For most of history, the Bible wasn't read — it was heard. Dwell exists to reclaim that ancient practice for the smartphone age, turning a commute, a workout, and a bedtime routine into encounters with Scripture.^1
Built by twin brothers Jonathan and Joshua Bailey, Dwell started as a Kickstarter campaign in 2018 that raised over 250% of its $50,000 goal, making it the fourth most-funded app in Kickstarter history at the time.^2 The Baileys noticed that while Bible apps were plentiful, none were truly audio-first.^1 So they set out to create something beautiful for the ear: professionally narrated Scripture with original background music, designed to make hearing God's Word a delight rather than a chore.^2
Today, Dwell offers more than 20 voice recordings across 14 Bible translations, including ESV, NIV, KJV, NKJV, CSB, NLT, NASB, and The Message.^3 The Read Along feature synchronizes on-screen text to the narrator's voice, and Repeat and Reflect helps listeners meditate on and memorize specific passages. Listeners can choose from 75+ listening plans, 300+ curated passages, and 100+ themed playlists, download for offline listening, and use sleep mode to fall asleep to Scripture read over them.^3 Daily devotionals and guided prayers, audiobooks from Christian authors, and kids content round out the library.^3
The Bailey brothers are also the team behind Lightstock, a faith-based stock media platform.^2 Co-founder Jonathan Bailey authored Dwelling in Christ (IVP), a guide to the ancient Threefold Way of purgation, illumination, and union.^4 Christianity Today featured Dwell in a 2024 piece on the rise of audio Bibles, with Bailey explaining: "What's special about [listening] is it makes it easier to just marinate on those big themes of Scripture."^5 Dwell's About page reports 3M+ installs, 40,000+ daily listeners, and 5.1 million hours listened in 2024.^1
"If you're not a good reader, there are so many tools available to you to soak in the word of God. One of my favorites is Dwell." — Matt Chandler^6
"I can't begin to rave enough about Dwell and how formational it is. It can change our relationship with God as we steep in the WORD." — Ann Voskamp^6
Platforms: iOS, Android Pricing: Freemium (7-day free trial, then subscription options for solo, duo, and family listening, plus a lifetime option)
