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Libraries · head to head

Ex Libris Alma vs FOLIO

Ex Libris Alma logo

Ex Libris Alma

Libraries

Unified library services platform for the modern library

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
FOLIO logo

FOLIO

Libraries

The open source library services platform reimagined

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only FOLIO 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; FOLIO fOLIO is open source with no vendor-run SaaS from the FOLIO project itself; adopters must self-host or contract a third-party hosting partner separately.
  • They diverge on capability: Ex Libris Alma covers Unified resource management, FOLIO covers Modular app architecture.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Ex Libris Alma and FOLIO differ
AttributeEx Libris AlmaFOLIO
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelsubscriptionopen-source
Free tierNoYes
Founded19862016

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
  • Digital asset management
  • Acquisitions and licensing
  • Circulation and fulfillment
  • Analytics and reporting
  • Resource sharing
  • Consortia support
  • API ecosystem

Only in FOLIO

  • Modular app architecture
  • Circulation and check-out
  • Inventory and cataloging
  • Acquisitions and invoicing
  • User management
  • Agreements and licenses
  • Course reserves
  • Custom app development

Both cover

  • Electronic resource management
  • OCLC

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 FOLIO

FOLIO

  • Academic library managementnot Ex Libris Alma
  • Custom library applicationsnot Ex Libris Alma
  • Consortial systemsnot Ex Libris Alma
  • Electronic resource managementnot 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

FOLIO

  • FOLIO is open source with no vendor-run SaaS from the FOLIO project itself; adopters must self-host or contract a third-party hosting partner separately.

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

FOLIO

Free
  • Community EditionFree
    • Modular app ecosystem
    • Circulation management
    • Cataloging
  • Hosted (via EBSCO/Index Data)$undefined/year
    • Everything in Community
    • 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 digital asset management.
Ex Libris Alma review

Choose FOLIO if

  • You need modular app architecture.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Api.
  • You also want circulation and check-out.
FOLIO review

Questions people ask

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

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
FOLIO: Is Folio free to use?

Yes, Folio is an open source library services platform built through community collaboration, with no licensing fees for the software itself.

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
FOLIO: Is Folio free for commercial use?

Folio is open source software with no inherent restrictions on commercial use, though the specific license terms should be reviewed for your use case.

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
FOLIO: Is there professional support available for Folio?

The website does not specify whether paid support contracts or professional services are available for Folio implementation and maintenance.

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
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