Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Bookish Wisdom earns from qualifying purchases. This doesn’t change our picks or your price.
Quick answer: Libby and Hoopla both let you borrow ebooks and audiobooks free with a library card. Libby uses the same one-copy-one-reader model as print books, so popular titles often have waitlists, while Hoopla offers instant access with no holds but a monthly borrowing limit set by your library. Many readers use both, starting with Libby and turning to Hoopla when they want something right away.
Quick facts
Both are free with a participating library card
Libby: holds and waitlists, no monthly cap in most libraries
Hoopla: instant borrowing, monthly checkout limit varies by library
Hoopla also offers comics, music and video
Neither charges late fees; titles return automatically
If your library gives you access to both Libby and Hoopla, which should you use? The answer depends on what you want to read and how patient you are. Here is a clear comparison.
Table of Contents
How Libby Works
Libby, made by OverDrive, connects to your library’s collection of ebooks and audiobooks. You borrow a title for a set period, usually 7 to 21 days. If a book is checked out, you place a hold and wait your turn. Libby lets you send books to a Kindle in the US, lets you read in the app and offers features like tags and a timeline of what you borrowed.
How Hoopla Works
Hoopla offers digital books, audiobooks, comics, music, movies and TV shows. Titles are available instantly, because libraries pay Hoopla a fee for each borrow. To control costs, libraries limit how many titles you can borrow per month, usually somewhere between 4 and 10, depending on the system. Loan periods are often 21 days for ebooks and audiobooks.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Libby | Hoopla |
|---|---|---|
| Waiting for popular titles | Yes, holds | Rarely |
| Monthly limit | Usually none | Yes, set by library |
| Loan length | 7 to 21 days | Often 21 days |
| Content types | Ebooks, audiobooks, magazines | Books, audiobooks, comics, music, video |
| Best for | New releases and best-sellers | Instant reads and graphic novels |
| Send to Kindle | Yes in the US | Limited |
When to Use Libby
Use Libby for new best-sellers, series and award winners that your library licenses. Place holds early and use the tag feature to manage your list. If your wait is long, you can switch to another title or ask your library to purchase more copies. Libby also supports suspending a hold if you are not ready to read.
When to Use Hoopla
Use Hoopla when you want something now, such as a graphic novel, a quick audiobook for a trip or a backlist title with a long Libby wait. Because of the monthly limit, save your borrows for books you will finish. Shorter items, like comics, also count toward the limit.
Tips for Using Both
Add your library card to both apps. Search for a book on each, and borrow wherever it is available. Keep a wish list in a notebook or app. Return titles early to free up your count on Hoopla. If you read on a Kindle, send Libby books through the Amazon option, and use a Kindle Paperwhite for comfortable reading.
Other Library Apps
Some libraries use other platforms such as cloudLibrary, Boundless or BorrowBox in other countries. Check your library’s website to see what is available. Libraries with limited budgets sometimes offer only one of the services, so ask staff which is best for your needs.
A Quick Guide to Getting Started
Open Libby and search for your library by name or zip code, then sign in with your card number. Browse or search for a title and tap borrow or place hold. Tags let you save books for later. For Hoopla, download the app, choose your library, create an account and tap borrow on any title. Check your monthly borrow count in settings. Most libraries show your remaining borrows at the top of the Hoopla screen. If you do not see your library, visit its website or ask a librarian how to enroll.
Which Is Better for Audiobooks and Kids?
For audiobooks, Libby often has the newer best-sellers but with waits, while Hoopla has instant listening for many popular titles and backlist. For children, Hoopla has a wide selection of read-along picture books and comics that can be borrowed instantly, which is helpful on a long trip. Libby offers many children’s ebooks as well. Because each library selects its own titles, the best way to compare is to search for a few books you want on both.
Checking What Your Library Offers
Not every library has both apps, and collections differ. Visit your library’s website and look for a digital resources page. Some libraries add extra services such as cloudLibrary or Kanopy for film. If you have access to several libraries, you can add multiple cards to Libby and borrow from each. Larger systems sometimes offer nonresident cards, which let you join for a fee and gain access to bigger digital collections.
Common Problems and Quick Fixes
If a book won’t download, check your internet connection and try again. If your card is rejected, confirm your PIN or ask your library. If a title is listed as unavailable, check whether your library has another edition or a different format. If Hoopla shows no borrows left, wait for the monthly reset or use Libby. Most libraries offer help through their website or phone line.
Related: how to get free books legally and whether audiobooks are the same as reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Libby or Hoopla better?
Libby is better for best-sellers; Hoopla is better for instant borrowing.
Does Hoopla have a limit?
Yes, most libraries limit monthly borrows.
Do Libby books have waitlists?
Popular titles do.
Are Libby and Hoopla free?
Yes, with a participating library card.
Can I use both apps?
Yes, many readers do.