# SFPL vs RE

The clearest difference is review sentiment: RE at 100% against SFPL's 28%. RE also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.0) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.0). SFPL's advantage is update cadence (every 4 months vs every 43 months) and ratings volume (50 vs 9). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

RE holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SFPL has 50 ratings behind it against 9, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 28% of SFPL's written reviews are positive against 100% of RE's.

SFPL ships an update every 4 months, RE every 43 months. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SFPL | RE |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (50 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sfpl/id952828394/reviews) | **[5.0 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/resource-guide/id1533107651/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **50** | 9 |
| Positive reviews | 27.9% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 months** | Every 43 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 22 MB | 2 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [San Francisco Public Library](https://appshunter.io/developer/1591076880) | [StopWaste.org](https://appshunter.io/developer/1533107653) |

## What reviewers say

### SFPL

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sfpl/id952828394)

Access your local library's catalog from your mobile device. Browse new releases, manage holds, renew borrowed items, and discover upcoming events. Plan your library visits with ease, all from your pocket.

**Highlights:** Browse new titles and recommendations, Place and manage holds, Renew checked out materials, Plan library visits, See upcoming events

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Free audiobooks and resources
- 👍 Easy to use for basic functions
- 👍 Good for managing holds and accounts
- 👍 Uncluttered interface compared to website
- 👍 App looks better after recent update

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent login issues
- 🐛 App crashes or is unstable
- 🐛 Outdated design and development
- 🐛 Poor UI/UX design
- 🐛 Not optimized for newer devices

**Reported bugs**

- Always logs out and has trouble logging back in
- 403 forbidden error message when clicking links/books
- New message alert shows up each login
- Digital and physical books not showing in history
- Cannot request books through link+ without going to website

**Requested features**

- Bring back 'My List' feature
- Add notification feature
- Add dark mode
- Make library card compatible with Apple Wallet
- Add genre tab


### RE

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/resource-guide/id1533107651)

Find local options for reusing, repairing, and recycling items like clothing, electronics, and medications. Get answers about curbside bin contents and special collection programs. Discover drop-off locations, hours, and contact details.

**Highlights:** Item-specific recycling guidance, Curbside bin sorting information, Special collection program details, Drop-off location finder, Hours and contact information, Reuse and repair options

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SFPL free?

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

### Is RE free?

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

### Which has better reviews, SFPL or RE?

RE is rated higher. SFPL averages 4.0 out of 5 from 50 ratings, while RE averages 5.0 from 9 ratings.

### Do SFPL or RE have ads?

Neither SFPL nor RE shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SFPL or RE?

SFPL ships an update every 4 months, and RE every 43 months. Most recently, SFPL was updated on November 1, 2026 and RE on November 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.*