MARLVEL

Libby, the library app vs its rivals

Side-by-side comparison against Libby, the library app's closest competitors — identity, store metrics, ratings & sentiment, and strategic intel.

Libby, the library app
This App
iPusnas
Nemesis
iDoyle: Sherlock Holmes
Contender
FBReader Bookshelf
Contender
Simulizi za Hadithi Audio
Contender
Gumroad
Contender
BookBub
Peer
The Cantina Archive
Peer
MovieBuddy Pro: Movie Tracker
Peer
Moonlite - Storytime Projector
Peer
Core Identity
DeveloperOverDrive, Inc.Perpustakaan Nasional Republik IndonesiaiClassics Productions, S.L.FBReader.ORG LimitedBongoclassGumroadPubmark Inc.JAMES ANTHONY BOOKERKimico, Ltd.Redwood Ventures LLC
CategoryBookBookBookBooks & ReferenceEntertainmentUtilitiesBookBooksEntertainmentEntertainment
PlatformiOS, AndroidiOS, AndroidiOS, AndroidAndroid, iOSAndroidiOS, AndroidAndroid, iOSiOS, AndroidiOS, AndroidiOS
Store Metrics
Rating4.9 / 53.8 / 54.5 / 54.6 / 50.0 / 54.7 / 54.8 / 54.6 / 54.8 / 53.9 / 5
Ratings Count4,237,10398650036,83392049960506
PriceFreeFree$3.99FreeFreeFreeFree$3.99$9.99Free
Release DateDec 12, 2016Sep 9, 2016Jun 22, 2016Jun 9, 2012Sep 13, 2024Sep 30, 2014Dec 4, 2015May 9, 2025Jun 25, 2015Dec 10, 2020
Last UpdatedFeb 19, 2026Mar 10, 2025Feb 11, 2020Mar 17, 2026May 9, 2026Apr 29, 2026Jan 29, 2026Feb 14, 2026May 11, 2026Mar 18, 2026
Sentiment & Reviews
Sentimentpositive-positive----positivepositive-
Score82/100-75/100----75/10075/100-
Praises
  • Free access to extensive digital library collections provides significant value for budget-conscious readers
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  • Immersive interactive storytelling blends animation and music to create a highly engaging reading experience
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  • Comprehensive tracking of Star Wars book collections across canon and legends timelines
  • Barcode scanning functionality allows for rapid cataloging of large physical media collections
-
Complaints
  • Audiobook playback issues including intermittent stops and volume inconsistencies disrupt the listening experience
-
  • Technical friction during page navigation makes the reading experience feel unresponsive or broken
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  • Incomplete book databases and missing titles frustrate users attempting to log full collections
  • Alphabetical sorting logic incorrectly includes the word The when organizing movie titles
-
Requests
  • Increased digital copy availability to reduce wait times for popular books and audiobooks
-
  • Expansion of the library to include more classic literature titles in the same format
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  • Expanded support for comics and junior novels to improve catalogue coverage
  • Wishlist feature allows collectors to track desired titles separate from their owned inventory
-
Strategic Intel
Strengths
  • B2B distribution moat via public library partnerships
  • Zero-cost access model eliminates user acquisition spend
  • Kindle integration reduces hardware switching costs
-
  • Device-native hardware triggers create a non-replicable reading experience
  • High-fidelity 2D animation quality exceeds standard digital book adaptations
-
  • Hyper-localized Swahili content library provides cultural intimacy global platforms cannot replicate
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  • Niche collection-tracking utility builds high switching costs for Star Wars fans
  • AI-video export mechanism drives organic social discovery
  • Barcode scanner reduces manual entry friction for large collections
  • One-time purchase model lowers barrier to entry against subscription rivals
  • Cross-device sync increases utility across Apple hardware
  • Proprietary physical-to-digital bridge creates a premium, screen-free family bonding experience
  • Curated storybook content offers a safer environment for young children than general media apps
Weaknesses
  • Audiobook playback stability issues
  • Inventory scarcity causes long hold queues
  • Account synchronization failures across devices
-
  • $4.99 Android price point sits above the $3.99 iOS tier
  • Technical navigation stalls reported in reviews
  • Content-locking post-purchase triggers user distrust
-
  • No user-generated content or social features limits long-term retention
  • No offline-mode despite regional connectivity constraints
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  • $3.99 one-time purchase model limits recurring revenue
  • Rigid collection logic prevents logging borrowed or unowned items
  • Sorting logic incorrectly includes articles in titles
  • Incomplete database coverage requires frequent manual entry
  • Data persistence issues during device upgrades
  • Hardware-dependent model requires physical shipping and inventory management
  • 3.86 rating suggests friction in the setup or activation process
Pricingfreefreepaidfreemiumfreefreefreefreemiumpaidfreemium
MomentumMaintenanceIntenseZombieActiveZombie-SteadyIntenseMaintenanceMaintenance
Update Cadence2 versions, ~42d avg5 versions5 versions5 versions1 versions-5 versions5 versions4 versions, 1 majors/6mo, ~36d avg1 versions

Compare Libby, the library app head-to-head

Disclosure: Independent intel to help mobile builders succeed.

AI-powered analysis with editorial review, built from publicly available sources. Marlvel.ai is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Libby, the library app, its developer, the app publisher, Apple, or Google Play. All trademarks, logos, and screenshots referenced remain the property of their respective owners.

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