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Libraries · head to head

FOLIO vs Hoopla

FOLIO logo

FOLIO

Libraries

The open source library services platform reimagined

From
Free
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

  • Each has a real cost: 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.; 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: FOLIO covers Modular app architecture, Hoopla covers Instant borrowing.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 1 September 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which FOLIO and Hoopla actually diverge.

Attributes where FOLIO and Hoopla differ
AttributeFOLIOHoopla
Pricing modelopen-sourceFree with a participating library card, capped by monthly borrow limit
PlatformsWeb, ApiiOS, Android, Web, Roku, Amazon Fire TV
Founded2016Unknown

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), 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 FOLIO

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

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.

FOLIO

  • Academic library managementnot Hoopla
  • Custom library applicationsnot Hoopla
  • Consortial systemsnot Hoopla
  • Electronic resource managementnot Hoopla

Hoopla

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

Where each one falls short

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

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.

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

FOLIO

Free
  • Community EditionFree
    • Modular app ecosystem
    • Circulation management
    • Cataloging
  • Hosted (via EBSCO/Index Data)$undefined/year
    • Everything in Community
    • Managed hosting
    • Professional support

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 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

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 FOLIO or Hoopla better?
Neither clearly leads. FOLIO starts at Free and Hoopla at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, FOLIO or Hoopla?
FOLIO starts at Free and Hoopla at Free.
Does FOLIO or Hoopla run on more platforms?
FOLIO runs on Web, Api. Hoopla runs on iOS, Android, Web, Roku, Amazon Fire TV.
Can I use FOLIO for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is FOLIO best used for?
FOLIO is most often used for academic library management, custom library applications, consortial systems, electronic resource management. Of those, academic library management and custom library applications are not what Hoopla is typically brought in for.
What can FOLIO do that Hoopla cannot?
FOLIO covers Modular app architecture, Circulation and check-out, Inventory and cataloging, Acquisitions and invoicing. Hoopla covers Instant borrowing, Video and music, Monthly borrow cap, Comics and graphic novels.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

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
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.

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
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.

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
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.

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