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ESV Bible
The ESV Bible app, published by Crossway, provides free access to the full text of the English Standard Version of the Bible on mobile and web. It includes a distraction-free reader mode, streaming audio narration by Christian artists and pastors, personal notes and highlights, bookmarks, and reading plans and thematic playlists.
The core reading experience is completely free. An optional subscription unlocks premium features including multiple study Bibles, commentaries, additional audio narrators, and background music. The app suits anyone who wants a clean, reliable Bible reading tool on their phone or tablet, from casual readers to those doing in-depth study.
Screenshots
Our verdict
Crossway built the ESV Bible app around a single idea: that a Bible you love reading is a Bible you actually read. Everything here serves that goal. The typography is genuinely gorgeous, the reading view is uncluttered, and the whole thing feels calm in a way few Bible apps manage. If the English Standard Version is your translation, this is arguably the most pleasant place on a phone to sit with it. The free tier already includes the full ESV text, the ESV Global Study Bible notes, more than fifty reading plans, and professionally produced audio narrated by voices like Kristyn Getty and Ray Ortlund, complete with optional instrumental beds.
Where it asks for money, it asks reasonably. A premium subscription (about $3.99 a month or $39.99 a year) unlocks heavyweight resources like the full ESV Study Bible, the ESV Archaeology Study Bible, and commentary sets, turning a devotional reader into a real study environment. Highlighting, notes, bookmarks, red-letter text, and adjustable fonts all come standard, and downloaded content works offline without fuss. The 4.7-star average across roughly 9,000 ratings reflects how polished the execution is.
The honest catch is right there in the name. This is the ESV and only the ESV. If you like to lay the ESV beside the NIV, the KJV, or an original-language tool, you simply cannot do it here, and you will need a second app for that. For readers committed to one trustworthy translation, that focus is a feature; for comparison-minded students, it is a real limit. Judged on what it sets out to do, though, the ESV Bible app is close to flawless.
How we scored it
Standout features
The complete ESV
Crossway's own English Standard Version, presented with best-in-class typesetting and red-letter options.
Artful audio
Listen to Scripture read by acclaimed pastors and artists, with optional instrumental backing and volume controls.
50+ reading plans
One-year, topical, and devotional plans to build a consistent rhythm in the Word.
Study Bible library
Premium unlocks the ESV Study Bible, Archaeology Study Bible, and commentary series alongside the text.
Notes & highlights
Mark up passages, keep personal notes, and bookmark verses that stay with you.
Offline library
Download text and audio so your reading keeps working with no signal.
Pros & cons
✓ Pros
- Stunning, distraction-free typography and reading layout
- Excellent audio narration by well-known Christian voices
- Full ESV plus Global Study Bible notes free out of the box
- 50+ thoughtfully built reading and devotional plans
- Affordable premium tier unlocks serious study Bibles
– Cons
- Only the ESV translation; no way to compare versions
- Deepest study resources are locked behind a subscription
- Less useful if you prefer other translations or original languages
Best for
ESV readers who want the calmest, best-looking place to read and listen to their translation.
Look elsewhere if
You want to compare multiple translations side by side or study in the original languages.
Pricing
How it compares
| ESV Bible | YouVersion Bible | Bible Gateway | Life Bible | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Our score | 8.3 | 9.4 | 7.9 | 8.4 |
| Translations | 1 (ESV) | 2,000+ | 200+ | 100+ |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes | Yes (with ads) | Freemium |
| Audio Bible | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Study Bibles | Premium | Limited | Plus tier | Extensive |
FAQ
Is the ESV Bible app free?
Yes. The full ESV text, Global Study Bible notes, more than fifty reading plans, and audio are all free. A subscription only adds premium study Bibles and commentaries.
Does it include other translations besides the ESV?
No. The app is dedicated exclusively to the English Standard Version. If you need multiple versions, you will want a companion app like Bible Gateway or Life Bible.
Can I listen to the ESV read aloud?
Yes. The app includes professionally recorded audio from well-known Christian voices, with optional instrumental music and independent volume controls.
Does it work offline?
Yes. You can download the text, study content, and audio through the Library so everything works without an internet connection.
What does the premium subscription add?
Premium unlocks the full ESV Study Bible, the ESV Archaeology Study Bible, and commentary series, layering deep study notes over the free reading experience.
