.99/month after a 7-day trial
– Cons
- Subscription-only after the 7-day trial; there is no meaningful free library
- Not a study app: no commentaries or original-language tools
- Lifetime and family plans exist, but the everyday product is a recurring bill
Best for
Listeners who want the Bible read well, with music, and who will use it most days, not once a month.
Look elsewhere if
You want a free app, a study library, or you only listen occasionally. YouVersion's audio is free. Logos is for study.
Pricing
How it compares
| Dwell | Bible.is | Through the Word | Daily Audio Bible | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Our score | 8.8 | 7.9 | 8.6 | 8.1 |
| Price | $59.99/yr | Free | Free | Free |
| Voices & versions | 12 voices / 7+ versions | Dramatized / 2,600+ langs | Guided teaching | Single host |
| Background music | Original scores | Minimal | Light | Light |
| Offline listening | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
FAQ
Is Dwell free?
There's a 7-day free trial with full access, but after that Dwell requires a subscription, $9.99/month or $59.99/year. There's no permanent free tier.
How many voices and translations does it have?
Twelve narrators across seven English translations (ESV, NIV, KJV, CSB, NKJV, NRSV, MSG) plus Spanish options.
Can I listen offline?
Yes, subscribers can download passages and plans for offline listening.
Does it have background music?
Yes, original scores and soundscapes created specifically for Dwell, which you can turn on or off.
Is there a version for kids or families?
Yes, Dwell offers a kids' experience along with Duo and Family plans for up to six people.
