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FOLIO vs Koha

FOLIO logo

FOLIO

Libraries

The open source library services platform reimagined

From
Free
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

  • 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.; Koha no pricing published; Koha is free and open source with no commercial licensing fee
  • They diverge on capability: FOLIO covers Modular app architecture, Koha covers Circulation management.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which FOLIO and Koha actually diverge.

Attributes where FOLIO and Koha differ
AttributeFOLIOKoha
Founded20161999

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (open-source), free tier (Yes), 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 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 Koha

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

Both cover

  • SIP2
  • LDAP
  • Role-based access
  • Self-hosted deployment

What people use each for

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

FOLIO

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

Koha

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

Koha

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

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

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 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 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 FOLIO or Koha better?
Neither clearly leads. FOLIO starts at Free and Koha at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, FOLIO or Koha?
FOLIO starts at Free and Koha at Free.
Does FOLIO or Koha 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?
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 Koha is typically brought in for.
What can FOLIO do that Koha cannot?
FOLIO covers Modular app architecture, Circulation and check-out, Inventory and cataloging, Acquisitions and invoicing. Koha covers Circulation management, MARC21/UNIMARC cataloging, Acquisitions, Serials management. Both handle SIP2, LDAP, Role-based access, Self-hosted deployment.

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
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
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
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
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
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