# NetGalley Shelf vs Libraries Online

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Libraries Online at 100% against NetGalley Shelf's 20%. Libraries Online also leads on rating (4.9 vs 2.1) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 6 months). NetGalley Shelf's advantage is chart position (#184 vs unranked). On price, ratings volume, 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.

Libraries Online holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 2.1. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 87 and 147 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 20% of NetGalley Shelf's written reviews are positive against 100% of Libraries Online's.

NetGalley Shelf ships an update every 6 months, Libraries Online every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 7, 2026 and November 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | NetGalley Shelf | Libraries Online |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.1 (87 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/netgalley-shelf/id1499581600/reviews) | **[4.9 (147 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/libraries-online/id6739070221/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 87 | **147** |
| Positive reviews | 19.9% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Best chart rank | **#184** | — |
| Size | 24 MB | 15 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [NetGalley, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1499581599) | [Capira Technologies](https://appshunter.io/developer/1010559443) |

## What reviewers say

### NetGalley Shelf

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

**Currently charting:** #184 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


### Libraries Online

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/libraries-online/id6739070221)

Access your local library's catalog from anywhere. Search for books, reserve items, and manage your account on the go. Explore a wealth of online resources with this convenient mobile tool.

**Highlights:** Search library catalog, Reserve items, Manage library account, Access online resources

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is NetGalley Shelf free?

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

### Is Libraries Online free?

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

### Which has better reviews, NetGalley Shelf or Libraries Online?

Libraries Online is rated higher. NetGalley Shelf averages 2.1 out of 5 from 87 ratings, while Libraries Online averages 4.9 from 147 ratings.

### Do NetGalley Shelf or Libraries Online have ads?

Neither NetGalley Shelf nor Libraries Online shows ads.

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

NetGalley Shelf ships an update every 6 months, and Libraries Online every 3 weeks. Most recently, NetGalley Shelf was updated on November 7, 2026 and Libraries Online on November 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.*