Hoopla vs Libby: which library app is better?
By the Best Reading Apps editors · Published 30 October 2026 · Checked 30 October 2026 · Desk research
Use Libby first and Hoopla second. Libby lends your library's ebooks, audiobooks and magazines with a waitlist when copies are out, can send ebooks to a Kindle for US libraries, and lists only diagnostics as data linked to you. Hoopla lends many titles instantly with no waitlist, adds comics, movies, TV and music, but your library caps how many titles you borrow each month and its privacy label links more data to you. Both are free with a library card, and many libraries offer both.
What is the difference between Hoopla and Libby?
The difference is how lending works. Libby works like a physical library: your library licenses a number of copies, and when they are all out you place a hold and join the waitlist. Libby's help pages say that when a hold comes in, you have 72 hours to borrow it, suspend it or cancel it.
Hoopla works on a monthly allowance. Its listing says many titles are ready to borrow the moment you find them, and Hoopla's own help pages say your library sets how many titles you can borrow each month, with the limit resetting at the start of each calendar month. Titles return automatically, so there are no late fees in either app.
Hoopla vs Libby, side by side
| Libby | Hoopla | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free with a library card | Free with a library card |
| How borrowing works | Copies per title; holds and a waitlist when all are out | Many titles instant; a monthly borrow limit set by your library |
| Formats | Ebooks, audiobooks, magazines | Audiobooks, ebooks, comics, movies, TV, music |
| Send to a Kindle | Yes, US libraries only | Not described in its listing |
| Kids | Interactive read-alongs | Kids Mode for family-friendly browsing |
| Audiobook tools | 0.6x to 3.0x speed, sleep timer, CarPlay, bookmarks and notes | Sleep timer, CarPlay, offline downloads |
| Privacy label: linked to you | Diagnostics only | Contact info, user content, identifiers, usage data, coarse location |
| US App Store rating | 4.9 (about 4.6 million ratings) | 4.8 (about 1.4 million ratings) |
| Age rating | 9+ | 13+ |
When is Libby the better choice?
- You read on a Kindle e-reader. Libby can send ebooks to your Kindle if your library is in the US.
- You want new bestsellers. They tend to arrive in Libby with holds, and a hold is still a way to get them free.
- You care about privacy. Libby's App Store privacy label lists only diagnostics as linked to you.
- You read magazines. Libby lends magazines, with zoom for magazines, comics and graphic novels.
When is Hoopla the better choice?
- You want something tonight. Many Hoopla titles can be borrowed instantly, with no waitlist.
- You read comics or want films and music too. Hoopla puts them in the same app.
- Your Libby waitlist is long. Search Hoopla for the same title before you wait.
Watch your count, though: once you reach your library's monthly limit, you wait until the next calendar month to borrow more.
Should you use both?
Yes, if your library offers both. A practical routine: search Libby first, place holds on what you want, and borrow from Hoopla while you wait. Keep a short list of books you are waiting for in a tracker such as The StoryGraph or Goodreads so you do not lose track. Our best free reading apps page has the full set of free options, and apps that read books to you covers library audiobooks.
If a long hold means you come back to a series months later, a recap up to your page saves a reread. See how to get back into a book you stopped reading.
Questions
- Is Hoopla better than Libby?
- Neither is better for everyone. Libby is better for Kindle readers, new bestsellers and privacy; Hoopla is better for instant borrowing, comics and video. Many readers use both.
- Why does Hoopla have a borrow limit?
- Your library sets how many Hoopla titles each patron can borrow per month, and the limit resets at the start of each calendar month, according to Hoopla's help pages.
- How long do I have to borrow a Libby hold?
- Libby's help pages say you have 72 hours (3 days) to borrow a hold once it is ready, or to suspend or cancel it.
- Can I use Hoopla and Libby with the same library card?
- Usually, if your library offers both services. Check your library's website for which digital services it supports.
- Which is better for audiobooks, Hoopla or Libby?
- Libby has more listening controls in its listing, with 0.6x to 3.0x speed, a sleep timer and notes. Hoopla's strength is instant borrowing when Libby has a waitlist.
Sources
- Apple App Store (US), Libby, the library app, read 2 November 2026.
- Libby Help, Holds, read 30 October 2026.
- Apple App Store (US), Hoopla: Your Library Anywhere, read 2 November 2026.
- Hoopla (The Loop), How to Borrow Content on Hoopla, read 30 October 2026.