Best free option

Libby review

Item: Libby
Rating: 8.7
Author: Ilyas Jan

Free audiobooks from your public library. Popular titles have waitlists, but nothing beats the price.

By Ilyas Jan · Updated October 24, 2026

HumPage Listen score

8.7/10

Free with a library card
Free library loans

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Who it is for

Anyone with a library card and a bit of patience

Who should skip it

People who want a new bestseller the day it comes out

At a glance

Checked October 2026

Price: Free with a card from a participating library
Loans: Borrow and place holds; loan length set by your library
Made by: OverDrive

What I like

Completely free
Large catalogs at big city libraries
Offline downloads and a good player

What could be better

Waitlists for popular titles can run for weeks
Catalog depends on your library
Loans expire, sometimes mid book

How Libby works

Libby is OverDrive's app for borrowing ebooks and audiobooks from your public library. Add your library card, search, and borrow. If a book is out, place a hold and Libby lets you know when it is ready. Your library decides how long loans last and how many you can have.

The best pairing I know is Libby for backlist and patience, plus one credit service for the new release you cannot wait for.

Frequently asked questions

Is Libby really free?+

Yes. You only need a card from a library that uses OverDrive.

Ready to try Libby?

Free with a library card. Trial: Not needed. Check the current offer on the official site before you sign up.

Visit Libby

Ilyas Jan

Founder and lead reviewer

I listen to audiobooks on walks, on long drives and at bedtime, and I started HumPage Listen to compare the apps with the same tests every time. More about me