Libby
Borrow ebooks and audiobooks free from your public library—no monthly audiobook sub.
Quick facts
- Price model
- Free
- Starting price
- Free with library card
- Best for
- Audiobooks · Ebook borrowing · Kids' reading
- Replaces
- Audible, Kindle Unlimited, Scribd
- Platforms
- iOSAndroidWeb
- Last verified
- 2026-06-22
Why it's listed
Replaces paid audiobook subscriptions for patient borrowers—your library already bought the licenses.
Libby connects to your library card for digital loans of bestsellers, classics, and audiobooks. Holds and loan periods vary, but the price is hard to beat: included with taxes you already pay.
The catch
Popular titles have wait lists; not every book is in catalog.
Good fit for
- Readers
- Commuters
- Families near a good library system
Not ideal for
- People who need instant access to every new release
Alternatives
Hoopla
Instant library loans for ebooks, audiobooks, comics, music, and movies—no holds.
Replaces: Paid movie rentals, Audible…
Kanopy
Stream thoughtful films and documentaries free through university or library membership.
Replaces: Criterion Channel, Extra documentary streaming services
Streaming Rotation Strategy
Subscribe to one streaming service at a time, binge what you want, then switch.
Replaces: Paying for Netflix, Disney+, HBO, and Apple TV+ all at once
One-Month Streaming Rule
A simple rule: never keep a streaming sub longer than one billing cycle unless actively watching.
Replaces: Forgotten auto-renew streaming apps