Softwr

Libraries · head to head

Ex Libris Alma vs Koha

Ex Libris Alma logo

Ex Libris Alma

Libraries

Unified library services platform for the modern library

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Koha logo

Koha

Libraries

The world's first free and open source library system

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Koha 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; Koha no pricing published; Koha is free and open source with no commercial licensing fee
  • They diverge on capability: Ex Libris Alma covers Unified resource management, Koha covers Circulation management.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Ex Libris Alma and Koha differ
AttributeEx Libris AlmaKoha
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelsubscriptionopen-source
Free tierNoYes
Founded19861999

Identical on both: platforms (Web, Api), 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 Koha

  • Circulation management
  • MARC21/UNIMARC cataloging
  • Acquisitions
  • Serials management
  • Patron management
  • OPAC with faceted search
  • Reports and statistics
  • Z39.50 support

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 Koha

Koha

  • Libraries self-hosting an open source integrated library system for cataloging and circulation without vendor licensing feesnot 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

Koha

  • No pricing published; Koha is free and open source with no commercial licensing fee

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

Koha

Free
  • Self-HostedFree
    • Full ILS functionality
    • Circulation management
    • Cataloging (MARC21/UNIMARC)
  • Hosted (via partners)$150/month
    • Everything in Self-Hosted
    • Managed hosting
    • Professional support

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 Koha if

  • You need circulation management.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Api.
  • You also want marc21/unimarc cataloging.
Koha review

Questions people ask

Is Ex Libris Alma or Koha better?
Neither clearly leads. Ex Libris Alma starts at On request and Koha at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Ex Libris Alma or Koha?
Koha has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for Ex Libris Alma and Free for Koha.
Does Ex Libris Alma or Koha run on more platforms?
Both run on Web, Api, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
Can I use Koha for free?
Yes. Koha 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 Koha is typically brought in for.
What can Ex Libris Alma do that Koha cannot?
Ex Libris Alma covers Unified resource management, Electronic resource management, Digital asset management, Acquisitions and licensing. Koha covers Circulation management, MARC21/UNIMARC cataloging, Acquisitions, Serials management.

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
Koha: How much does Koha cost?

Koha is free and open source. There is no software licensing fee. Development is sponsored by libraries, volunteers, and support companies worldwide.

Source
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
Koha: Are there paid support options available?

While no specific pricing is detailed on the main site, Koha mentions paid support options available from support companies, but exact costs require contacting providers directly.

Source
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
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
Share

Related pages

More on Ex Libris Alma

More on Koha

Keep looking

Other head to heads