Dwell vs SimplyE
Dwell
dwellapp.ioSimplyE
librarysimplified.orgSide by side
| Figure | Dwell | SimplyE |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $5/mo | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 7 | 1 |
| Spec score · Audiobook Apps | 8.0 (#10) | 7.4 (#30) |
| Integrations | Dwell supports hands-free listening to Scripture, devotionals, and audiobooks through Alexa. | Listed providers include OverDrive, Axis360, cloudLibrary, DPLA Exchange, EBSCO NoveList, BiblioBoard, Odilo, and RBdigital. |
| Privacy | Dwell says it does not share personally identifiable data with third-party advertisers or ad networks without consent. | The SimplyE page says the app does not track patrons’ data; the platform page says it captures only aggregated trend and usage data through Google Analytics. |
| Support | Dwell links users to its Help Center and Contact Us page for support. | Library Simplified service providers offer setup and onboarding, plus low-cost front-line support for libraries. |
Plans
Dwell
- Personal monthly$9.99 a month
- Dwell for Two monthly$14.99 a month
- Family monthly$17.99 a month
- Personal yearly$59.99 a year
- Dwell for Two yearly$89.99 a year
- Family yearly$109.99 a year
- Dwell for Life$399.99, paid once
In their own words
SimplyE
SimplyE was a free library e-reading app for browsing, borrowing, and reading e-books, with audiobook support from Findaway and OverDrive. Patrons could sign in once with a library card and reach materials from listed providers in one place, including OverDrive, Axis360, cloudLibrary, DPLA Exchange, EBSCO NoveList, BiblioBoard, Odilo, and RBdigital. The app connected to a library’s existing card web application and supported instant card sign-up through the app. Reading controls included font, font size, and background-color adjustments, plus OpenDyslexic and screen-reader compatibility. E-books could use Adobe DRM, while audiobooks used Findaway or OverDrive rights management. SimplyE was listed for Android, iOS, and web, but the app retired in August 2025. It did not render Kindle AZW files or Adobe-encrypted PDFs and did not work on e-ink devices. Library Simplified describes the platform as open-source and provides source code for organizational customization.