Side by side
Libby vs Libro.fm
Libby
173 positive (85%) · 20 mixed (10%) · 11 negative (5%)
Trust + time weighted: +79%
AI summary — not a quote
Libby is a highly praised app that allows users to borrow ebooks and audiobooks for free through their local library systems. It is frequently recommended as a superior, cost-free alternative to paid services like Audible. While the app's interface is generally well-regarded, the user experience is heavily dependent on the specific digital collections and wait times of the libraries a user is affiliated with.
Pros
- Provides free access to ebooks, audiobooks, and digital magazines
- Significant cost savings compared to paid subscription services
- Allows users to link multiple library cards to find the shortest wait times
- Seamless integration with Kindle and other e-reader devices
Cons
- Popular titles often have long wait lists and weeks-long hold times
- Book selection is entirely dependent on the user's specific library catalog
- Some users find the hold system frustrating when seeking immediate access
Top excerpts
libby is just the app. the actual book selection depends entirely on what each specific library has purchased and can vary wildly.
I would suggest getting some kind of e-reader and seeing if your library has a Libby program!
Depending on where you live and work, you may qualify for additional library cards that you can load onto Libby, and Libby will choose the library with the shortest wait time for you (right now I have 15 cards)
If you have Libby you can go in a limit it to those under 4 hours in the two genres that you like and sort by popularity. Plus, they are free if you have a library card.
easy to borrow books thru your library using Libby, I don’t bother with paid subscription services at all.
Libro.fm
73 positive (86%) · 9 mixed (11%) · 3 negative (4%)
Trust + time weighted: +81%
AI summary — not a quote
Libro.fm is widely recommended as the leading ethical alternative to Audible, primarily for its business model that shares profits with local independent bookstores. Users highly value the service for providing DRM-free audiobooks, which allows for true ownership and the ability to download files for use on any device. While the catalog is extensive and covers most mainstream titles, opinions are mixed regarding its coverage of niche genres and the quality of its discovery features compared to larger competitors.
Pros
- Supports local independent bookstores with every purchase or credit used.
- Provides DRM-free audiobooks, allowing users to download and keep files permanently.
- Credits do not expire, and subscriptions can be easily paused or restarted.
- Responsive customer service featuring real human interaction.
Cons
- Gaps in selection for specific niche genres, particularly LitRPG and progression fantasy.
- Search and browsing experience is described by some users as poor or 'terrible'.
- Lacks discovery features like 'next in series' or 'you might also like' recommendations.
- User interface (UI) is generally considered less polished than Audible's.
Top excerpts
If you want to pay for books, I recommend Libro.fm over Audible. Credits don't expire, when you pause your subscription your credits are there, and you support independent bookstores top.
Check out Chirp and Libro.Fm.
I purchase the majority of my books from Libro.fm
Libro.fm has a subscription but it is just one credit per month, but they also have good sales.
I use Libro.fm. You can buy most any audiobook you’d like and part of the proceeds go to an independent bookstore of your choosing.