Hoopla is a digital reading platform developed by Midwest Tape aimed at bringing the audiences’ public library to their fingertips.
With Hoopla, you can borrow, stream, or download different content variations including eBooks, audiobooks, music, movies, and TV shows.
Some of the best apps like Hoopla are BorrowBox, Cloud Library, and PressReader. However, the best app like Hoopla is Libby, which has a large book database, easily syncs with devices, and is also free to use.
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More About Hoopla & Why Explore Similar Apps?
Hoopla is free to use. All a user needs is a valid library card. Also, the platform syncs across all your devices allowing you to stream any content from wherever and with any device.
The beautiful thing about Hoopla is that it offers more content than most digital reading platforms. Users can download the app either from Play Store, Apple Store, or Amazon Store.
No doubt, Hoopla has beautiful and helpful features but the platform isn’t without limitations.
First, you’ll realize that the platform is only available in limited locations since it only partners with libraries in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.
Also, you’ll likely encounter limitations on the number of titles users can borrow in a month. These limitations are peculiar to specific libraries so you need to be sure that you’re not going overboard with the titles you can borrow.
Additionally, the content collections are largely dependent on titles curated by the platform. This is another big limitation users face when using the platform.
In this article, I have reviewed other platforms that work like Hoopla, exploring their similarities and differences. In the end, you’ll find which one works best for you.
Without much ado, let’s dive right in!
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Best Apps Like Hoopla You Should Explore
1. Libby
Libby is the first on my list because of its exhaustive and unique features. First, the reading platform allows you to borrow and read audiobooks, eBooks, and magazines from your local libraries.
It was developed by OverDrive and currently houses free content for users to access on their Android and Apple devices.
Libby’s interface is intuitive and easy to use for people of all ages. Like Hoopla, Libby syncs across all devices allowing you to read your notes and access your reading progress from anywhere.
Additionally, you’ll love how easy it is to save and download eBooks and audiobooks for offline reading. You can also listen to your audiobooks from your car through Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, or Bluetooth.
Even the audiobook player is super intuitive. You can increase or reduce the playback speed and also swipe backward and forward while listening to your audiobook.
And if you’re in the United States, and love reading on your Kindle, the platform will send books to your Kindle. The best part is that you can easily customize how you read.
Users can adjust the font size, lighting, and layout of your eBook. Like Hoopla, Libby requires a valid library card to access content on the platform.
Libby offers unique features and is free to access.
2. Cloud Library
Cloud Library is also another digital library collection platform. The platform is easy to use and allows users to browse their digital shelves and find the content they want to read.
You can either read the eBooks on your smartphone, tablet, or web. The books are properly categorized according to genres making it easy for users to browse and pick their choice in minutes.
Like Hoopla, the platform syncs effortlessly across all devices. So, all your books are in sync and you can read them from anywhere and from any device.
It’s also easy to personalize your reading experience. You can arrange the genres you want to read on your shelves. The filtering feature helps users to sort out the publication date, author, title, and rating of each book before reading them.
You can also add future eBooks to your favorites. One similarity between Hoopla and Cloud Library is that users only need a library card to gain access to the platform. With one click, you can borrow and stream titles of your choice.
The platform works in 14 countries including, the United States, Canada, South Africa, Belgium, Romania, Germany, Japan, Spain, Switzerland, Brazil, and Singapore.
3. PressReader
Both PressReader and Hoopla are digital reading platforms. However, PressReader differs such that the platform gives access to only newspapers and magazines from around the world.
There are over 7,000 of the world’s top publications available on the shelves. Once you subscribe to the platform, you can access these titles and also view issues in their original print layouts.
You can either read the publications instantly or download and save them for later. Like Hoopla, PressReader can be downloaded for free from Apple Store and Play Store.
Ultimately, your subscription can be used on up to five devices. Also, publishers are paid for the content they put up on the platform.
4. BorrowBox
This is an amazing platform that has transformed how we use our local libraries. Rather than enduring the stress that comes from visiting physical libraries to borrow books, we can easily get them from BorrowBox.
