# Koha ILS Software Pricing, Alternatives & More 2026 | Capterra > With the help of Capterra, learn about Koha ILS Software - reviews, pricing plans, popular comparisons to other Library Automation products and more. Source: https://www.capterra.com/p/229051/Koha-ILS --- # Koha ILS Software Review 2026: Features, Integrations, Pros & Cons Last updated on March 13, 2026 Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. Independent research methodology Capterra’s researchers use a mix of verified reviews, independent research and objective methodologies to bring you selection and ranking information you can trust. While we may earn a referral fee when you visit a provider through our links or speak to an advisor, this has no influence on our research or methodology. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/resources/proprietary-data-research/) How Capterra verifies reviews Capterra carefully verified over 2.5 million+ reviews to bring you authentic software experiences from real users. Our human moderators verify that reviewers are real people and that reviews are authentic. They use leading tech to analyze text quality and to detect plagiarism and generative AI. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/resources/how-we-verify-reviews/) How Capterra ensures transparency Capterra lists all providers across its website—not just those that pay us—so that users can make informed purchase decisions. Capterra is free for users. Software providers pay us for sponsored profiles to receive web traffic and sales opportunities. Sponsored profiles include a link-out icon that takes users to the provider’s website. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/resources/how-we-ensure-transparency/) [Description](#description)[Use cases](#use-cases)[Alternatives](#alternatives)[Features](#features)[Pricing](#pricing)[Support](#support)[Reviews](#reviews) Koha ILS ## What is Koha ILS? Koha sets the standard for open-source integrated library automation systems. In use worldwide, its development is steered by a growing community of libraries collaborating to achieve their technology goals. Koha's impressive feature set continues to evolve to meet the needs of its user-base. Koha offers a fourth-generation web-based OPAC, circ, and management interfaces, full MARC21 and UNIMARC support, branch transfers, self-checkout, and integrated Z39.50 server for resource sharing. ## What is Koha ILS used for? [Library Automation](https://www.capterra.com/library-automation-software/) Top alternative Featured Overall rating Based on 15 user reviews Reviews sentiment Positive \- Neutral \- Negative \- Starting price $999 Per User, Per Month Free trial not available 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 ILS?[Manage this product listing](https://digitalmarkets.gartner.com/get-listed/claim-bx?url=http://www.liblime.com&name=Koha ILS) ## 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 ILS 4.5 (15) VS. [4.5 (36)](https://www.capterra.com/p/40056/ResourceMate/reviews/) Starting Price $999 Per User, Per Month Starting Price $495 Flat Rate Free Trial Free Version Pricing Options Free Trial Free Version Ease Of Use 4.5 (15) Ease Of Use 4.5 (36) Value For Money 4.8 (9) Value For Money 4.7 (24) Customer Service 4.4 (15) Customer Service 4.6 (34) ## Koha ILS alternatives [4.7 (60)](https://www.capterra.com/p/29128/Mandarin/reviews/) Starting price $500.00 Per User, Per Month Pricing Options Free Trial Free Version User Rating 97% 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 [4.8 (24)](https://www.capterra.com/p/27788/Alexandria/reviews/) Starting price $499.00 Per User, Per Month Pricing Options Free Trial Free Version User Rating 96% of reviewers rated it above 4 stars Highest Rated [4.8 (128)](https://www.capterra.com/p/10010536/Surpass/reviews/) Starting price $55.00 Per User, Per Month Pricing Options Free Trial Free Version User Rating 98% of reviewers rated it above 4 stars [View all alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/229051/Koha-ILS/alternatives/) ## Features Features with the highest number of reviews are displayed first. Those that have no reviews appear next, sorted alphabetically. Access Controls/Permissions Define levels of authorization for access to specific files or systems 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 Circulation Management Overseeing distribution of published materials, such as books, newspapers, magazines, etc. Database Support Supports common databases such as MySQL and Oracle Fee Collection Automatically collect recurring fees or dues from members Koha ILS 15 features Define levels of authorization for access to specific files or systems Identify and track items using barcode tags or RFID (radio-frequency identification) tags Create and manage digital catalog of products/services with their details, specifications, and price Overseeing distribution of published materials, such as books, newspapers, magazines, etc. Supports common databases such as MySQL and Oracle Automatically collect recurring fees or dues from members Track and manage inventory levels to maintain proper supply Manage Online Public Access Catalog information, such as title, keywords, subjects, and authors. Manage library patron registration and accounts Manage acquisition and allocation of periodicals. Ability to record, store, update, and retrieve information Search and filter data across systems to locate required information by entering keywords or certain criteria Check-in and out via a mobile device or kiosk Online portal through which end users can access the system, manage tasks, or obtain information Manage acquisition and allocation of serials. Features 4.5 (10) 4.5 Based on 10 reviews ## Pricing Value for money 4.8 (9) Basic $999.00 Per User,Per Month Value for money 4.8 (9) 4.8 Based on 9 reviews ## Support, customer service and training options Customer Service 4.4 (15) 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 4.4 (15) 4.4 Based on 15 reviews ## User reviews Overall rating 4.5 Based on 15 reviews Filter by rating 5(10) 4(3) 3(1) 2(1) 1(0) Mentioned topic Sorted by most recent AU Anonymous User Librarian Non-Profit Organization Management ### "COHA ILS intergrates all library sections." 