# LibAnywhere vs SPL Mobile

The clearest difference is review sentiment: SPL Mobile at 67% against LibAnywhere's 15%. SPL Mobile also leads on rating (4.7 vs 1.4). LibAnywhere's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.0). 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.

SPL Mobile holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 1.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 28 and 12 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 15% of LibAnywhere's written reviews are positive against 67% of SPL Mobile's.

LibAnywhere ships an update every 2 months, SPL Mobile every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | LibAnywhere | SPL Mobile |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.4 (28 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/libanywhere/id397718881/reviews) | **[4.7 (12 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spl-mobile/id1512423786/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **28** | 12 |
| Positive reviews | 14.5% of reviews | **66.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 6 MB | 22 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [LibraryThing.com](https://appshunter.io/developer/397718884) | [City of Sunnyvale](https://appshunter.io/developer/807509152) |

## What reviewers say

### LibAnywhere

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/libanywhere/id397718881)

Access your library's catalog from your mobile device. Search for books, place holds, renew items, and view upcoming events. Connect with participating libraries to manage your account on the go.

**Highlights:** Search library catalog, Place holds and reserve items, View checked-out items, Renew items, See upcoming events, Contact a librarian

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- ✅ Convenient access to library accounts on mobile
- 🔄 Ability to renew books quickly
- 🔍 Search functionality for library catalogs
- 📱 Simple and straightforward interface when working
- ⏱️ Faster than using library website browser

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and freezing
- ❌ Blank screens and non-functional UI
- 🔐 Constant login requirement, doesn't save credentials
- 🔍 Poor search functionality and results
- 📍 Missing libraries or libraries disappearing from app

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes on startup or when selecting libraries
- Blank white screen with only menu bars
- Login fails with 'Error Processing' message
- Cannot place holds or request books
- Search returns no results or incorrect results

**Requested features**

- Save library card number and PIN permanently
- Remember user's home library automatically
- Support for multiple library cards/family accounts
- Barcode scanner functionality that works
- Advanced search filters (by type, author, etc.)


### SPL Mobile

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spl-mobile/id1512423786)

Access library services on the go with this mobile app. Search the collection, place holds, renew items, and discover new titles. Download eBooks and eAudiobooks, and stay updated on library information.

**Highlights:** Search library collection with filters, Browse bestsellers and new releases, View title details and community reviews, Place and manage holds, Renew borrowed items, Download eBooks and eAudiobooks

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is LibAnywhere free?

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

### Is SPL Mobile free?

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

### Which has better reviews, LibAnywhere or SPL Mobile?

SPL Mobile is rated higher. LibAnywhere averages 1.4 out of 5 from 28 ratings, while SPL Mobile averages 4.7 from 12 ratings.

### Do LibAnywhere or SPL Mobile have ads?

Neither LibAnywhere nor SPL Mobile shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, LibAnywhere or SPL Mobile?

LibAnywhere ships an update every 2 months, and SPL Mobile every 3 months. Most recently, LibAnywhere was updated on October 7, 2026 and SPL Mobile on October 3, 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.*