Readest vs Libby

Readest9.4Visit Libby8.0Visit

Higher score Readest #1 in Ebook Reader Software 9.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 3 features Visit Readest

vs

Libby #12 in Ebook Reader Software 8.0/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 3 features Visit Libby

• Readest fits best

  Cross-platform readers and annotation-heavy workflows

• Libby fits best

  Library borrowers who want reading and syncing

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Side by side

Feature	Readest 9.4/10 Visit ↗	Libby 8.0/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.4	8.0
Ranking	#1 in Ebook Reader Software	#12 in Ebook Reader Software
Best for	Cross-platform readers and annotation-heavy workflows	Library borrowers who want reading and syncing
Pricing model	Free plan + paid	Free
Starting price	$4.99/mo	Free plan
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Cloud, Self-hosted, Desktop, Mobile	Cloud, Mobile
Platforms	Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android	Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Support	Email, Community, Docs	Docs
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market	Solo
Features Readest 3/3 · Libby 3/3
Annotation tools	✓	✓
Reading sync	✓	✓
Offline reading	✓	✓
Specs
Supported platforms	web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android	web, windows, macos, ios, android
Supported formats	EPUB, PDF, MOBI, AZW, AZW3, FB2, CBZ, ZIP, TXT, Markdown	EPUB, PDF
Library storage	0.5 GB	Not checked yet
Our review
Pros	Runs on web, desktop, and mobile platforms Supports broad ebook, document, comic, and text formats Exports notes and excerpts to Markdown, text, or JSON	Free access to participating library ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines Syncs progress, bookmarks, notes, and highlights across devices Supports offline mobile reading and compatible ereader transfers
Cons	Cloud storage is part of paid plans Advanced AI tools are limited to the Pro Plan Support varies from community support to priority support	Requires a valid library card and participation by a public library Offline downloads are limited to eligible mobile titles Ereader transfers support compatible EPUB or PDF titles only
Our verdict	Readest is an open-source ebook reader for people who read across devices and formats. It runs on the web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, with support for EPUB, PDF, MOBI, AZW/AZW3, FB2, CBZ/ZIP, TXT, and Markdown. Its reading… Read the review →	Libby is OverDrive’s reading app for public-library patrons who want to browse catalogs, borrow ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines, and manage loans in one place. Users can sign in with a library card, place holds, read or listen in the… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Readest — where it wins

  • Runs on web, desktop, and mobile platforms
  • Supports broad ebook, document, comic, and text formats
  • Exports notes and excerpts to Markdown, text, or JSON

  Where it doesn't

  • Cloud storage is part of paid plans
  • Advanced AI tools are limited to the Pro Plan
  • Support varies from community support to priority support

• Libby — where it wins

  • Free access to participating library ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines
  • Syncs progress, bookmarks, notes, and highlights across devices
  • Supports offline mobile reading and compatible ereader transfers

  Where it doesn't

  • Requires a valid library card and participation by a public library
  • Offline downloads are limited to eligible mobile titles
  • Ereader transfers support compatible EPUB or PDF titles only

• Readest9.4/10 · Free plan

  A cross-platform ebook reader for broad format support and detailed annotations.

  Visit ReadestFull verdict →
• Libby8.0/10 · Free plan

  A free, mature choice for borrowing and syncing library books across devices.

  Visit LibbyFull verdict →