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Libraries · head to head

Koha vs SirsiDynix Symphony

Koha logo

Koha

Libraries

The world's first free and open source library system

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
SirsiDynix Symphony logo

SirsiDynix Symphony

Libraries

Enterprise library management for any size library

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Koha has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Koha no pricing published; Koha is free and open source with no commercial licensing fee; SirsiDynix Symphony no pricing published on the vendor site
  • They diverge on capability: Koha covers MARC21/UNIMARC cataloging, SirsiDynix Symphony covers MARC cataloging.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Koha and SirsiDynix Symphony actually diverge.

Attributes where Koha and SirsiDynix Symphony differ
AttributeKohaSirsiDynix Symphony
Starting priceFreeOn request
Pricing modelopen-sourcesubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWeb, ApiWeb, Desktop, Mobile, Api
Founded19991979

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 Koha

  • MARC21/UNIMARC cataloging
  • OPAC with faceted search
  • Reports and statistics
  • Z39.50 support
  • SIP2 integration
  • Z39.50
  • OAI-PMH
  • EDI

Only in SirsiDynix Symphony

  • MARC cataloging
  • OPAC
  • Reports and analytics
  • Self-check integration
  • Mobile apps
  • BLUEcloud
  • Enterprise OPAC
  • NCIP

Both cover

  • Circulation management
  • Acquisitions
  • Serials management
  • Patron management
  • LDAP
  • SIP2
  • LDAP
  • Role-based access
  • Cloud deployment

What people use each for

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

Koha

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

SirsiDynix Symphony

  • Integrated library system for public and academic librariesnot Koha
  • Cataloguing, circulation and acquisitionsnot Koha
  • Consortium-wide catalogues shared across member librariesnot Koha
  • K-12 and special library collection managementnot Koha

Where each one falls short

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

Koha

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

SirsiDynix Symphony

  • No pricing published on the vendor site
  • Requires contacting vendor for custom quotes
  • Deployment flexibility adds complexity to pricing model

Pricing, plan by plan

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

SirsiDynix Symphony

On request
  • Symphony Standard$undefined/year
    • Circulation management
    • Cataloging
    • OPAC
  • Symphony Professional$undefined/year
    • Everything in Standard
    • Acquisitions
    • Serials management
  • Symphony Enterprise$undefined/year
    • Everything in Professional
    • BLUEcloud integration
    • Analytics

Which should you pick?

Choose Koha if

  • You need marc21/unimarc cataloging.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Api.
  • You also want opac with faceted search.
Koha review

Choose SirsiDynix Symphony if

  • You need marc cataloging.
  • You work on Web, Desktop, Mobile, Api.
  • You also want opac.
SirsiDynix Symphony review

Questions people ask

Is Koha or SirsiDynix Symphony better?
Neither clearly leads. Koha starts at Free and SirsiDynix Symphony at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Koha or SirsiDynix Symphony?
Koha has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Koha and On request for SirsiDynix Symphony.
Does Koha or SirsiDynix Symphony run on more platforms?
Koha runs on Web, Api. SirsiDynix Symphony runs on Web, Desktop, Mobile, Api.
Can I use Koha for free?
Yes. Koha has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. SirsiDynix Symphony starts at On request.
What is Koha best used for?
Koha is most often used for libraries self-hosting an open source integrated library system for cataloging and circulation without vendor licensing fees. Of those, libraries self-hosting an open source integrated library system for cataloging and circulation without vendor licensing fees is not what SirsiDynix Symphony is typically brought in for.
What can Koha do that SirsiDynix Symphony cannot?
Koha covers MARC21/UNIMARC cataloging, OPAC with faceted search, Reports and statistics, Z39.50 support. SirsiDynix Symphony covers MARC cataloging, OPAC, Reports and analytics, Self-check integration. Both handle Circulation management, Acquisitions, Serials management, Patron management.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

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
SirsiDynix Symphony: How much does SirsiDynix Symphony cost?

SirsiDynix Symphony does not publish pricing information on its website. Interested organizations must contact SirsiDynix directly through the Request Demo or Contact Us links to receive a custom quote for the integrated library system.

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
SirsiDynix Symphony: What pricing model does SirsiDynix Symphony use?

SirsiDynix Symphony is an enterprise-grade integrated library system with flexible deployment options and 99.95% uptime reliability. Pricing is customized based on organizational needs and the specific modules selected, including acquisitions, cataloging, circulation, and other specialized features.

Source
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