Like Hoopla, users can access both eBooks and audiobooks for free. The content on the platform is thoughtfully crafted and expertly curated, so, you’re sure to get the best title.
Aside from that, the interface is very intuitive ensuring that users get the best experience ever. You’ll find your desired title or story faster.
To use the platform, you first need to join your local library, then download and install the app on your device and select your library service. Finally, activate your account with your library membership card and start borrowing your free eBooks and audiobooks.
The app works on Android, iPhone, iPad, and Kindle Fire devices.
5. Comics Plus
If you love comics and need a platform that gives you unlimited and simultaneous access to thousands of digital comic books and graphics novels, Comics Plus is a great choice.
Unlike Hoopla, this platform only allows users to browse and read their favorite comic novels on their smart devices.
Though one similar feature between both platforms is that you need a valid library card from any of the partner libraries to access the content.
I love that the platform is rich in titles as it contains a wide collection of comics from popular publishers like Image Comics, Capstone, Dark Horse, Europe Comics, Humanoids, and Manga Classics.
I also love that the platform properly categorizes the titles by author, publisher, and genre to help users find their desired content with ease. Additionally, you’ll get recommendations based on your reading or browsing history.
The curated book lists and staff picks on the platform also make it easy for users to discover new titles. You’ll love how compatible this platform is. Whether you’re using an iOS, Android, or Kindle Fire device, you can access the app from wherever you are.
Best of all, the borrowing feature of Comics Plus is unlimited, meaning that you can borrow and read as many graphic novels as you want. There are no restrictions on the number of books you can borrow every month.
So, if you have a comic book series that you want to binge on, Comics Plus is an excellent choice.
6. Freading
This is another amazing digital platform for book lovers! The platform is just like Hoopla where users have access to a wide collection of eBooks from different publishers and it’s free!
That means you can borrow and read eBooks on your smartphone, computer, or tablet as long as you have a valid library card from libraries partnering with Freading.
The titles available are either from independent or mainstream publishers and they are of different genres. For easy access, the platform arranges the books in genres so you can click on your desired genre, and scroll until you find the book you want.
Alternatively, you can type in the author’s name or book title in the search box to find it. Freading has a unique feature called the “Token system.”
Here, rather than having a specific number of eBooks users can download in a month, the Token system allows users to spend some tokens to borrow and read books.
These tokens depend on the publisher’s retail price for the books. With this system, there are no limitations on the number of eBooks you can borrow each month. As long as you have the required tokens, you’re good to go.
The Freading app works on both Android and iOS devices. You can also access the web version. Overall, I love the platform’s flexible borrowing system.
7. Tumblebooks
Tumblebooks is another digital platform with unique reading features like Hoopla, though, in this case, its target audience is young school children.
The platform functions by providing access to children’s eBooks including animated, read-along chapter books, talking picture books, non-fiction books, and videos as well as curated playlists.
Unlike Hoopla, the books in Tumblebooks are translated into Spanish and French. The platform is a great resource if you want to increase your kid’s reading and tech skills.
I particularly love that the platform is animated and has an interactive interface, making it easy for your child to immerse themselves in the book they are reading. The books on the platform will appeal to children of all ages, from preschoolers to teenagers.
Unlike Hoopla, Tumblebooks has a read-along feature. The feature enables kids to listen to books read aloud and also follow along with the text.
If your child still struggles to read, this app’s feature will help them to improve their reading and comprehension skills.
All in all, Tumblebooks works on all devices including iOS, Android, and Smart TVs. Your child can access the platform from wherever they are and from their preferred device.
8. SimplyE
As the name implies, SimplyE is a simple digital reading platform. It was developed by The New York Public Library and currently hosts more than 300,000 eBooks and audiobooks.
Like Hoopla, the platform is free to use. It is also an open-source app that can be downloaded from either Apple Store or Google Play Store.
The content on the platform is curated from different sources such as public libraries, and independent publishers. Interestingly, SimplyE was developed with one aim in mind and that is to provide a streamlined and user-friendly reading experience for all users.
The app is mostly available for New York residents or if your public library is based in New York. You can browse for your desired eBook, and check it out before reading it.
