--- title: "Koha Software Pricing, Alternatives & More 2026 | Capterra" description: "With the help of Capterra, learn about Koha Software - reviews, pricing plans, popular comparisons to other Library Automation products and more." source_url: "https://www.capterra.com/p/153941/Koha/" page_type: "product" language: "en" publication_date: "2026-10-19" --- # Koha Software Review 2026: Features, Integrations, Pros & Cons Last updated on October 19, 2026 Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Description](#description)[Use cases](#use-cases)[Alternatives](#alternatives)[FAQs](#faqs)[Features](#features)[Pricing](#pricing)[Support](#support)[Reviews](#reviews) Koha ## What is Koha? Koha is the first free software library automation package. In use worldwide, its development is steered by a growing community of users collaborating to achieve their technology goals. Kohais a Full-featured ILS in use worldwide in libraries of all sizes, Koha is a true enterprise-class ILS with comprehensive functionality including basic and advanced options. Koha includes modules for acquisitions, circulation, cataloging, serials, authorities, flexible reporting, label printing and much more. ## What is Koha used for? [Library Automation](https://www.capterra.com/library-automation-software/) Top alternative Featured Overall rating Based on 11 user reviews Reviews sentiment Positive \- Neutral \- Negative \- Contact vendor for pricing Free trial not available Includes Free Version Capterra Shortlist charts the highest-rated and most popular products... Our "Best of" badge program showcases products with the highest ratings... Our "Best of" badge program showcases products with the highest ratings... Do you work for Koha?[Manage this product listing](https://www.g2.com/products/bywater-solutions-koha/claim_requests/new?auto=true) ## Compare with a popular alternative Capterra selects software alternatives based on relevant features, verified user reviews and user interactions. Placement may be influenced by client status. ### Koha 4.3 (11) VS. [4.8 (129)](https://www.capterra.com/p/10010536/Surpass/reviews/) Starting Price Contact vendor Starting Price $55 Flat Rate, Per Month Free Trial Free Version Pricing Options Free Trial Free Version Ease Of Use 4.0 (11) Ease Of Use 4.7 (129) Value For Money 4.3 (9) Value For Money 4.8 (88) Customer Service 4.6 (9) Customer Service 4.9 (127) ## Koha alternatives [4.6 (64)](https://www.capterra.com/p/29128/Mandarin/reviews/) Starting price $500.00 Per User, Per Month Pricing Options Free Trial Free Version User Rating 95% of reviewers rated it above 4 stars [4.4 (5)](https://www.capterra.com/p/147038/LIBERO/#reviews) Starting price $1500.00 Per User, Per Month Pricing Options Free Trial Free Version User Rating 80% of reviewers rated it above 4 stars [4.5 (37)](https://www.capterra.com/p/40056/ResourceMate/reviews/) Starting price $495.00 Per User, Per Month Pricing Options Free Trial Free Version User Rating 89% of reviewers rated it above 4 stars [4.8 (10)](https://www.capterra.com/p/157700/Lucidea-Integrated-Library-Systems/reviews/) Starting price $2500.00 Per User, Per Month Pricing Options Free Trial Free Version User Rating 100% of reviewers rated it above 4 stars [View all alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/153941/Koha/alternatives/) ## FAQs about Koha Overview ### Which roles and teams benefit most from Koha? Koha is most used by librarians, library assistants, and reference services teams that manage catalogs, circulation, patron records, and resource discovery. Children's and information librarians use it to support specialized collections and reader services, while library directors and administrative staff oversee operations, reporting, and access across library branches. Answer based on 11 reviews Overview ### What company size and specific industries is Koha built for? Koha is designed for libraries of all sizes, including public and academic libraries, special academic libraries, law libraries, and large consortia. It fits organizations ranging from small library operations to larger multi-library groups across educational, legal, and public service settings. Features and Usability ### What are the key features of Koha? Koha offers catalog management, circulation management, patron management, and OPAC for library discovery and access. It also includes acquisition management, periodicals and serials management, fee collection, inventory management, and self check-in/check-out. Support for barcoding/RFID and reserve shelf management covers collection tracking and lending workflows. Getting Started and Support ### What training and onboarding options does Koha offer? Koha provides in person training, live online sessions, webinars, and documentation to help teams get started. In person training supports direct instruction, live online sessions allow guided remote learning, webinars cover specific topics in a group format, and documentation offers written reference material for self-paced review. Getting Started and Support ### What customer support options does Koha offer? Koha offers 24/7 live rep support and chat. Users looking for help can reach support through these channels at any time, but no reviewer feedback is available here to describe response speed, helpfulness, or common support frustrations. ## Features AI summary Based on 149 Library Automation reviews Capterra data shows that buyers of Library Automation rank the following features as their top priorities: - **Catalog Management** (**55%** of reviewers rated this feature as critical) - **Circulation Management** (**50%**) - **Search/Filter** (**43%**) Koha supports all three features reviewers rate most highly: **Catalog Management**, **Circulation Management**, and **Search/Filter**. Together, these capabilities help libraries organize collections accurately, manage checkouts and returns efficiently, and make it easier for staff and patrons to find materials quickly, allowing teams to improve daily operations and deliver better service. Catalog Management 2.0 (1) 0.00% of 1 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important