# Libby, the library app vs Gutenberg | eBook Reader

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Libby, the library app at none against Gutenberg | eBook Reader's 6. Libby, the library app also leads on ads (none vs shown) and rating (4.9 vs 4.5). On price, update cadence and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Gutenberg | eBook Reader sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Libby, the library app asks for nothing beyond the download.

Libby, the library app holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Libby, the library app has 4.4M ratings behind it against 713, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 84% of Libby, the library app's written reviews are positive against 69% of Gutenberg | eBook Reader's.

Libby, the library app ships an update monthly, Gutenberg | eBook Reader every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Libby, the library app | Gutenberg | eBook Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (4.4M ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/libby-the-library-app/id1076402606/reviews)** | [4.5 (713 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gutenberg-ebook-reader/id1289618861/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **4.4M** | 713 |
| Positive reviews | **83.7% of reviews** | 69.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 6 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#3** | — |
| Size | 13 MB | 47 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 9+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [OverDrive, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/366869255) | [Webron Software LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1071126548) |

## What reviewers say

### Libby, the library app

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/libby-the-library-app/id1076402606)

**Currently charting:** #3 Top Free · Book (US App Store)

Access millions of free ebooks and audiobooks from your local library. Borrow titles instantly with your library card, download for offline enjoyment, and enjoy a customizable reading and listening experience.

**Highlights:** Borrow ebooks and audiobooks, Download for offline access, Send ebooks to Kindle, Adjust reader settings, Customize audio player, Create book lists

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 📚 Extensive library of books and audiobooks
- 🔍 Convenient search and browsing features
- 🔖 Easy to manage holds and returns
- 🔄 Seamless syncing across devices
- 🕰️ Automatic returns to avoid late fees

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🕰️ Long wait times for popular titles
- 🔍 Confusing search and filtering options
- 🤯 Buggy and unstable performance
- 🔒 Lack of offline reading/listening
- 📚 Limited selection in some genres

**Reported bugs**

- Frequent app crashes and freezes
- Issues with downloading and syncing content
- Unreliable playback controls for audiobooks
- Inconsistent behavior when placing holds
- Disappearing reading history and bookmarks

**Requested features**

- Ability to search across multiple libraries
- Custom reading/listening speed controls
- Improved recommendation and discovery tools
- Option to purchase unavailable titles
- Customizable reading experience (fonts, themes)


### Gutenberg | eBook Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gutenberg-ebook-reader/id1289618861)

Access a vast library of public domain e-books and audiobooks from around the world. Explore tens of thousands of titles across numerous languages and categories, including classics and popular works.

**Highlights:** Vast public domain e-book library, Extensive audiobook collection, Thousands of titles available, Multiple languages supported, Categorized book selection, Top 50 e-books listed

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Subscription | $1.99 | per month |
| Weekly Subscription | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Subscription | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Yearly Subscription | $24.99 | per year |
| Premium | $39.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime Premium | $39.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 📚 Extensive collection of classic literature
- 💰 Free access to thousands of books
- 👍 Easy to use interface
- 📖 Page-turning feature mimics physical books
- 🌙 Night mode for comfortable reading

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔍 Search function is unreliable and confusing
- 📱 Poor book organization and browsing
- 💔 Missing many books found on Project Gutenberg website
- 📺 Excessive and intrusive advertisements
- ⚙️ Limited customization options for book format

**Reported bugs**

- Search returns no results or irrelevant results
- Books listed on Project Gutenberg not appearing in app
- App fails to download certain books
- Reading progress not saved between sessions
- Continuous scroll instead of page-by-page display

**Requested features**

- Improved search functionality with better filtering
- Better book organization and categorization system
- Dictionary/word definition feature
- Improved paragraph spacing and text formatting
- Page-by-page navigation instead of chapter-based


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Libby, the library app free?

Libby, the library app is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Gutenberg | eBook Reader free?

Gutenberg | eBook Reader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Libby, the library app or Gutenberg | eBook Reader?

Libby, the library app is rated higher. Libby, the library app averages 4.9 out of 5 from 4.4M ratings, while Gutenberg | eBook Reader averages 4.5 from 713 ratings.

### Do Libby, the library app or Gutenberg | eBook Reader have ads?

Gutenberg | eBook Reader shows ads; Libby, the library app does not.

### Which is updated more often, Libby, the library app or Gutenberg | eBook Reader?

Libby, the library app ships an update monthly, and Gutenberg | eBook Reader every 6 weeks. Most recently, Libby, the library app was updated on September 24, 2026 and Gutenberg | eBook Reader on September 23, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*