# OpenLibrary Browser vs Open Library Reader

The clearest difference is rating: Open Library Reader at 3.0 against OpenLibrary Browser's 1.4. Open Library Reader also leads on review sentiment (26% vs 0%). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

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

Open Library Reader holds the better App Store score, 3.0 against 1.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 39 and 50 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 0% of OpenLibrary Browser's written reviews are positive against 26% of Open Library Reader's.

OpenLibrary Browser ships an update every 3 months, Open Library Reader every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 9, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | OpenLibrary Browser | Open Library Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.4 (39 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/openlibrary-browser/id1140641758/reviews) | **[3.0 (50 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/open-library-reader/id1573989409/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 39 | **50** |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | **26.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 13 MB | 24 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Robert Wakefield](https://appshunter.io/developer/1140641757) | [Loomis House, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1573989411) |

## What reviewers say

### OpenLibrary Browser

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/openlibrary-browser/id1140641758)

Access a vast catalog of books directly from your mobile device. Search for titles, browse collections, and download public domain works for free.

**Highlights:** Search book catalog, Browse book collections, Download public domain works, Mobile client for OpenLibrary

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Open Library Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/open-library-reader/id1573989409)

Access and read millions of books from an online library. Organize your reading lists, track borrowed books, and discover related titles within a familiar reading interface. Requires an internet connection.

**Highlights:** Browse and check out millions of books, Track reading progress and wishlists, Built-in search and related title discovery, Shelf management and edition changes, Checkout tracking for borrowed books, Customizable reading interface

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is OpenLibrary Browser free?

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

### Is Open Library Reader free?

Open Library Reader is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, OpenLibrary Browser or Open Library Reader?

Open Library Reader is rated higher. OpenLibrary Browser averages 1.4 out of 5 from 39 ratings, while Open Library Reader averages 3.0 from 50 ratings.

### Do OpenLibrary Browser or Open Library Reader have ads?

Neither OpenLibrary Browser nor Open Library Reader shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, OpenLibrary Browser or Open Library Reader?

OpenLibrary Browser ships an update every 3 months, and Open Library Reader every 2 months. Most recently, OpenLibrary Browser was updated on September 9, 2026 and Open Library Reader on September 22, 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.*