Side by side
Libro.fm vs Hoopla
Libro.fm
73 positive (86%) · 9 mixed (11%) · 3 negative (4%)
Trust + time weighted: +81%
AI summary — not a quote
Libro.fm is widely recommended as the leading ethical alternative to Audible, primarily for its business model that shares profits with local independent bookstores. Users highly value the service for providing DRM-free audiobooks, which allows for true ownership and the ability to download files for use on any device. While the catalog is extensive and covers most mainstream titles, opinions are mixed regarding its coverage of niche genres and the quality of its discovery features compared to larger competitors.
Pros
- Supports local independent bookstores with every purchase or credit used.
- Provides DRM-free audiobooks, allowing users to download and keep files permanently.
- Credits do not expire, and subscriptions can be easily paused or restarted.
- Responsive customer service featuring real human interaction.
Cons
- Gaps in selection for specific niche genres, particularly LitRPG and progression fantasy.
- Search and browsing experience is described by some users as poor or 'terrible'.
- Lacks discovery features like 'next in series' or 'you might also like' recommendations.
- User interface (UI) is generally considered less polished than Audible's.
Top excerpts
If you want to pay for books, I recommend Libro.fm over Audible. Credits don't expire, when you pause your subscription your credits are there, and you support independent bookstores top.
Check out Chirp and Libro.Fm.
I purchase the majority of my books from Libro.fm
Libro.fm has a subscription but it is just one credit per month, but they also have good sales.
I use Libro.fm. You can buy most any audiobook you’d like and part of the proceeds go to an independent bookstore of your choosing.
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.