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Publishing · head to head

Kobo vs Libby

Kobo logo

Kobo

Publishing

Rakuten e-reader hardware, app and ebook store, the reader-facing side of the Kobo ecosystem

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Libby logo

Libby

Libraries

Free ebook and audiobook app from OverDrive, gated entirely on an active public library card

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Kobo the overall ebook and audiobook catalogue, especially exclusive or first-run titles, is smaller than Amazon can offer through Kindle and Audible.; Libby popular and new titles are frequently unavailable for weeks or months due to holds queues, which makes it unreliable for reading something the day you want to start it.
  • They diverge on capability: Kobo covers E-ink devices, Libby covers Library card authentication.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 1 September 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Kobo and Libby actually diverge.

Attributes where Kobo and Libby differ
AttributeKoboLibby
Pricing modelFree store and app; hardware sold separately; optional subscriptionFree with a participating library card, no subscription
PlatformsiOS, Android, Web, Kobo e-readersiOS, Android, Web, Kindle (for ebooks)
CategoryPublishingLibraries

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Kobo

  • E-ink devices
  • EPUB support
  • Built-in Libby integration
  • Kobo Plus
  • Kobo Store
  • Note-taking models

Only in Libby

  • Library card authentication
  • Holds queues
  • Multi-library support
  • OverDrive Read and Listen
  • Send to Kindle
  • Tags and shelves

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Kobo

  • A reader who wants dedicated e-ink hardware instead of reading on a backlit phone or tabletnot Libby
  • Someone who borrows heavily from a public library and wants OverDrive integration built directly into the devicenot Libby
  • A reader outside the Amazon ecosystem who wants an open EPUB-based alternative to Kindlenot Libby
  • Someone who wants the option of both buying individual ebooks and an unlimited subscription from one storenot Libby

Libby

  • A reader who wants free access to bestsellers and is willing to wait weeks in a holds queue for popular new releasesnot Kobo
  • Someone who holds cards for multiple library systems and wants to widen their available catalogue in one appnot Kobo
  • A reader who wants ebooks sent directly to a Kindle without buying themnot Kobo
  • A budget-conscious reader who already pays library taxes and wants to use the benefit fully instead of also paying for Everand or Storytelnot Kobo

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Kobo

  • The overall ebook and audiobook catalogue, especially exclusive or first-run titles, is smaller than Amazon can offer through Kindle and Audible.
  • Kobo Plus, the unlimited subscription layer, is not available in every country the hardware and store otherwise serve.
  • Hardware pricing for higher-end note-taking models runs into the several-hundred-dollar range, which is a real commitment against reading on a phone for free.
  • Software updates and app polish have historically lagged the Kindle app in some regions, particularly around syncing and highlighting features.
  • This is a distinct product from Kobo Writing Life, and readers looking for author or publishing tools need that separate platform, not this one.

Libby

  • Popular and new titles are frequently unavailable for weeks or months due to holds queues, which makes it unreliable for reading something the day you want to start it.
  • Borrow and hold limits are set per library, so the experience is inconsistent between library systems and can change without notice.
  • Not every library subscribes to OverDrive, and even those that do vary hugely in how many digital copies of any given title they can afford to licence.
  • It requires a real library card tied to residency or another eligibility rule in most systems, so it is not available to everyone regardless of willingness to pay.
  • There is no offline bulk downloading beyond what is borrowed, and loan periods expire automatically, returning the book whether or not you finished it.

Pricing, plan by plan

Kobo

Free
  • Kobo app and storeFree
    • Free app and store, pay per ebook or audiobook
    • Hardware sold separately, from around $110 for entry e-readers
    • Full library of individual purchases
  • Kobo Plus$9.99/month
    • Unlimited access to a Kobo Plus catalogue
    • Available in supported countries only
    • Layered on top of the regular store

Libby

Free
  • LibbyFree
    • Free with an eligible library card
    • Borrow limits set by your library, not Libby
    • Holds queues on licensed copies

Which should you pick?

Choose Kobo if

  • You need e-ink devices.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, Android, Web, Kobo e-readers.
  • You also want epub support.
Kobo review

Choose Libby if

  • You need library card authentication.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, Android, Web, Kindle (for ebooks).
  • You also want holds queues.
Libby review

Questions people ask

Is Kobo or Libby better?
Neither clearly leads. Kobo starts at Free and Libby at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Kobo or Libby?
Kobo starts at Free and Libby at Free.
Does Kobo or Libby run on more platforms?
Kobo runs on iOS, Android, Web, Kobo e-readers. Libby runs on iOS, Android, Web, Kindle (for ebooks).
Can I use Kobo for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Kobo best used for?
Kobo is most often used for a reader who wants dedicated e-ink hardware instead of reading on a backlit phone or tablet, someone who borrows heavily from a public library and wants overdrive integration built directly into the device, a reader outside the amazon ecosystem who wants an open epub-based alternative to kindle, someone who wants the option of both buying individual ebooks and an unlimited subscription from one store. Of those, a reader who wants dedicated e-ink hardware instead of reading on a backlit phone or tablet and someone who borrows heavily from a public library and wants overdrive integration built directly into the device are not what Libby is typically brought in for.
What can Kobo do that Libby cannot?
Kobo covers E-ink devices, EPUB support, Built-in Libby integration, Kobo Plus. Libby covers Library card authentication, Holds queues, Multi-library support, OverDrive Read and Listen.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Kobo: Is this the same as Kobo Writing Life?

No, Kobo Writing Life is the separate self-publishing platform for authors; this entry is the consumer reading app, store and hardware.

Libby: Do I pay for Libby?

No, it is free, but you need an active card from a library that uses the OverDrive/Libby system.

Kobo: Can I borrow library books on a Kobo device?

Yes, many Kobo devices have built-in OverDrive/Libby integration for direct library borrowing.

Libby: Why is the book I want unavailable?

Libraries licence a limited number of digital copies, so popular titles go into a holds queue just like physical books.

Kobo: Do I need a subscription to use Kobo?

No, you can buy ebooks and audiobooks individually; Kobo Plus is an optional unlimited add-on where available.

Libby: Can I use Libby without a library card?

No, a valid card and PIN from a participating library are required for every feature.

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