Comparison · Ebook reader apps
Apple Books vs Libby: which is better in 2026?
Apple Books ranks higher in our list of ebook reader apps (#2 against #5, score 88.0 against 84.5).
- 88.0Editorial score84.5
- 3Platforms3
- YesFree to useYes
- NoOpen sourceNo
Which should you choose?
Choose Apple Books if you want
Apple users who buy ebooks and audiobooks from Apple.
Free app with no subscription, offline reading and audiobook playback on iPhone, iPad and Mac. It works only on Apple devices, and books are priced one at a time.
Choose Libby if you want
Free ebooks and audiobooks from a public library.
The OverDrive app that borrows ebooks and audiobooks from a public library for free, on iPhone, Android and the web. Access depends on your library card, and titles are on loan, unlike Kindle or Apple Books purchases.
The main differences
- Only Apple Books runs on macOS.
- Only Libby runs on Android.
- Only Libby runs on Web.
Side by side
 Apple Books |  Libby | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 88.0 | 84.5 |
| Rank in list | #2 of 10 | #5 of 10 |
| Price | FreeFree app with no subscription; books priced individually | FreeFree with a library card from a participating library |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | No | No |
| Platforms | iOS, iPadOSmacOSiOS, iPadOS, macOS | iOSAndroidWebiOS, Android, Web |
| Made by | Apple | OverDrive |
| Phone app | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Apple users who buy ebooks and audiobooks from Apple | Free ebooks and audiobooks from a public library |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about Apple Books vs Libby
- Is Apple Books better than Libby?
- Apple Books ranks higher in our list of ebook reader apps (#2 against #5, score 88.0 against 84.5). Apple Books is best for: Apple users who buy ebooks and audiobooks from Apple. Libby is best for: free ebooks and audiobooks from a public library.
- Which is cheaper, Apple Books or Libby?
- Apple Books: Free app with no subscription; books priced individually. Libby: Free with a library card from a participating library.
- Do Apple Books and Libby run on the same platforms?
- Apple Books supports iOS, iPadOS, macOS. Libby supports iOS, Android, Web.
Choosing between the two
Learning Center
1:17How to decide between two good optionsSettle a close call by sorting it by how hard it is to undo, setting a deadline, scoring the criteria as a tie-breaker and writing down why you chose.
1:20How to compare products fairly: what to keep in mindDefine the job, cap the must-haves, compare like with like, count total cost over one period and weigh the criteria. Includes a worked example.Read more about Apple Books and Libby
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