Libby vs Thorium Reader

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.

Thorium Reader is a free reader and library for ebooks, audiobooks, comics, manga, and documents. It runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and iPadOS, with minimum versions listed by the maker. Supported material includes EPUB 2/3, fixed-layout EPUB, PDF, DAISY, Web Publications, audiobook formats such as MP3 and FLAC, and comics in CBZ, EPUB, or PDF. The app opens DRM-free publications and Readium LCP-protected titles from compatible retailers or libraries. Downloaded items work offline, although LCP files need an online connection at least once. Readers can change text size, themes, spacing, and fonts, and use keyboard navigation with custom shortcuts. Accessibility support includes JAWS, NVDA, Narrator, and VoiceOver; the iOS statement notes VoiceOver limitations for EPUB and PDF reading. Desktop users can browse OPDS catalogs when providers allow it. EDRLab develops Thorium Reader, and support is offered through a Help Desk and Discord.