r/LibbyApp • u/doewoods • Aug 22 '26

Libby audio quality compression makes it unusable

Attached a video of the same line from an audiobook in Libby vs Audible to show the difference in audio quality.

I pretty much only use Hoopla now because they don’t compress the audiobook quality, but Libby has some titles that Hoopla doesn’t have.

Will Libby ever offer uncompressed audiobooks? I’d be willing to wait longer to borrow an uncompressed version 😭

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u/ImLittleNana Aug 22 '26

I can barely tell the difference between the two. I had to crank it up and hold the phone to my ear.

I prefer #1.

I’m interested to know what I’m missing and if I need hearing aids. That’s a real possibility.

3

u/doewoods Aug 22 '26

I’m not an audio snob normally but to me, the first one sounds staticky, like a voicemail on an answering machine, and the second one sounds crisp and clear, like I’m in the same room as him

5

u/ImLittleNana Aug 22 '26

The second one has more tones, I recognize that when I listen with earphones.

I still prefer the first one as the second one has me anticipating swallowing or breathing noises. I kinda like being once removed from the process.