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 4.0 4.0 Features 5.0 5.0 Customer Service 4.0 4.0 Likelihood to Recommend 8/10 May 4, 2021 While upgrading to electronic system, KOHA ILS enabled us to retain fundamental features that are farmiliar to members of the community library. They include author-title-subject catalogue, reservations and renewing Pros I helped a community library to upgrade from a physical system to an electronic one. KOJA ILS enabled us to incorporate all facets of the physical system into separate electronic modules that work together as one ILS. KOHA ILS' online public access catalogue (OPAC) serves as a platform in which patrons engage the library. Besides search for information, the community members, on their own, reserve books and suggest new Library materials to be acquired. The acquisition module, on the other hand, enables the technical service department to be efficient in selecting, evaluating, budgeting and ordering resources. COHA ILS alerts staff about arrival of new resources. Catalogue module assists catalogers to publish accurate records in a time-saving manner. KOHA ILS' is MARC compliant, the community library simply imports bibliographic information of new additions from external databases. COHA ILS' circulation module provides collaboration between readers service personnel and patrons in order to achieve an efficient, equitable and effective circulation of library resources among the community library users. Checking-in and checking-out tasks are integrated with the OPAC such that borrowers are able to identify which resources are due for return. In addition, automatic alerts remind patrons about overdue resources. Cons I notice that sometimes staff with appropriate access rights unscrupulously settle patrons' fines. I wish the system is tighten enough to foil such malpractices Reasons for choosing Koha ILS KOHA ILS has all features of a typical library 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. MM Masimba M. Deputy Librarian Education Management ### "Koha the Choice!" 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 9/10 January 30, 2020 I have had 8 years experience working with Koha from implementation and role-out now. The experience has been phenomenal and my staff have embraced the flexibility of the software Pros Koha has an excellent user interface, Can be customised to suit the peculiar needs of the institutions. You can include patron pictures in patron record creation Provides offline module and back-up of files on daily basis Cons Koha requires IT support for updates and maintenance Alternatives considered [Mandarin](https://www.capterra.com/p/29128/Mandarin/) Reasons for choosing Koha ILS Koha is more user friendly and has all the modules and can be customised to our needs Review source Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. OP Obvious P. Bookkeeper Farming ### "Koha ILS : a suitable software program for universities, colleges and schools" 4.0 Overall Rating 4.0 4.0 Ease of Use 4.0 4.0 Features 4.0 4.0 Customer Service 4.0 4.0 Likelihood to Recommend 9/10 January 28, 2020 As Postgraduate university of Zimbabwe I find it easier to locate my study material through the use of Koha ILS OPAC (online public access catalogue). Koha also makes my research and assignments easier because i quickly get the relevant books, publications and journals. In general, I recommend library staff to use Koha ILS because it is an Integrated Library System (ILS) used to automate library jobs from, searching, inspecting or checking books in and out Pros The main advantages of Koha ILS are :Koha facilitates several functional necessities of a library management system. It offers the following acquisition, cataloguing, OPAC (online public access catalogue), circulation, and serial control. With rapid technological changes, Koha Integrated library management systems minimizes expenditure or costs and improve the efficiency of library facilities and functions. Koha implies computerization of the library which helps to reduce workload library staff and results in quick serving of clients and library users through the use of machine-readable cataloging. Koha ILS facilitates easy and quick access to books, journals and other publications and automation helps the library to be more flexible even when there is an increase in demand Cons The cons of Koha ILS are training costs because library workers must be trained to know how to use the software. Another disadvantage is that there is no offline access thus there is need for internet to access it. Review source Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. JM Jonathan M. Assistant Librarian Libraries ### "Happy Koha User" 4.0 Overall Rating 4.0 4.0 Ease of Use 5.0 5.0 Features 4.0 4.0 Customer Service 3.0 3.0 Likelihood to Recommend 9/10 January 28, 2020 I find Koha to be a more user friendly software which is user-driven.The system can be customized or expanded to suit the patrons' needs or institution’s requirements. Pros I found Koha to be very flexible and suitable for all types of libraries in all parts of the world. As an open source Integrated Library Management System, Koha can be downloaded and installed by libraries on their own. Cons In terms of technical support, Local ICT expertise is required to provide Koha support. In the absence of in-house expertise, an organisation may need to outsource help from a support company or consultancy. However, help is also freely available from the online community of Koha users. Review source Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. PM PRINCE M. Accounting Assistant Education Management ### "Research made easy by the use of koha " 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 January 17, 2020 koha is an excellent software