Rank #35 of 37
Xiphos review
Sources checked 2026-08-30. We did not test the app on a device.
At a glance
Best for free sword-based bible study on linux and windows
Xiphos is a long-running, open SWORD study app for Linux, UNIX, and Windows. Version 4.4.0 came out on June 8, 2026. It has book files, side-by-side panes, Greek and Hebrew data, notes, saved spots, exports, user study notes, StudyPad, and Windows speech.
Key facts
- Editorial rank
- #35 of 37
- Editorial score
- 58.9/100
- Developer
- Xiphos / CrossWire contributors
- Price model
- Free and open source
- Evidence date
- 2026-08-30
Quick read
Xiphos in plain English
Xiphos is a free, open SWORD app for Linux and Windows. Version 4.4.0 came out in June 2026 for both systems. Its book tool adds Bibles, study books, and word books. Side-by-side panes and local search help users check books. Saved spots, exports, user notes, and StudyPad aid deep work. Stored books and notes work with no live web link. Windows can read Bible text out loud with its own voice.
No large set of made-for-app sound files is listed. There is no native Mac, iPhone, iPad, or Android app. Cloud note sync, plans, groups, and AI are also absent. The desktop screen and book tool take some PC skill. Core Bible study needs no cloud account and can stay local. Xiphos now ranks twenty-eighth in the full app list. It best fits Linux or Windows users who want source books.
Original synthesis
Who should choose Xiphos?
Xiphos is the Linux-native desktop winner in this set. It offers deep local study without payment or registration. Its overall score is low because the comparison also values phones, sync, audio, plans, and easy onboarding.
What the sources show
- Linux and Windows users receive a full free desktop study tool.
- SWORD modules include Bibles, commentaries, dictionaries, and language resources.
- Notes, bookmarks, exports, personal commentary, and StudyPad support local research.
- Version 4.4.0 confirms active 2026 maintenance.
Limits to know first
- No native macOS, iOS, or Android app.
- No cloud sync, AI, broad audio library, plans, community, TV, watch, or car interface.
- The interface and module manager suit experienced desktop users.
- Windows text-to-speech is platform-specific.
Plain definitions
Three terms in this review
StudyPad means xiphos's workspace for collecting and editing personal study material.
Personal commentary means a user-authored set of notes organized by biblical reference like a commentary module.
Module manager means the tool used to browse, install, update, and remove SWORD Bibles and reference books.
For example, a Linux user can install Xiphos, add a Bible and commentary module, compare panes, inspect morphology, save a bookmark, and write a personal commentary without an account. A Windows user can also use text-to-speech for installed text.
Original scoring data
Why Xiphos scores 58.9/100
| Criterion | Weight | Score | Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading and translations | 15% | 7.5/10 | 11.3 points |
| Cross-platform and sync | 15% | 3.8/10 | 5.7 points |
| Study, search, and notes | 15% | 8.5/10 | 12.8 points |
| Offline text and audio | 15% | 7.8/10 | 11.7 points |
| AI usefulness and citations | 10% | 0/10 | 0.0 points |
| Plans, habits, and community | 10% | 2.5/10 | 2.5 points |
| Usability and accessibility | 10% | 5.8/10 | 5.8 points |
| Price, privacy, support, and updates | 10% | 9.2/10 | 9.2 points |
| Total | 100% | 58.9/100 |
Score note. Initial 2026 baseline for version 4.4.0 released June 8, 2026. See how we score each app.
Reading and translations
What the reader and catalog cover
Xiphos reads SWORD modules, so translation and language range depend on installed resources. Parallel panes and local search suit desktop comparison. It is not designed as a simple phone reader.
Proof for this section: Xiphos Bible Guide. Checked 2026-08-30.
- SWORD module manager
- Parallel Bible and reference panes
- Original-language and morphology resources
- Bookmarks, exports, personal commentary, and StudyPad
- Windows text-to-speech
Study, search, and AI
Study tools and proof
Original-language modules, morphology, commentaries, dictionaries, bookmarks, exports, personal commentary, and StudyPad create a capable free workstation. All results remain tied to explicit resources rather than generated prose.
Proof for this section: Xiphos downloads. Checked 2026-08-30.
Audio and offline use
What works with no internet
Installed modules work without a live connection. Windows includes text-to-speech support, while a cross-platform recorded audio library is not documented.
Proof for this section: Xiphos release notes. Checked 2026-08-30.
Documented limitations
- Desktop only.
- No cloud continuity.
- No AI or habit layer.
- Module availability and quality vary.
Devices and continuity
Device support and sync
Linux, UNIX-like systems, and Windows are the supported focus. There is no native Mac or mobile app and no cloud note synchronization. That narrow reach is the main scoring penalty.
Cost and privacy
Cost and data use
Xiphos is free and open source, and personal work can stay local. Users should obtain packages and modules from official repositories to reduce installer and resource risk.
Xiphos is free. Bible and book module licences vary by publisher.
Xiphos is local, open source, and does not require a cloud account for core study. Notes and personal commentary can remain on the computer. Module downloads and update checks still contact external servers, but the product does not depend on an advertising profile.
Two different numbers
Our score and the store score
Our 58.9/100 score comes from our public rules and the proof on this page. A store score comes from users in one store and country. For example, Google Play may show a new score when more people vote. Scores may also vary by country or device. We do not use store scores in our own score.
We did not save a store score for this app. Use the links above to see its score now. This does not change our score.
Source record
Official evidence checked on 2026-08-30
Every changing product claim in this review is bounded by the records below. Store descriptions and privacy labels are publisher declarations. They prove what was published, not how every device behaves.
- Xiphos Bible GuideXiphos · official product page
Platforms, open-source model, modules, and study features
Open source - Xiphos downloadsXiphos · official product page
Linux and Windows packages and installation routes
Open source - Xiphos release notesXiphos · official help page
Version 4.4.0 release date, fixes, and current upkeep
Open source - Xiphos manualXiphos · official help page
Modules, notes, StudyPad, commentary, exports, and TTS
Open source - Xiphos source repositoryXiphos · official product page
Source code, licence, development history, and releases
Open source
Next step
Check the current listing before you install
Prices, ratings, privacy labels, device support, and release notes can change after our evidence date.