CloudLibrary vs hoopla
November 18, 2025 | Author: Maria Lin
CloudLibrary and hoopla are both cloud services that provide access to public library databases for those who has a library member card. They offer mobile apps that allow you to rent ebooks and audiobooks, sync your reading progress between devices. They also allow to discover new books, search and filter database by different parameters. The content selection depends on the specific library's collection.
However, hoopla, in addition to books and audiobooks, offers movies, TV series, music and comics. The service operates on an instant-borrow model with no waiting lists (although there are limits on the number of loans per month). Content can be streamed to your device while you're reading or downloaded for offline access. Its interface resembles media service (like Netflix) with genre-specific cards. It features a section with educational videos and children's content. hoopla offers integration with smart speakers, which is very convenient for listening to audiobooks.
CloudLibrary is a purely book-focused service often used by public libraries as an OverDrive alternative. Its interface is designed for the easiest possible reading experience. The library is displayed as a set of personal and library "shelves." There's a separate shelf for library recommendations and a separate shelf for wishlists. CloudLibrary has stricter limits on the number of simultaneous checkouts.
However, hoopla, in addition to books and audiobooks, offers movies, TV series, music and comics. The service operates on an instant-borrow model with no waiting lists (although there are limits on the number of loans per month). Content can be streamed to your device while you're reading or downloaded for offline access. Its interface resembles media service (like Netflix) with genre-specific cards. It features a section with educational videos and children's content. hoopla offers integration with smart speakers, which is very convenient for listening to audiobooks.
CloudLibrary is a purely book-focused service often used by public libraries as an OverDrive alternative. Its interface is designed for the easiest possible reading experience. The library is displayed as a set of personal and library "shelves." There's a separate shelf for library recommendations and a separate shelf for wishlists. CloudLibrary has stricter limits on the number of simultaneous checkouts.