Create and manage digital catalog of products/services with their details, specifications, and price Search/Filter 2.0 (1) 0.00% of 1 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important Search and filter data across systems to locate required information by entering keywords or certain criteria Barcoding/RFID 2.0 (1) 0.00% of 1 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important Identify and track items using barcode tags or RFID (radio-frequency identification) tags Inventory Management 2.0 (1) 0.00% of 1 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important Track and manage inventory levels to maintain proper supply Self Check-In/Check-Out 2.0 (1) 0.00% of 1 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important Check-in and out via a mobile device or kiosk Acquisition Management Manage asset purchase and monitor associated expenditures. Koha 18 features ### All Features - Acquisition Management: Manage asset purchase and monitor associated expenditures. - Barcoding/RFID: Identify and track items using barcode tags or RFID (radio-frequency identification) tags - Catalog Management: Create and manage digital catalog of products/services with their details, specifications, and price - Church Libraries: Caters to library management needs specific to churches - Circulation Management: Overseeing distribution of published materials, such as books, newspapers, magazines, etc. - Fee Collection: Automatically collect recurring fees or dues from members - Inventory Management: Track and manage inventory levels to maintain proper supply - Law Libraries: Caters to library management needs specific to law - OPAC: Manage Online Public Access Catalog information, such as title, keywords, subjects, and authors. - Patron Management: Manage library patron registration and accounts - Periodicals Management: Manage acquisition and allocation of periodicals. - Private Libraries: Caters to library management needs specific to private libraries - Public Libraries: Caters to library management needs specific to public libraries - Reserve Shelf Management: Manage allocation of and track books reserved for specific needs or people. - School Libraries: Caters to library management needs specific to school libraries - Search/Filter: Search and filter data across systems to locate required information by entering keywords or certain criteria - Self Check-In/Check-Out: Check-in and out via a mobile device or kiosk - Serials Management: Manage acquisition and allocation of serials. --- Features 4.1 (11) 4.1 Based on 11 reviews ## Pricing Value for money 4.3 (9) Value for money 4.3 (9) 4.3 Based on 9 reviews ## Support, customer service and training options Customer Service 4.6 (9) Support - Email/Help Desk - FAQs/Forum - Knowledge Base - Phone Support - 24/7 (Live rep) - Chat Training - In Person - Live Online - Webinars - Documentation - Videos Deployment - Web - Android - iPhone/iPad Typical users - Freelancers - Small businesses - Mid size businesses - Enterprises Customer Service 4.6 (9) 4.6 Based on 9 reviews ## User reviews Overall rating 4.3 Based on 11 reviews Filter by rating Counts reflect reviews available in this feed. 5(5) 4(4) 3(2) 2(0) 1(0) Mentioned topic Recent reviews first, then most helpful RE Reviewer Assistant To The Director Used the software for: Less than 1 year ### "Koha has it all for Library Management" 5.0 October 12, 2018 Pros The fact that it is a first free automated library software, I am entitled to receive a customer care support 24/7. By being automated, it is easy for students to individually check-in and check-out. This software has got a version that can be installed in Android devices as well as iOS devices to serve the students in case of book search and tracking which in turn reduces overcrowding at computer checkpoints in the library. Just not to forget, the customization options of OPAC is more than excellent. Cons If only there was an option of deleting lenders in batch, I would really appreciate but the software is superb. Review source Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. AP Aaron P. Owner Used the software for: 3-5 years ### "Extremely powerful software to host a Library, but difficult to use" 4.0 Overall Rating 4.0 4.0 Ease of Use 2.0 2.0 Features 5.0 5.0 Customer Service 3.0 3.0 Likelihood to Recommend 7/10 April 5, 2021 Once I learned the ins and outs and various quirks of Koha, I like it, and think it is a very powerful and valuable piece of software for libraries. The fact that it is free is a huge plus, as most libraries are non-profit and don't have a huge budget, let alone an IT budget. ByWater solutions, that supports Koha, is fairly responsive, but not always the most helpful. Pros Koha is extremely flexible and powerful, allowing you to effectively setup a full features Library website without having to purchase any expensive software. The Koha server supports a robust catalog search feature, powerful user management, relatively easy way to scan in new books, and even the ability to print out barcodes for said books. And with a bit of work, you can customize Koha to display a nice web portal. There is also a robust support community to help you out, something you will most likely need. Cons By far the biggest con is simply how difficult Koha is to use. While the initial setup isn't too difficult, anything beyond that can be extremely complicated. The Koha backend is extremely dense and non-intuitive. While there is a search feature to find different settings, the settings themselves are labeled in an opaque manner, making it difficult to know what you are searching for. Furthermore, any kind of editing you would like to on the web portal must be done using CSS, there is absolutely no WYSIWYG editor of any kind. Review source Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. RE Reviewer Coordinator of Reference and Access Services Used the software for: Less than 1 year ### "I am Not a fan" 3.0 Overall Rating 3.0 3.0 Ease of Use 2.0 2.0 Features 2.0 2.0 Customer Service 5.0 5.0 Likelihood to Recommend 1/10 June 26, 2024 The system