Comparison

Libby, the library app vs Minari

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Libby, the library app

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
Currently charting
Read full description

Libby connects you to your local library’s collection of ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, and more. With just your library card, you can instantly read or listen to books on your phone or tablet — for free, thanks to your public library! Browse and borrow everything from timeless classics to the latest New York Times bestsellers, and enjoy your next great read anytime, anywhere. What You Can Do with Libby - Browse your library’s digital catalog of books - Borrow and enjoy ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines - Send ebooks to your Kindle (U.S. libraries only) - Listen to audiobooks through Apple CarPlay - Download titles for offline reading, or stream them to save space - Use tags to create to-be--read lists or organize your favorite titles - Keep your reading position with automatic syncing across all your devices A Beautiful Reading Experience Enjoy a seamless reading experience with Libby’s elegant, easy-to-use ebook reader: - Adjust text size, background color, and book design to fit your preferences - Zoom into magazines, comics, and graphic novels - Define and search for words or phrases instantly - Read and listen to interactive read-alongs with your kids - Add bookmarks, notes, and highlights to personalize your reading An Immersive Audiobook Player Libby’s audiobook player makes listening effortless and enjoyable: - Slow down or speed up playback (0.6x to 3.0x) - Set a sleep timer for nighttime listening - Swipe easily to skip forward or backward - Add bookmarks, notes, and highlights as you listen Read Anywhere, Anytime Libby is designed for everyone, including kids, teens, and adults. Whether you’re exploring new stories, catching up on bestsellers, or revisiting your favorite books, Libby keeps reading simple, fun, and accessible. Built by OverDrive, Libby proudly supports public libraries and the joy of reading for all. Download Libby today and turn your device into your personal library.

About

Minari

Features
Read full description

Minari is a children’s story app built around one idea: the best stories don’t just entertain — they have something to say. Designed for ages 3-8. Explore curated stories or create personalized adventures starring characters your child designs, set in worlds they choose. Every story is woven with themes like kindness, courage, empathy, and patience — not as a lesson plan, but as the heart of a genuinely good story. The kind where your child naturally wonders what it means to be brave, or what it feels like to forgive, because the character they care about is going through it too. Curated Stories Browse stories organized by age, theme, and meaningful life moments. From everyday challenges to imaginative adventures, each story is crafted to feel relevant, engaging, and worth talking about. Create Your Own Choose a theme, select a scenario, and pick a setting — from playgrounds to outer space. Minari creates a one-of-a-kind illustrated story in moments. With dozens of scenarios across 24 unique themes, every story feels fresh and intentional. Custom Characters Design a character that looks like your child — or let their imagination run wild. Choose from kid, animal, or mythical characters with options for hair, eyes, skin tone, and more. Assistive devices like wheelchairs, glasses, and hearing aids are included so every child can see themselves in the story. Audio Narration Add voice narration to any story with adjustable speed, skip controls, and synchronized scrolling. Stories include natural pause moments and gentle "wonder questions" that invite conversation. Beautiful Illustrations Every story includes original cover art and illustrations throughout, each created to reflect the mood, setting, and heart of the story. Track the Journey See which themes your child has explored, earn badges along the way, and log real-world moments — like when you notice patience or kindness showing up beyond the page. Built for Families Create profiles for multiple children with age-appropriate content (ages 3–8). Choose between quick reads and full-length stories, save favorites to your library, and shape stories around what matters most to your family. The kind of stories your child will remember. Download Minari and make storytime the best part of your day. Terms of Use: https://minari.com/app-terms Privacy Policy: https://minari.com/app-privacy

Screenshots

Libby, the library app4 screens
Minari4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Libby, the library app at none against Minari's 3. Libby, the library app also leads on chart position (#2 vs unranked) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.1). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Minari sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $14.99 per month. Libby, the library app asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Libby, the library app ships an update monthly, Minari fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 8 level
Libby, the library app versus Minari: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterLibby, the library appMinari
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.9 (4.6M ratings) — better—
Positive reviews83.7% of reviews—
Number of ratings4.6M — better—
Update frequencyMonthlyFortnightly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree—
Best chart rank#2 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS13.0 — better15.1
Further details — not scored
Size5 MB61 MB
Age rating9+4+
DeveloperOverDrive, Inc.Minari

Bugs and requests

Libby, the library app

Reported bugs

5 issues
  • 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

6 requests
  • 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)
Show 1 more
  • Integration with other e-book/audiobook services

Minari

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Libby, the library app

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

Minari

Subscriptions2
  • Story Explorer7 Days trial$14.991 Month
  • Story Explorer Annual7 Days trial$134.991 Year
One-time1
  • Story Credit Pack$9.99

Questions

Is Libby, the library app free?
Libby, the library app is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Minari free?
Minari is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Libby, the library app or Minari have ads?
Neither Libby, the library app nor Minari shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Libby, the library app or Minari?
Libby, the library app ships an update monthly, and Minari fortnightly. Most recently, Libby, the library app was updated on October 26, 2026 and Minari on October 9, 2026.

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