# CW MARS Libraries vs NetGalley Shelf

The clearest difference is rating: CW MARS Libraries at 3.8 against NetGalley Shelf's 2.1. CW MARS Libraries also leads on review sentiment (56% vs 20%). NetGalley Shelf's advantage is chart position (#169 vs unranked) and ratings volume (82 vs 26). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

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

CW MARS Libraries holds the better App Store score, 3.8 against 2.1. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 26 and 82 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 56% of CW MARS Libraries's written reviews are positive against 20% of NetGalley Shelf's.

CW MARS Libraries ships an update every 4 months, NetGalley Shelf every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on June 3, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | CW MARS Libraries | NetGalley Shelf |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.8 (26 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cw-mars-libraries/id1434646418/reviews)** | [2.1 (82 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/netgalley-shelf/id1499581600/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 26 | **82** |
| Positive reviews | **56.3% of reviews** | 20.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 months** | Every 6 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Best chart rank | — | **#169** |
| Size | 10 MB | 24 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Kenneth Cox](https://appshunter.io/developer/1400443993) | [NetGalley, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1499581599) |

## What reviewers say

### CW MARS Libraries

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cw-mars-libraries/id1434646418)

Access the shared catalog of libraries across Central and Western Massachusetts. Requires a library card and password from a participating CW MARS member library to use.

**Highlights:** Access shared library catalog, Search for books and materials, Manage library account, Find participating libraries

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### NetGalley Shelf

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/netgalley-shelf/id1499581600)

**Currently charting:** #169 Top Free · Book (US App Store)

Access and review digital books and audiobooks provided by publishers and authors. Discover new titles, download them for offline reading, or stream audiobooks directly within the app. This platform is designed for book advocates and industry professionals to provide valuable feedback.

**Highlights:** Access digital review copies, Listen to audiobooks, Download books for offline reading, Stream audiobooks, Discover new titles, Request and review books

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Works fine for some users
- 👍 Keeps user logged in
- 👍 Audiobooks work well
- 🚀 Able to read ebooks

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Narration speed issues
- 🐛 Confusing interface
- 🔒 Login issues
- 🐛 Bookmarks and positions don't sync
- 🐛 No built-in dictionary

**Reported bugs**

- Login issues
- Downloading issues with audiobooks
- Books disappearing from shelf
- Inability to remove expired books
- Inconsistent behavior when opening books

**Requested features**

- Add ability to write reviews within the app
- Improve audiobook playback controls
- Add font size adjustment
- Implement dark mode
- Sync reading progress across devices


## Frequently asked questions

### Is CW MARS Libraries free?

CW MARS Libraries is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is NetGalley Shelf free?

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

### Which has better reviews, CW MARS Libraries or NetGalley Shelf?

CW MARS Libraries is rated higher. CW MARS Libraries averages 3.8 out of 5 from 26 ratings, while NetGalley Shelf averages 2.1 from 82 ratings.

### Do CW MARS Libraries or NetGalley Shelf have ads?

Neither CW MARS Libraries nor NetGalley Shelf shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, CW MARS Libraries or NetGalley Shelf?

CW MARS Libraries ships an update every 4 months, and NetGalley Shelf every 6 months. Most recently, CW MARS Libraries was updated on June 3, 2026 and NetGalley Shelf on September 24, 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.*