The best part is that you can customize your reading experience. You can bookmark, highlight, and take notes within the book as you’re reading it.
9. Flipster
If you’re a magazine lover and crave to have access to various publications from libraries around the world, Flipster is your best bet. One great similarity that the platform has with Hoopla is that both are digital reading platforms.
Also, Flipster’s target audiences are academic and public libraries, schools, and corporations. These entities can access a variety of magazines without a physical subscription or having to visit a physical library.
As a user, you can easily access both current and past issues of your favorite magazines. The app will work on your computer, smartphone, or tablet. You can flip through the pages of your digital magazine and even zoom in and out while reading.
There is a search box that helps you to search and discover new magazines. You can also share your favorite magazines with your friends on social media.
10. Scribd
Scribd is an interesting platform that ensures that your entire library is at your fingertips. The platform has the best eBooks and audiobooks waiting for you, ensuring you have endless entertainment and knowledge.
Similar to Hoopla, Scribd has diverse content including books, audiobooks, magazines, podcasts, sheet music, and documents. You can read or listen to them anytime and from anywhere.
Launched in 2007 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, Scribd has different content genres. You’ll find both fiction and non-fiction books and also academic books.
The platform currently has over a million content types from publishers and authors around the world. To access these titles, you need to download the app from Google Play Store or Apple Store.
You’ll love its personal recommendations as well as the download feature. If you’re going somewhere with limited internet access, you can download and save your favorite books for offline viewing.
I particularly love the community feature that comes with Scribd. You can follow and engage with fellow readers in the community.
11. Kindle Unlimited
Developed by Amazon, Kindle Unlimited ensures that users enjoy unlimited reading and listening to their favorite eBooks and audiobooks from any device. The platform has more than one million magazines, audiobooks, and eBooks.
The interface is intuitive allowing you to immerse yourself in the new worlds with your favorite characters and genres. Best of all, users can borrow up to ten books and keep them for as long as they like as there are no specific due dates for the books.
I love that the platform works in many countries around the world. That’s unlike Hoopla which works in just five countries.
And if you run out of ideas on the next book or audiobook to listen to, you can always rely on the platform’s recommendation feature to showcase title suggestions based on your browsing history.
12. Bookmate
This is another interesting platform you should check out if you are a book lover. This mobile reading app is filled with thousands of eBooks and audiobooks that you’ll enjoy from anywhere you are.
Once you have subscribed, there are different genres of books waiting for you including biographies, fantasy, horror, romance, and even detective novels. Unlike Hoopla, the titles on Bookmate come in English, Spanish, and 15 other languages.
There are more than 50,000 books for you to enjoy! And if you can’t find the book that you want, you can easily upload it to the platform and download it to your device.
It’s also easy to customize your preferences so you can have the best eBook reading experience. You can adjust the brightness and also change the font and background screen color of the book.
Another interesting feature you’ll find in Bookmate but not in Hoopla is the themed bookshelf feature. It works this way – if you need some book suggestions, your friends or other book lovers can create a themed bookshelf for you.
You can browse and subscribe to any shelve you like. Additionally, users can download and save audiobooks to listen to when they are offline.
Another similarity between Hoopla and Bookamte is that both platforms synchronize between devices allowing you to always pick up from where you left off on any device. You can also keep up with your friends on what they are reading.
You all can share your favorite book quotes and impressions and also get likes. Overall, Bookmate is an interesting digital reading platform worth trying out.
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Conclusion
As you can see, all the apps reviewed above host a variety of content – from eBooks to audiobooks, magazines, comic books, movies, and music. You can borrow, stream, or download any title of your choice.
As much as these platforms are great alternatives to Hoopla, Libby stands out for me and that’s because of how exhaustive the platform is. It’s also very simple to use and accessible in many locations.
Additionally, Libby is free to use, just like Hoopla, and also syncs across all devices ensuring that you easily pick up from where you left off on any device. However, you’re free to explore other options depending on your needs.
If you want a reading platform for kids, ComicPlus is a great choice. Or if you need a place to read different eMagazines, PressReader is a good pick. All in all, be sure that whichever platform you go for aligns with your needs.
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