and i would recommend it to any library that is serious about helping its students Pros I use this software when i was doing my masters at the university of Zimbabwe. One thing about the software is that you can access it from anywhere over the internet. Most importantly is its detailed documentation that help users to learn how it works. Cons So for i think this is the best library software i have used but however i think it being an open source software it might be prone to hackers. Review source Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. FM Frank M. Library Assistant Education Management ### "Skills and Knowledge" 2.0 Overall Rating 2.0 2.0 Ease of Use 2.0 2.0 Features 4.0 4.0 Customer Service 3.0 3.0 Likelihood to Recommend 4/10 January 16, 2020 Its slow in open and saving files. It has an option to forgive fines that i feel is a weakness of a software. After some few minutes of loging in , it shuts user of and requires loging in again of which thats an advantage Pros Can easily be orientated, user friendly therefore it needs training and practise Cons Consistancey you can not reliay on Koha records for i have realised some users coming to complain on notices sent to them but they do not really reflect from their accounts. A customer's account indicates that he or she has an overdue items but do not charge fines Switched from [Millenium](https://www.capterra.com/p/36629/Millenium/) Not sure why but it seemed costly for the organisation Review source Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. NS NOREST S. LIBRARY ASSISTANT Information Services ### "KOHA LIBRARY MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE" 3.0 Overall Rating 3.0 3.0 Ease of Use 3.0 3.0 Features 3.0 3.0 Customer Service 3.0 3.0 Likelihood to Recommend 7/10 January 16, 2020 Organizing and circulation of library materials using Koha. This gives the advantage of saving time for the reader and making sure that every material in the library is used. Pros Koha has the ability to collect all of the meta data that is required; through the cataloguing function, for easy retrieval of all library materials which includes books, audio visual materials, serials as well as electronic resources. This gives an advantage to library users as well as staff members as they are able to easily locate, retrieve and use the library materials. Cons The fact that the software is an open source is the biggest disadvantage, The organization risks losing all of the data to hackers. The software is not user friendly, intensive training is required for one to master all of the functions in the system. Review source Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. DM Dickson M. accounting assistant Education Management ### "koha library software" 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 January 10, 2020 makes access to library books, eresources and ebooks easy to find within the university library and has ability to decongest the library because of the easy to use and quick access. Pros you can customise it to your library specifications and needs and make adjustments to systems that do not meet your customer needs. the fact that its an open source makes it cheap for the organisation to use. Cons you require IT staff in the library to do updates and trouble shooting or you may need to consult outside if library has no IT staff, meaning extra costs. Review source Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. CM Caston M. Librarian Education Management ### "KOHA 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 November 8, 2018 The overall experience is wonderful, no regrets at all Pros Its user friendliness and the fact that it uses cloud computing for storage, hence eliminating all storage costs. This is a fantastic feature for library management system especially in the digital era. Cons There is a lot of fields duplication, which to some extend not necessary. 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. Dominic D. Software Developer ### "Nice application web application and can use also a biometric tools or rfid" 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 0/10 June 18, 2018 Pros I like this apps because this is a online application then installed in the Linux ubunto easy to maintain Cons for my past experience only the issue have encounter is to on the setup server but more less i handle it Review source Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. [View all Reviews](https://www.capterra.com/p/229051/Koha-ILS/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. Popular comparisons [Follett Destiny Library Manager vs Koha ILS](https://www.capterra.com/compare/8972-229051/Destiny-Library-Manager-vs-Koha-ILS)  Independent research methodology Capterra's researchers use a mix of verified reviews, independent research and objective methodologies to bring you selection and ranking information you can trust. While we may earn a referral fee when you visit a provider through our links or speak to an advisor, this has no influence on our research or methodology. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/resources/proprietary-data-research/) How Capterra verifies reviews Capterra carefully verified over 2.5 million+ reviews to bring you authentic software experiences from real users. Our human moderators verify that reviewers are real people and that reviews are authentic. They use leading tech to analyze text quality and to detect plagiarism and generative AI. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/resources/how-we-verify-reviews/) How Capterra ensures transparency Capterra lists all providers across its website—not just those that pay us—so that users can make informed purchase decisions. Capterra is free for users. Software providers pay us for sponsored profiles to receive web traffic and sales opportunities. Sponsored profiles include a link-out icon that takes users to the provider's website. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/resources/how-we-ensure-transparency/)