Is Kindle better than Libby?

Kindle ranks higher in our list of ebook reader apps (#1 against #5, score 90.0 against 84.5). Kindle is best for: reading books bought from Amazon. Libby is best for: free ebooks and audiobooks from a public library.

Which is cheaper, Kindle or Libby?

Kindle: Free apps; Kindle books are bought separately. Libby: Free with a library card from a participating library.

Do Kindle and Libby run on the same platforms?

Kindle supports iOS, iPadOS, Android, macOS, Windows. Libby supports iOS, Android, Web.

Kindle vs Libby: Which Is Better? (2026)

90.0
Editorial score
84.5
5
Platforms
3
Yes
Free to use
Yes
No
Open source
No

Which should you choose?

Choose Kindle if you want

Reading books bought from Amazon.

Free apps on iOS, Android, Mac and PC that read the Kindle Store library. Books are bought from Amazon, and the apps are closed source, so the choice suits Amazon customers.

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 Kindle runs on Windows.
Only Kindle runs on macOS.
Only Libby runs on Web.

Side by side

	Kindle	Libby
Score	90.0	84.5
Rank in list	#1 of 10	#5 of 10
Price	FreeFree apps; Kindle books are bought separately	FreeFree with a library card from a participating library
Free to use	Yes	Yes
Open source	No	No
Platforms	iOS, iPadOSAndroidmacOSWindowsiOS, iPadOS, Android, macOS, Windows	iOSAndroidWebiOS, Android, Web
Made by	Amazon	OverDrive
Phone app	Yes	Yes
Best for	Reading books bought from Amazon	Free ebooks and audiobooks from a public library
Strengths	Free apps on phones, tablets, Mac and PC Built around Amazon's ebook store	Free with a library card Works on iPhone, Android and the web
Limits	Closed source, so the code cannot be checked Books are tied to Amazon's store	Access depends on your local library's catalog
Links	Visit site	Visit site

Questions about Kindle vs Libby

Is Kindle better than Libby?: Kindle ranks higher in our list of ebook reader apps (#1 against #5, score 90.0 against 84.5). Kindle is best for: reading books bought from Amazon. Libby is best for: free ebooks and audiobooks from a public library.
Which is cheaper, Kindle or Libby?: Kindle: Free apps; Kindle books are bought separately. Libby: Free with a library card from a participating library.
Do Kindle and Libby run on the same platforms?: Kindle supports iOS, iPadOS, Android, macOS, Windows. Libby supports iOS, Android, Web.