# LibraryThing vs Libraries Online

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Libraries Online at 100% against LibraryThing's 48%. Libraries Online also leads on rating (4.9 vs 3.5). LibraryThing's advantage is iOS requirement (11.0 vs 15.0). 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.

Libraries Online holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 3.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 278 and 139 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 48% of LibraryThing's written reviews are positive against 100% of Libraries Online's.

LibraryThing ships an update every 4 weeks, Libraries Online every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 26, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | LibraryThing | Libraries Online |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.5 (278 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/librarything/id948824489/reviews) | **[4.9 (139 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/libraries-online/id6739070221/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **278** | 139 |
| Positive reviews | 48.2% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 weeks | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 9 MB | 15 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [LibraryThing.com](https://appshunter.io/developer/397718884) | [Capira Technologies](https://appshunter.io/developer/1010559443) |

## What reviewers say

### LibraryThing

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/librarything/id948824489)

Catalog your personal book, DVD, and CD collections. Easily add items by searching or scanning barcodes. Enhance your catalog with high-resolution cover photos and browse your collection visually.

**Highlights:** Catalog books, DVDs, and CDs, Search for media items, Scan ISBN barcodes, Add high-resolution cover photos, Browse collection by cover type

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Quick barcode scanning
- 👍 Useful for cataloging library
- 🚀 Fast book addition

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Glitches and crashes
- 🔍 Limited search and editing capabilities
- 🤖 Outdated and dated UI

**Reported bugs**

- Barcode scanner not working
- Books disappearing from catalog
- Editing and saving issues

**Requested features**

- Ability to create custom collections
- Offline access to library
- Integration with other book apps
- Lending/loan tracking feature


### Libraries Online

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

Access your library's digital catalog to search for books, reserve items, and manage your account on the go. Explore a wide range of online resources directly from your mobile device.

**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 LibraryThing free?

LibraryThing 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, LibraryThing or Libraries Online?

Libraries Online is rated higher. LibraryThing averages 3.5 out of 5 from 278 ratings, while Libraries Online averages 4.9 from 139 ratings.

### Do LibraryThing or Libraries Online have ads?

Neither LibraryThing nor Libraries Online shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, LibraryThing or Libraries Online?

LibraryThing ships an update every 4 weeks, and Libraries Online every 3 weeks. Most recently, LibraryThing was updated on September 25, 2026 and Libraries Online on September 26, 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.*