is not keeping up with cataloging. I catalog a book and then search for it in system, and it is not there. Pros The people. The customer service is great. Cons The product itself is not great. I am having trouble with the system keeping up with my cataloging. Review source Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. RE Reviewer Librarian Used the software for: 3-5 years ### "KOHA: AN ONLINE CATALOGUE" 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 4.0 4.0 Features 5.0 5.0 Customer Service 5.0 5.0 Likelihood to Recommend 5/10 April 22, 2021 In combination of Dspace, patrons are able to access and use digitised information resources online. This makes things easy for both librarian and patron Pros KOHA is a typically an online software. It works well with many web based applications. With the help of proxy server contents of a particular library can be accessed remotely. Cons Deployment of KOHA involves too technical ICT expertise. One basically needs the support of an ICT technician to install the software. Review source Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. RE Reviewer Children's Librarian Used the software for: Less than 1 year ### "Good for what it is, wish it was streamlined" 4.0 September 8, 2020 Easy to learn, easy to use but you get what you (don't) pay for so to speak. Pros It's open source so that is a big selling point. It's easy to fiddle with and shift and change things. As someone who is new to library software, it's easy onboarding and easy to figure out without a complicated tutorial. Cons The search functionality is an issue for our patrons. Often you can search the exact book title and not get the book. The tags can be hit or miss. We have glitches that we're often dealing with and never really get solved so it sometimes just looks unprofessional. The process to upload images seems overly complicated, having to copy and paste MARC instead of just having the upload process embedded into the record. The UX could be improved and streamlined in several areas to reduce clicks or make it easy to alter multiple entries at once instead of one by one. Review source Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. RE Reviewer Library Assistant 1 Used the software for: 3-5 years ### "KOHA has too many glitches. " 4.0 Overall Rating 4.0 4.0 Ease of Use 5.0 5.0 Features 3.0 3.0 Customer Service 3.0 3.0 Likelihood to Recommend 4/10 July 3, 2019 We're a library, so we're non-profit, but it's better than doing it all longhand. Pros It's easy to use. I work at a small, rural library, and this system works well for simple check-out and check-in. Cons It has too many glitches. It seems to randomly assign people credits, and sometimes causes items to be due the same day it is checked out. Review source Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. VR Verified Reviewer Behavior Therapist Used the software for: 3-5 years ### "unorganized but simple software" 3.0 Overall Rating 3.0 3.0 Ease of Use 5.0 5.0 Features 3.0 3.0 Customer Service 5.0 5.0 Likelihood to Recommend 9/10 November 26, 2019 Pros Our colleges use Koha for library use and we are able to logon at any campus and see which books are offered at which campus. Cons The design of the software looks messy and unorganized but is basic and simplistic in nature. Review source Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. RE Reviewer Profesional Administrativo Used the software for: Less than 1 year ### "Excellent system for the management of libraries practical and safe." 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 5.0 5.0 Features 4.0 4.0 Customer Service 5.0 5.0 Likelihood to Recommend 9/10 March 27, 2018 Pros What I like the most is that you can get listings of publications by subject as well as authors and that allows you to make a large number of reports. Cons Its installation, configuration are a bit cumbersome since it is difficult to identify the different ways of acquiring material everything recognizes as acquisition. Review source Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. RE Reviewer Information Librarian Used the software for: Less than 1 year ### "Very Positive Move for our Library" 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 4.0 4.0 Features 5.0 5.0 Customer Service 5.0 5.0 Likelihood to Recommend 9/10 August 14, 2016 Our library was a long-time customer of one of the larger, proprietary vendors. We were unhappy with the high annual cost of the system, the lack of adequate technical support and training, poor indexing, etc. We eventually made a financial system to move elsewhere. We chose Koha because of it is open source, provides us with better functionality than we had, at a fraction of the cost. (We are in a hosted solution.) Pros We love that Koha is web-based. I have joked that I could run circulation from my smartphone. We have also been very impressed with its overall ease of use. We also love the customization options of the OPAC. Cons It would be nice to be able to customize the cataloging frameworks more easily. We would also like an option to delete borrowers in batch. Otherwise, we're very happy with the software. Review source Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. RE Reviewer Librarian Used the software for: 3-5 years ### "Koha is an amazing ILS" 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 5.0 5.0 Features 5.0 5.0 Customer Service 5.0 5.0 Likelihood to Recommend 10/10 August 13, 2016 I have been using Koha for many years and have recently had my Koha installation supported by ByWater Solutions who have been able to provide even more functionality for this amazing software. Pros Easy to use, cost effective, advanced features, ability to ask for changes, innovative and changing with times. Cons I see no drawbacks to this software given the current capabilities of other programs. Review source Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. [View all Reviews](https://www.capterra.com/p/153941/Koha/reviews/) ## Top-rated software of 2026 ### Fill out the form and we'll send a list of the top-rated software based on real user reviews directly to your inbox.