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Libraries · head to head

Ex Libris Alma vs Hoopla

Ex Libris Alma logo

Ex Libris Alma

Libraries

Unified library services platform for the modern library

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Hoopla logo

Hoopla

Libraries

Free library streaming app with instant borrowing, capped by a monthly checkout limit set by your library

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Hoopla has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Ex Libris Alma pricing is not published for Alma; the site provides no plans or figures and requires contacting a sales representative for a quote; Hoopla the monthly borrow limit is a hard cap, so a heavy user runs out of checkouts partway through the month and simply cannot borrow more, unlike a queue they can wait out.
  • They diverge on capability: Ex Libris Alma covers Unified resource management, Hoopla covers Instant borrowing.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 1 September 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Ex Libris Alma and Hoopla actually diverge.

Attributes where Ex Libris Alma and Hoopla differ
AttributeEx Libris AlmaHoopla
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelsubscriptionFree with a participating library card, capped by monthly borrow limit
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWeb, ApiiOS, Android, Web, Roku, Amazon Fire TV
Founded1986Unknown

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 Ex Libris Alma

  • Unified resource management
  • Electronic resource management
  • Digital asset management
  • Acquisitions and licensing
  • Circulation and fulfillment
  • Analytics and reporting
  • Resource sharing
  • Consortia support

Only in Hoopla

  • Instant borrowing
  • Video and music
  • Monthly borrow cap
  • Comics and graphic novels
  • Kids mode
  • Offline downloads

What people use each for

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

Ex Libris Alma

  • Academic libraries managing electronic resources and library services in a single cloud platformnot Hoopla

Hoopla

  • A patron who wants to watch a specific movie or listen to an album tonight without waiting in a queuenot Ex Libris Alma
  • A family wanting streaming video and music alongside books in one library-card appnot Ex Libris Alma
  • A light-to-moderate reader whose habits fit comfortably inside a monthly borrow capnot Ex Libris Alma
  • Someone using a Roku or Fire TV who wants library video content on the living room screennot Ex Libris Alma

Where each one falls short

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

Ex Libris Alma

  • Pricing is not published for Alma; the site provides no plans or figures and requires contacting a sales representative for a quote

Hoopla

  • The monthly borrow limit is a hard cap, so a heavy user runs out of checkouts partway through the month and simply cannot borrow more, unlike a queue they can wait out.
  • Borrow limits and even Hoopla availability itself vary by library and can be reduced if a library needs to control its licensing costs, sometimes with little notice to patrons.
  • Because libraries pay per checkout, a library under budget pressure may cut its Hoopla limit or drop the service entirely, which is a risk outside the app.
  • The video and music catalogue is decent but noticeably smaller than Netflix or Spotify, so it is a supplement, not a replacement, for those services.
  • Audio and video quality and metadata are sometimes inconsistent, particularly for older or niche titles licensed from smaller distributors.

Pricing, plan by plan

Ex Libris Alma

On request
  • Alma Essentials$undefined/year
    • Core library services
    • Print resource management
    • Basic acquisitions
  • Alma Premium$undefined/year
    • Everything in Essentials
    • Electronic resource management
    • Digital resource management
  • Alma Enterprise$undefined/year
    • Everything in Premium
    • Multi-institution network
    • Consortia management

Hoopla

Free
  • HooplaFree
    • Free with an eligible library card
    • Monthly borrow limit set by your library, commonly 5 to 15 items
    • No holds queues, instant availability

Which should you pick?

Choose Ex Libris Alma if

  • You need unified resource management.
  • You work on Web, Api.
  • You also want electronic resource management.
Ex Libris Alma review

Choose Hoopla if

  • You need instant borrowing.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, Android, Web, Roku, Amazon Fire TV.
  • You also want video and music.
Hoopla review

Questions people ask

Is Ex Libris Alma or Hoopla better?
Neither clearly leads. Ex Libris Alma starts at On request and Hoopla at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Ex Libris Alma or Hoopla?
Hoopla has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for Ex Libris Alma and Free for Hoopla.
Does Ex Libris Alma or Hoopla run on more platforms?
Ex Libris Alma runs on Web, Api. Hoopla runs on iOS, Android, Web, Roku, Amazon Fire TV.
Can I use Hoopla for free?
Yes. Hoopla has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Ex Libris Alma starts at On request.
What is Ex Libris Alma best used for?
Ex Libris Alma is most often used for academic libraries managing electronic resources and library services in a single cloud platform. Of those, academic libraries managing electronic resources and library services in a single cloud platform is not what Hoopla is typically brought in for.
What can Ex Libris Alma do that Hoopla cannot?
Ex Libris Alma covers Unified resource management, Electronic resource management, Digital asset management, Acquisitions and licensing. Hoopla covers Instant borrowing, Video and music, Monthly borrow cap, Comics and graphic novels.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Ex Libris Alma: Why doesn't Ex Libris publish Alma pricing online?

Alma uses a custom quote model. The company directs inquiries to sales representatives who tailor pricing based on institutional size, feature requirements, and implementation scope.

Source
Hoopla: Does Hoopla have holds queues like Libby?

No, everything is available instantly, but your library sets a monthly limit on how many items you can borrow.

Ex Libris Alma: Can I try Alma before committing to a purchase?

Yes, Ex Libris offers a Demo Center where you can explore Alma's capabilities in action before formal pricing discussions.

Source
Hoopla: What happens when I hit my monthly limit?

You cannot borrow anything further until the limit resets, usually on the first of the next month.

Ex Libris Alma: What support services are available separately from Alma licensing?

Ex Libris offers Professional Services and Support Services as separate offerings available in addition to the core platform license.

Source
Hoopla: Does Hoopla include movies and music, not just books?

Yes, that is one of its main differences from Libby, which only offers ebooks, audiobooks and magazines.

Ex Libris Alma: How do I request pricing for Alma?

Contact Ex Libris using their contact form on the website or reach out to their sales team directly to discuss your institution's needs.

Source
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