Side by side
Libby vs Hoopla
Libby
173 positive (85%) · 20 mixed (10%) · 11 negative (5%)
Trust + time weighted: +79%
AI summary — not a quote
Libby is a highly praised app that allows users to borrow ebooks and audiobooks for free through their local library systems. It is frequently recommended as a superior, cost-free alternative to paid services like Audible. While the app's interface is generally well-regarded, the user experience is heavily dependent on the specific digital collections and wait times of the libraries a user is affiliated with.
Pros
- Provides free access to ebooks, audiobooks, and digital magazines
- Significant cost savings compared to paid subscription services
- Allows users to link multiple library cards to find the shortest wait times
- Seamless integration with Kindle and other e-reader devices
Cons
- Popular titles often have long wait lists and weeks-long hold times
- Book selection is entirely dependent on the user's specific library catalog
- Some users find the hold system frustrating when seeking immediate access
Top excerpts
libby is just the app. the actual book selection depends entirely on what each specific library has purchased and can vary wildly.
I would suggest getting some kind of e-reader and seeing if your library has a Libby program!
Depending on where you live and work, you may qualify for additional library cards that you can load onto Libby, and Libby will choose the library with the shortest wait time for you (right now I have 15 cards)
If you have Libby you can go in a limit it to those under 4 hours in the two genres that you like and sort by popularity. Plus, they are free if you have a library card.
easy to borrow books thru your library using Libby, I don’t bother with paid subscription services at all.
Hoopla
58 positive (88%) · 3 mixed (5%) · 5 negative (8%)
Trust + time weighted: +76%
AI summary — not a quote
Hoopla is a popular digital media service provided through public libraries that allows users to borrow audiobooks, ebooks, movies, and music for free. It is highly valued for its 'instant' borrow model, which eliminates the waitlists and holds common on similar platforms like Libby, though it imposes strict monthly borrow limits.
Pros
- Instant access with no wait times or holds for available titles
- Completely free to use with a participating public library card
- Wide variety of media types including comics, music, television, and textbooks
- Allows users to avoid paid subscriptions like Audible or Spotify
Cons
- Strict monthly borrow limits (often capped at 8-10 items depending on the library)
- Selection can be limited and often lacks the newest or most popular bestsellers
- Some audiobooks are only available as abridged versions
- Reports of libraries dropping the service due to high per-rental costs and concerns over AI-generated content
Top excerpts
Hoopla is even worse. A ton of libraries across the US have had to drop them because of the cost.
oh yes and hoopla and spotify so i'm not exactly starved but there were a ton of good titles in the premium plus.
Hoopla is another library app as well that has a different selection.
You may be able to sign up for a card digitally and access their catalog through Libby, Hoopla, Cloud library or others.
Hoopla and Libby are free, legit , sources for audio and e books. ... If you can get these aps, you will be VERY happy. I have consumed over $5000 worth of content from them. Again, free, and legit.