It's been a while since I first noticed the Libby app on the OverDrive official website but I never give it a spin because I've always can get what I want via OverDrive smoothly. Recently some readers asked "What's the difference between Libby and OverDrive?" or " Will the Libby App replace the OverDrive finally?". It seems the OverDrive company is trying hard to get more people to use Libby app instead of the classic OverDrive app by pomoting it on home page. What's the differences between Libby and OverDrive? No Worries. I've dived into the Libby app to dig deeper and help you guys figure out which app can serve you better. Libby vs OverDrive, get yourself the most suitable app now.
What is Libby? Libby is a user-friendly app released by OverDrive company for borrowing and reading public library books and audiobooks. It almost has the same collection of titles as the OverDrive app, but just a different way to access the same digital library collection. You can download your borrowed digital copies for offline use at anytime and anywhere or just stream them.
What is OverDrive? OverDrive app is a free service offered by your library or school that let you borrow digital content fom the library's OverDrive collection. It allows you to borrow books from both public library and the school library.
Both the above mentioned two apps are free and available in your device's app store. Although these two apps serve as the digital content borrowing and reading tools, there still are many differences between them. Let check them out.
What's the differeces between Libby and OverDrive?
1. Supported Devices
Libby app is only available on android, iOS devices and Windows 10 for desktops/tablets while OverDrive is compatible with multiple platforms, including Android, iOS, Firetables, Chomebooks, and Windows 8/10.
2. Interface/UI Design
Compared with the out-dated or classic OverDrive, the Libby is new and its layout is great. It puts books at your fingertips quickly and offers a sleek and modern yet minimalist design that appeals to eyes. It's easy to switch between my bookshelf and the library where I borrow new books.
3. Link to several libraries
Libby makes it easy to switch between library cards or between different libraries.It enables you to link multiple library cards from different libraries to access a wider collection.The best part is that all your digital checkouts from different cards and libraries are on the same shelf, so there is no need to switch between libraries or cards to read your books. But OverDrive only let you use one card now.
4. Sync to multiple devices
Libby enables you to sync across different devices and save the hassle of logging in on each device. Positions, bookmarks, and notes are kept in sync across your devices. But OverDrive will not let you do this.
5. Checkout, place holds, and download books
These two apps are sharing the same process of check-outing out books.
As for placing holds, I will prefer Libby. When a book comes up on hold, it will show up on yourself on Libby. If you are using Libby, you will be notified by an email that your hold is available, and then log-in your Overdrive to add it to your bookshelf. Sounds like the OverDrive app will takes more steps, right?
When comes to downloading books, Libby makes a big leap. It will download your ebooks or audiobooks automatically for offline use. As a sword has double edges, many people like this feature, but people who have the storage issue think this is unacceptable . However, you can adjust these settings by opening the menu and tapping on Download Settings.
6. Log in and out
When you use Libby, you will not be forced to log out automatically. It remembers your login and library cards information so that you can log in your library everytime without input the long and complicated information. But OverDrive does log you out and you'd have to take the card out of your wallet and input the library information every time.
7. Send to Kindle
Libby makes reading library book on kindle is much easier than OverDrive does.You can see there is a second option bar which is "send to device " or "send to kindle". Just click on “send to kindle", it will redirect you to Amazon page. Or you can just make kindle as your primary reading device under settings. When you check out a book, you can go to your bookshelf and deliver it to your kindle by logging in to your Amazon account when prompted.
8. Wishlist and tag
Unlike OverDrive, Libby doesn't have the wish list features. It is really a nightmare if you transferred from the Overdrive and with more 200+ titles on your wish list. You will need to create this list again.
You may have noticed that the tag features of Libby. Actually, tag pages are buggy, slow and some times buttons even don't work correctly.
9. Supported language
Libby is currently only available in English, but the Libby team plans to offer support for more languages in the future according to their official website. Meanwhile, the OverDrive app is available in multiple languages. So if you want to transfer the interface to other languages, OverDrive is highly recommended.
