# CloudLibrary vs Libby, the library app

CloudLibrary and Libby, the library app both sit at 4.8 stars, but that hides the real split: 84% of Libby, the library app's written reviews are positive against 56% of CloudLibrary's. Libby, the library app also leads on ratings volume (4.4M vs 259K) and chart position (#2 vs #28). On price, rating, 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.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for CloudLibrary against 4.9 for Libby, the library app. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Libby, the library app has 4.4M ratings behind it against 259K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 56% of CloudLibrary's written reviews are positive against 84% of Libby, the library app's.

CloudLibrary ships an update every 6 weeks, Libby, the library app monthly. Both last shipped on October 1, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | CloudLibrary | Libby, the library app |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (259K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cloudlibrary/id466446054/reviews) | **[4.9 (4.4M ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/libby-the-library-app/id1076402606/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 259K | **4.4M** |
| Positive reviews | 56.5% of reviews | **83.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Best chart rank | #28 | **#2** |
| Size | 164 MB | 13 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **10.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [OCLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/438286724) | [OverDrive, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/366869255) |

## What reviewers say

### CloudLibrary

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cloudlibrary/id466446054)

**Currently charting:** #28 Top Free · Book (US App Store)

Manage your library account and discover new content. Borrow physical items, access eBooks and audiobooks, and receive helpful reminders. Personalize your reading experience and stay organized with this intuitive library companion.

**Highlights:** Borrow physical and digital items, Access eBooks and Audiobooks, Manage multiple library accounts, Receive due-date reminders, Discover library events, Personalize reading experience

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy to use
- 🚀 Convenient access to library books
- 🚀 Wide selection of books
- 👍 Great resource during the pandemic
- 👍 Ability to read/listen on multiple devices

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and bugs
- 🐛 Unreliable page/progress tracking
- 🐛 Inconsistent user experience
- 🐛 Slow performance and loading times
- 🐛 Confusing navigation and interface

**Reported bugs**

- Inability to open/download books
- Losing place in books when reopening app
- Random page skipping and jumps
- Corrupted library data and lost reading history
- Frequent login issues and errors

**Requested features**

- Dark mode option
- Improved search and browsing functionality
- Better integration with other reading apps (e.g. Kindle)
- Progress tracking and bookmarking improvements
- Option to extend loan periods


### Libby, the library app

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/libby-the-library-app/id1076402606)

**Currently charting:** #2 Top Free · Book (US App Store)

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 📚 Extensive library of books and audiobooks
- 🔍 Convenient search and browsing features
- 🔖 Easy to manage holds and returns
- 🔄 Seamless syncing across devices
- 🕰️ Automatic returns to avoid late fees

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🕰️ Long wait times for popular titles
- 🔍 Confusing search and filtering options
- 🤯 Buggy and unstable performance
- 🔒 Lack of offline reading/listening
- 📚 Limited selection in some genres

**Reported bugs**

- 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**

- 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)


## Frequently asked questions

### Is CloudLibrary free?

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

### Is Libby, the library app free?

Libby, the library app is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, CloudLibrary or Libby, the library app?

Libby, the library app is rated higher. CloudLibrary averages 4.8 out of 5 from 259K ratings, while Libby, the library app averages 4.9 from 4.4M ratings.

### Do CloudLibrary or Libby, the library app have ads?

Neither CloudLibrary nor Libby, the library app shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, CloudLibrary or Libby, the library app?

CloudLibrary ships an update every 6 weeks, and Libby, the library app monthly. Most recently, CloudLibrary was updated on October 1, 2026 and Libby, the library app on October 1, 2026.

### Which is more popular, CloudLibrary or Libby, the library app?

CloudLibrary currently peaks at #28 in the App Store charts, and Libby, the library app at #2. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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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.*