Customer Reviews (500)

ynotjf • 2025-03-19T18:19:16-07:00

Downloaded 3 versions March 2025, iPhone version, iPad version & PC version but none of the versions share information from one to another. If you make a note on the iPad, you can’t read it on the iPhone or PC so each version is completely stand alone. The iOS versions have a few nice features (Strong’s & Maps) but overall everything e-Sword does you can get for free on the internet. The PC version is very “clunky” and I much prefer other resources over e-Sword but the iPad version is decent as a stand alone but serious study or note taking falls short. iPhone is more limited due to small screen size but with KJV Plus Strongs it can be an effective tool. Had I known prior to purchase that each version doesn’t sync to the other versions I would not have chosen this software.

A. Cor • 2025-03-01T16:52:28-07:00

I’m sorry but I have used a free bibles that have way better options than this one I thought by paying for this one will have better and more options, I don’t like the laye out for it, I’m not happy with it if you want more versions you have to pay then individually

MsSkigirl • 2025-01-27T20:15:05-07:00

Would love to see a pronunciation feature ◡̈

Summary of Key Insights

e-Sword HD: Bible Study to Go is a highly regarded Bible study app with a strong base of loyal users. The app's strength lies in its extensive free resources, ease of use, and powerful study tools. However, users frequently express frustration with the need to purchase popular Bible translations separately and the lack of cross-platform synchronization. While the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, addressing these pain points could significantly enhance user satisfaction and attract new users. The app enjoys a high overall rating, with a significant proportion of users awarding it 5 stars.

  • Overall Sentiment: Overwhelmingly positive.
  • Key Strengths: Extensive free resources, ease of use, powerful study tools (Strong's concordance, commentaries), offline access.
  • Key Weaknesses: Necessity to purchase popular Bible translations separately, lack of cross-platform synchronization, occasional crashes and bugs reported after updates, difficulty in managing purchased resources.
  • Overall Rating: High (Significant proportion of 5-star reviews).
  • Score Distribution: 5-star: 85%, 4-star: 6%, 3-star: 4%, 2-star: 1%, 1-star: 4%

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 500 reviews.
  • Time Frame: Reviews span a considerable period, indicating long-term usage and consistent feedback. Some reviews reference updates over multiple years.
  • Analysis Methods: Sentiment analysis (categorizing reviews as positive, negative, or neutral based on language used), keyword extraction (identifying frequently mentioned terms and phrases), and thematic analysis (grouping reviews based on common themes and issues).

Key User Pain Points

  • Cost of Bible Translations: The most frequent complaint is the need to purchase popular Bible translations (NIV, NASB, NLT, etc.) separately after paying for the app itself. This is perceived as misleading and a "bait and switch" tactic by some users. Impact: Negative user experience, feeling cheated, lower app store ratings.
  • Lack of Cross-Platform Synchronization: Many users desire the ability to synchronize notes, highlights, bookmarks, and purchased resources across different devices (iPad, iPhone, PC/Mac). Impact: Inconvenience, duplicated effort, reduced productivity.
  • Managing Purchased Resources: Users find the process of managing purchased resources (downloading, re-downloading after updates, using product keys) cumbersome and unreliable. Impact: Frustration, loss of access to purchased content, reliance on third-party support.
  • Bugs and Crashes After Updates: Several reviews mention crashes, data loss, or functionality issues (e.g., highlighter not working, notes disappearing) following app updates. Impact: Loss of data, frustration, reduced trust in app stability.
  • Limited Spanish Resources: Some Spanish-speaking users request more content in Spanish (Bibles, dictionaries, commentaries). Impact: Limits the app's usability for non-English speakers.
  • Difficulty with Copy/Paste: Some users have issues with copying and pasting scripture, losing hyperlink functionality or struggling with formatting inconsistencies. Impact: Reduces efficiency in note-taking and sharing.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Cross-Platform Synchronization: The ability to sync notes, highlights, and purchases across devices is the most requested feature.
  • Audio Playback of Single Verses: Users want to be able to play audio for individual verses instead of just entire chapters.
  • Embedded Strong's Numbers: Users want Strong's numbers to be directly embedded within the text for easy access.
  • Cloud Syncing: Users want cloud syncing of notes, highlights, etc., so that information is not lost when upgrading devices.
  • More UI Customization: Users want more flexibility in layout, font choices, and highlight colors.
  • Apple Pencil Support: Users want Apple Pencil support for handwriting notes on iPad Pro.
  • Burmese Bible Translation: One user specifically requested the Burmese Bible translation.
  • Voice Recording for Notes: Users want the ability to add voice recordings to their notes.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Extensive Free Resources: Users consistently praise the app's wealth of free resources, including Bibles (KJV, KJV+Strong's), commentaries, dictionaries, lexicons, and devotionals.
  • Ease of Use: The app is generally considered user-friendly and easy to navigate, even for those who are not tech-savvy.
  • Powerful Study Tools: Users appreciate the app's powerful study tools, such as Strong's concordance, parallel Bible view, verse comparison, and integrated editor.
  • Offline Access: The ability to use the app without an internet connection is a major advantage for many users.
  • Maps Feature: The location maps that pinpoint Biblical places on modern maps are well-received.
  • Responsive Developer: Some users have reported positive experiences with the developer's responsiveness to bug reports and support requests.
  • Long-Term Value: Many users have been using e-Sword for years (even decades), indicating its long-term value and reliability.
  • Spanish UI Localization: The availability of a Spanish user interface is appreciated by Spanish-speaking users.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Address the Cost of Translations Issue:
    • Option 1: Bundle a selection of popular translations with the base app purchase.
    • Option 2: Offer a subscription model that provides access to all translations.
    • Option 3: Clearly communicate which translations are included and which require separate purchase before the user buys the app.
  • Implement Cross-Platform Synchronization: This is the most frequently requested feature and would significantly improve user satisfaction. Use a cloud-based solution to sync notes, highlights, bookmarks, and purchases across devices.
  • Improve Resource Management: Streamline the process of downloading, re-downloading, and activating purchased resources. Link purchases to a user account rather than relying on product keys.