10. Stability
It is obviously that the OverDrive App is more stable while Libby is a little bit buggy. The feedback from Libby users has proved this.
Pauses and doesn't start again or goes mute randomly and continues to count.
It would be wonderful if it didn't keep freezing and stop responding every couple minutes, that's my only issue with it though, otherwise I really enjoy the app and it's very convenient.
Frequently Asked Questions on Libby and OverDriveQ: Will Libby replace the OverDrive app? Do I have to switch from OverDrive to Libby?
A: The original goal of Libby is to attract new users to OverDrive service and keep users active. It aims at offering better experience for browsing, borrowing and reading ebooks and audiobooks. The Libby is not replacing the OverDrive app currently. Updated 2024, The OverDrive app was discontinued on May 1, 2023. To continue using your library's collection, you need to switch to Libby.
Q: Libby vs Overdrive, Which app should I use?
A: If you use one iOS or Android device to browse, download, and read or listen to digital books, we recommend trying Libby. It's a great one-device experience.
Q: Is Libby owned by OverDrive?
A: Yes, OverDrive, Inc. owns Libby, a mobile app and website that allows users to access library services. OverDrive developed Libby as a newer, more user-friendly way to navigate its collection of digital content.
Q: Does Libby sync with OverDrive?
A: Yes, your current loans and holds from the OverDrive app will be added to Libby as soon as you add your library card.
Q: Can we get Libby on Kobo?
A: Yes, if your Kobo has bulit-in OverDrive app. When you sign in to your OverDrive account on your Kobo eReader, the content in your Libby account automatically appears on your Kobo eReader if both Libby and your Kobo are connected to the same Overdrive.com account.
If your kobo doesn't have the built-in OverDrive feature, you can just borrow the books via Libby on your computer, and then transfer the library books to your Kobo device via Adobe Digital Editions. Here is the detailed steps on transferring library books to Kobo device.
Q: Can I have Libby on two devices?
A: If you're already using Libby on one device, you can use a setup code to easily copy your library cards, loans, holds, and tags in Libby to another device. When setting Libby up on a new device: On the "Welcome" screen, tap Yes when asked if you have a library card. Select Copy From Another Device.
Final Words
Both the OverDrive app and the Libby app are products of the same company: OverDrive. While both apps serve the same purpose of borrowing and reading digital content from your library, they look and feel different, offering an entirely distinct user experience. Overdrive is discontinued since may 1st 2023, Libby becomes the only option. With valuable partner and user feedback, Libby is constantly enhancing the app and adding new features to engage readers. Discontinuing the OverDrive app allows OverDrive development teams to focus their efforts on Libby.
Iris Yan has been a passionate member of Epubor since 2017. Her mission is to enhance your ebook reading experience by sharing insightful tips and tricks. Join her on a journey towards reading excellence today!
Thank you so much for this, Iris! I've been having trouble with Libby freezing on me repeatedly, sometimes as often as every couple of pages, and was wondering if I should try something else.
This article makes me think I should wait and see if they iron out some bugs.
(I had an old device and thought that was it, but it's happening on my brand-new one as well, in case anyone's thinking of that.)
Several statements about Overdrive are plain wrong. It may have been the case several years ago; however, Overdrive CAN:
Sync across devices.
Use multiple libraries and cards.
Does remember your library card information.
…
Libby was buggy last time I tried it. Maybe time to give it another go
I'm using both as I keep getting messages that overdrive is going to be phased out. I like overdrive better. Libby doesn't have any history option. Overdrive has an option to view your history. I love this option, especially for a book series.
I can download epub books on overdrive and use my screen reader to listen to these type of books. If they're going to discontinue overdrive they shouldn't take features away. I can't get some books on kindle, only epub. Libby doesn't download epub books so I can't use my screen reader to listen.