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Libraries · head to head

Evergreen ILS vs SirsiDynix Symphony

Evergreen ILS logo

Evergreen ILS

Libraries

Highly scalable open source library software

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
SirsiDynix Symphony logo

SirsiDynix Symphony

Libraries

Enterprise library management for any size library

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Evergreen ILS has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Evergreen ILS server installation is supported only on Debian 10, 11, 12 and 13 and Ubuntu 22.04 and 24.04; SirsiDynix Symphony no pricing published on the vendor site
  • They diverge on capability: Evergreen ILS covers OPAC with faceted search, SirsiDynix Symphony covers OPAC.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Evergreen ILS and SirsiDynix Symphony actually diverge.

Attributes where Evergreen ILS and SirsiDynix Symphony differ
AttributeEvergreen ILSSirsiDynix Symphony
Starting priceFreeOn request
Pricing modelopen-sourcesubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWeb, Desktop, ApiWeb, Desktop, Mobile, Api
Founded20061979

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Libraries).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Evergreen ILS

  • OPAC with faceted search
  • Offline circulation
  • Consortia support
  • SIP2/NCIP support
  • Z39.50
  • EDI
  • Shibboleth
  • Shibboleth

Only in SirsiDynix Symphony

  • OPAC
  • Reports and analytics
  • Self-check integration
  • Mobile apps
  • BLUEcloud
  • Enterprise OPAC
  • RFID systems
  • Payment gateways

Both cover

  • Circulation management
  • MARC cataloging
  • Acquisitions
  • Serials management
  • Patron management
  • SIP2
  • NCIP
  • LDAP
  • LDAP
  • Role-based access
  • Cloud deployment

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Evergreen ILS

  • Running a consortium-scale library catalogue and circulation systemnot SirsiDynix Symphony
  • Self-hosting an open source integrated library system across multiple branchesnot SirsiDynix Symphony

SirsiDynix Symphony

  • Integrated library system for public and academic librariesnot Evergreen ILS
  • Cataloguing, circulation and acquisitionsnot Evergreen ILS
  • Consortium-wide catalogues shared across member librariesnot Evergreen ILS
  • K-12 and special library collection managementnot Evergreen ILS

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Evergreen ILS

  • Server installation is supported only on Debian 10, 11, 12 and 13 and Ubuntu 22.04 and 24.04
  • PostgreSQL 14 is the minimum supported version
  • OpenSRF 3.3.0 or later must be installed separately before Evergreen itself
  • Installation is a manual multi-service process requiring a dedicated PostgreSQL superuser account and shell access

SirsiDynix Symphony

  • No pricing published on the vendor site
  • Requires contacting vendor for custom quotes
  • Deployment flexibility adds complexity to pricing model

Pricing, plan by plan

Evergreen ILS

Free
  • Self-HostedFree
    • Full ILS functionality
    • Circulation system
    • OPAC
  • Hosted (via partners)$200/month
    • Everything in Self-Hosted
    • Managed hosting
    • Professional support

SirsiDynix Symphony

On request
  • Symphony Standard$undefined/year
    • Circulation management
    • Cataloging
    • OPAC
  • Symphony Professional$undefined/year
    • Everything in Standard
    • Acquisitions
    • Serials management
  • Symphony Enterprise$undefined/year
    • Everything in Professional
    • BLUEcloud integration
    • Analytics

Which should you pick?

Choose Evergreen ILS if

  • You need opac with faceted search.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Desktop, Api.
  • You also want offline circulation.
Evergreen ILS review

Choose SirsiDynix Symphony if

  • You need opac.
  • You work on Web, Desktop, Mobile, Api.
  • You also want reports and analytics.
SirsiDynix Symphony review

Questions people ask

Is Evergreen ILS or SirsiDynix Symphony better?
Neither clearly leads. Evergreen ILS starts at Free and SirsiDynix Symphony at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Evergreen ILS or SirsiDynix Symphony?
Evergreen ILS has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Evergreen ILS and On request for SirsiDynix Symphony.
Does Evergreen ILS or SirsiDynix Symphony run on more platforms?
Evergreen ILS runs on Web, Desktop, Api. SirsiDynix Symphony runs on Web, Desktop, Mobile, Api.
Can I use Evergreen ILS for free?
Yes. Evergreen ILS has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. SirsiDynix Symphony starts at On request.
What is Evergreen ILS best used for?
Evergreen ILS is most often used for running a consortium-scale library catalogue and circulation system, self-hosting an open source integrated library system across multiple branches. Of those, running a consortium-scale library catalogue and circulation system and self-hosting an open source integrated library system across multiple branches are not what SirsiDynix Symphony is typically brought in for.
What can Evergreen ILS do that SirsiDynix Symphony cannot?
Evergreen ILS covers OPAC with faceted search, Offline circulation, Consortia support, SIP2/NCIP support. SirsiDynix Symphony covers OPAC, Reports and analytics, Self-check integration, Mobile apps. Both handle Circulation management, MARC cataloging, Acquisitions, Serials management.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Evergreen ILS: Is Evergreen ILS free?

Yes, Evergreen ILS is a free open source library management system. The software is available at no cost for libraries and organizations to install, deploy, and customize according to their needs.

Source
SirsiDynix Symphony: How much does SirsiDynix Symphony cost?

SirsiDynix Symphony does not publish pricing information on its website. Interested organizations must contact SirsiDynix directly through the Request Demo or Contact Us links to receive a custom quote for the integrated library system.

Source
Evergreen ILS: Does Evergreen ILS offer commercial support or hosting?

Evergreen ILS website does not list commercial hosting or support services. As an open source project, it relies on community contributions and institutional deployments. Libraries may arrange custom support through integrators or consultants, but no official commercial offerings are detailed on the website.

Source
SirsiDynix Symphony: What pricing model does SirsiDynix Symphony use?

SirsiDynix Symphony is an enterprise-grade integrated library system with flexible deployment options and 99.95% uptime reliability. Pricing is customized based on organizational needs and the specific modules selected, including acquisitions, cataloging, circulation, and other specialized features.

Source
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