Medium Priority:

  • Address Bugs and Crashes: Prioritize fixing bugs and crashes reported by users, especially those that occur after updates. Implement a more robust testing process before releasing updates.
  • Enhance UI Customization: Provide more options for customizing the user interface, such as font choices, highlight colors, and layout preferences.
  • Implement Embedded Strong's Numbers: Embed Strong's numbers directly within the text for easy access to definitions.
  • Expand Spanish Resources: Increase the availability of Bibles, dictionaries, and commentaries in Spanish.
  • Improve Copy/Paste Functionality: Ensure that copied text retains hyperlink functionality and formatting is consistent with the user's word processor.

Low Priority:

  • Add Audio Playback of Single Verses: Implement the ability to play audio for individual verses.
  • Add Apple Pencil Support: Integrate Apple Pencil support for handwriting notes on iPad Pro.
  • Add other Bible Translations: Consider adding less common Bible translations based on user requests (e.g., Burmese).
  • Voice Recording for Notes: Implement the ability to add voice recordings to notes.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Cross-Platform Bible Study Platform with Enhanced Collaboration: A platform that offers seamless synchronization, collaboration features (e.g., shared notes, group study), and a wide range of resources (including audio and video content). This could address the limitations of e-Sword HD and other existing Bible study apps.
  • Bible Translation Marketplace: A platform that allows users to purchase and manage Bible translations from various publishers in a centralized location. This could simplify the process of acquiring and using different translations across different apps.
  • AI-Powered Bible Study Assistant: An app that uses AI to provide personalized insights, answer questions, and generate study guides based on the user's reading habits and interests.

Trends and Observations

  • Long-Term User Loyalty: Many users have been using e-Sword for years, indicating a high level of loyalty and satisfaction with the core functionality.
  • Shift to Mobile: Users are increasingly using the app on mobile devices (iPad and iPhone) and expect the same level of functionality as the desktop version.
  • Desire for Convenience: Users value convenience and ease of use, such as offline access, quick access to study tools, and seamless synchronization.
  • Value for Money: Users appreciate the app's affordability and the wealth of free resources it provides. However, they are also willing to pay for additional features and content, as long as the value is clear and the purchasing process is straightforward.
  • Importance of Support: Users value responsive and helpful customer support, especially when dealing with technical issues or managing purchased resources.

Conclusion

e-Sword HD: Bible Study to Go is a well-regarded app with a strong foundation. By addressing the key user pain points (particularly the cost of translations and the lack of cross-platform synchronization) and implementing the frequently requested features, the developer can significantly enhance user satisfaction, attract new users, and solidify the app's position as a leading Bible study tool. A focus on improving the user experience and providing excellent customer support will be crucial for long-term success.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/e-sword-hd-bible-study-to-go/id567008119?uo=2