Basmo vs Criticly
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Basmo starts at See pricing page and Criticly starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
At a glance
Best for
Category
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- AI ChatBook
- Reading time tracking
- Reading journal
- Highlight scanning
- Kindle highlights export
- Works on text selected in any app
- Interpret, assess and counter tools
- Quiz mode
- Custom prompt tools
- Keyboard shortcut access
| Feature | Basmo | Criticly |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Reading tracker with an AI ChatBook for questions about books | Desktop app that critiques any text you select, on Mac and Windows |
| Category | Productivity | Productivity |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Starting price | See pricing page | See pricing page |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Made by | Basmo | Criticly |
| Based in | – | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
|
|
Pricing compared
Basmo starts at See pricing page and Criticly starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
Prices in USD, checked Oct 29, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
Basmo
- Combines tracking, notes and AI chat
- Scans quotes from paper books
- Web demo of the AI feature
- Pricing is not shown on the site
- AI answers about books may be imprecise
- Mainly a mobile app
Criticly
- Free to download with no signup
- Works across many desktop apps
- Says it never stores your text
- No mobile app
- Paid plan details not shown on the homepage
Which one should you choose?
Choose Basmo if you want:
- Combines tracking, notes and AI chat
- Scans quotes from paper books
- Web demo of the AI feature
Watch out: pricing is not shown on the site.
Choose Criticly if you want:
- Free to download with no signup
- Works across many desktop apps
- Says it never stores your text
Watch out: no mobile app.
Basmo vs Criticly FAQ
What is the difference between Basmo and Criticly?
Basmo: Reading tracker with an AI ChatBook for questions about books. Criticly: Desktop app that critiques any text you select, on Mac and Windows. Both are productivity tools.
Is Basmo or Criticly cheaper?
Basmo starts at See pricing page and Criticly starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do Basmo and Criticly have free plans?
Basmo: Yes. Criticly: Yes.
Who makes Basmo?
Basmo is made by Basmo.
Who makes Criticly?
Criticly is made by Criticly.
Which should I choose, Basmo or Criticly?
Choose Basmo if you value combines tracking, notes and ai chat and scans quotes from paper books. Choose Criticly if you value free to download with no signup and works across many desktop apps.