SG Libraries vs NLB Mobile
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
SG Libraries
Easily search the library catalog, discover new books, and manage your loans. Find nearby branches, check item availability, and create personalized reading lists. Stay updated on library events and new arrivals.
- Search library catalog
- Discover new arrivals and popular titles
- Manage loans and reservations
- Find library branches and hours
- Create favorite lists
- Read and write book reviews
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SG Libraries makes it easy for you to search for library items, discover new titles, review books, create favourite lists, look up library branch information and more from your iPhone! Discover • Stay in sync with upcoming library events • Discover the latest and greatest new arrivals • Browse through the top 100 newest and most popular titles in your favourite categories (updated monthly) Search • Search the NLB catalogue for library items by title, author, keywords and more • Quickly zero in on your items using filters such as item type, location or language • Search auto-completes as you type for your convenience • In fact, never type the same query again with the Recent Searches feature • Search for an item by snapping the barcode of the item ISBN! Item Details • Look up item details such as author, publisher, description and more • You can also look up book details on Amazon! • Get the availability and location of library items, sortable by physical distance • Reserve items for collection at your branch of preference • Read item reviews by contributed by the community or write one! • Check out related and recommended titles Favourites • Save and keep track of your favourite library items, all in one place • Quickly access your favourites using the Today Widget. Library Information • Find the nearest libraries to borrow or return a book, wherever you go! • Get branch details such as opening hours, contact and directions NLB Services • Check your loans, fines and reserved items Download this FREE app now! Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sglibraries Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/sglibraries
NLB Mobile
Access a vast collection of ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, and newspapers. Borrow physical items, take online courses, and manage your library account and family's accounts easily. Discover new digital resources and log in securely with QR Login.
- Read ebooks and audiobooks
- Access eMagazines and eNewspapers
- Take online courses
- Borrow physical library items
- Manage library accounts
- QR Login for easy sign-in
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This application is brought to you by the National Library Board, a Singapore Government Agency. Discover a world of learning with the NLB Mobile app, anywhere, anytime: • Read ebooks and listen to audiobooks • Read current eMagazines and eNewspapers • Access online courses • Borrow physical library items using your mobile device • Discover new digital resources and sign in to our websites easily with QR Login • Manage your library account, and also your family’s accounts
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: SG Libraries at 92% against NLB Mobile's 41%. SG Libraries also leads on rating (4.7 vs 3.3) and iOS requirement (8.0 vs 15.0). NLB Mobile's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and ratings volume (35 vs 3). On price, update cadence, ads and monetization model there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. SG Libraries sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. NLB Mobile asks for nothing beyond the download.
SG Libraries holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: NLB Mobile has 35 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 92% of SG Libraries's written reviews are positive against 41% of NLB Mobile's.
SG Libraries ships an update every 5 weeks, NLB Mobile monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 29, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | SG Libraries | NLB Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.7 (3 ratings) — better | 3.3 (35 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 91.7% of reviews — better | 41.3% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 3 | 35 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | Monthly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 8.0 — better | 15.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 24 MB | 122 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Ken Toh | National Library Board Singapore |
Customer experience
SG Libraries
NLB Mobile
In-app purchases
SG Libraries
- Ad-Free Version$0.99
NLB Mobile
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is SG Libraries free?
Is NLB Mobile free?
Which has better reviews, SG Libraries or NLB Mobile?
Do SG Libraries or NLB Mobile have ads?
Which is updated more often, SG Libraries or NLB Mobile?
Other comparisons
