# Libby, the library app vs SageCat

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Libby, the library app at 84% against SageCat's 33%. Libby, the library app also leads on update cadence (monthly vs every 8 months) and chart position (#3 vs unranked). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Libby, the library app ships an update monthly, SageCat every 8 months. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Libby, the library app | SageCat |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (4.6M ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/libby-the-library-app/id1076402606/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **4.6M** | — |
| Positive reviews | **83.8% of reviews** | 33.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 8 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Best chart rank | **#3** | — |
| Size | 5 MB | 9 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 9+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [OverDrive, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/366869255) | [Kenneth Cox](https://appshunter.io/developer/1400443993) |

## 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)


### SageCat

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sagecat/id1492950794)

Access and manage your library account for the Sage Library System. Search for materials, place holds, and review your checked-out items. Requires a library card from a participating SageCat member library.

**Highlights:** Search library catalog, Place holds on materials, Review checked-out items, Renew borrowed items, Access materials from 70+ libraries

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Libby, the library app free?

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

### Is SageCat free?

SageCat is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Libby, the library app or SageCat have ads?

Neither Libby, the library app nor SageCat shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Libby, the library app or SageCat?

Libby, the library app ships an update monthly, and SageCat every 8 months. Most recently, Libby, the library app was updated on October 21, 2026 and SageCat on October 8, 2026.

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