Bluefire Reader vs Libby

Bluefire Reader is offered as a white-label e-reading app that organizations can launch under their own brand. Bluefire describes customers in ebook retail, libraries, and academia, and says the app has been deployed by over 70 brands worldwide. Reading features include bookmarks, highlights, notes, dictionary lookup, contextual search, sharing, and customizable settings. Bluefire-powered apps support PDF and adaptive-layout EPUB2; listed format support also includes EPUB3. Adobe Content Server authorization can use an Adobe ID, an Anonymous ID, or an organization’s own accounts. Existing distribution platforms, vendors, and websites can be integrated, allowing customers to browse, purchase, and access prior purchases in the app. Page Sync Cloud Service syncs a reader’s current page across devices and includes an online analytics reporting tool. Bluefire also offers custom UX design and development for specialized app features. Supported platforms include iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS, with a web presence listed. Sync may not be available in all countries or on all products and ordinarily requires internet access.

Libby lets library cardholders borrow ebooks, digital audiobooks and magazines from public libraries that use OverDrive. Add a library card to search and browse the collection your library makes available; you can borrow available titles or place holds, with a notification when a hold is ready. Libraries choose their titles and set their own loan and hold limits. Loans return automatically on their due dates, and there are no late fees. The mobile apps can download ebooks and audiobooks for offline use, while the Libby website needs an internet connection. Readers can organize titles with tags, and audiobooks include a sleep timer with preset or custom durations from 5 to 120 minutes. At U.S. libraries, most ebooks can be read in Libby or sent to Kindle. Libby is free, with no subscription costs or in-app purchases, and works on iOS and Android, as well as in browsers on Windows, Mac and Chromebook. It offers digital titles only, not physical library materials.