Perlego vs VitalSource Bookshelf
Perlego
perlego.comVitalSource Bookshelf
vitalsource.comSide by side
| Figure | Perlego | VitalSource Bookshelf |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 3 | 2 |
| Spec score · Digital Textbook Platforms | 6.9 (#28) | 8.3 (#7) |
| Integrations | For organisations with 50 or more subscriptions, Perlego says it can offer integrations with authentication systems, library discovery systems, and learning management systems. | Bookshelf integrates with campus learning-management systems and feeds engagement activity to VitalSource Analytics dashboards. |
| Offline access | Books can be downloaded for offline reading in the iOS and Android app, and downloaded content stays inside the app. | Users can download complete titles and study without an internet connection after initial download. |
| Security | Perlego’s 2025 publisher security whitepaper says it uses TLS for data in transit and AES 256-bit encryption for sensitive data at rest. | VitalSource says Bookshelf infrastructure is covered by SOC 2 Type 2 security controls, disaster-recovery sites, Google Cloud hosting, and more than 500 global endpoints. |
| Study tools | Reading tools include text-to-speech, highlights, notes, bookmarks, a notebook, citation generation, reader settings, and bookshelves. | Titles can provide highlights, notes, flashcards, text-to-speech, and embedded audio, video, or interactive content. |
| Support | The help centre says customers can contact support through live chat or email. | VitalSource advertises 24x7x365 Tier 1 support in English and Spanish and maintains separate learner, educator, partner, and Bookshelf support portals. |
Plans
Perlego
- CompletePrice not published
- EssentialPrice not published
- Institutions & OrganisationsPriced on request
In their own words
VitalSource Bookshelf
VitalSource Bookshelf is an app for reading and studying eTextbooks and other digital learning materials on Android, iOS, macOS, web, and Windows. Its study tools include highlighting, notes, flashcards, bookmarks, citations, search, and read-aloud. Users can download titles in desktop or mobile apps for offline reading and study, and notes and highlights sync across registered devices. VitalSource says the app supports assistive technologies for people with visual, hearing, or mobility impairments. It can be installed on up to two computers and two mobile devices at a time. Integrations support learning management system access, single sign-on, roster sync, and grade pass-back. The app is free to install at free, while eTextbook content may require purchase or an active license; pricing is also listed on request. For offline access to a lifetime-access eTextbook, download it within 180 days of purchase. VitalSource says assignments and library filters are being deprecated as part of a Bookshelf experience update.