Hoopla Review
Hoopla brings public library content into a single digital platform, with access to audiobooks, eBooks, comics, movies, TV, magazines, and music on any screen. Content can be streamed instantly or downloaded for offline use on phones and tablets.
Instant borrowing powers access to audiobooks, eBooks, comics, movies, TV, magazines, and music with no holds or wait times. Titles stream immediately or switch to offline download for playback on mobile devices.
A curated library system controls availability at the source, with titles rotating based on what each participating library licenses. BingePass collections bundle related content into a single borrow, expanding what can be accessed in one step.
The catalog syncs across devices, so progress carries over between computers, mobiles, car systems, and TVs. Everything runs through a participating library, with access unlocked using a library card and no cost at checkout. Titles vary by library’s collection.
Tiers
Hoopla offers a fully free experience, unlocked with something many people already have: a public library card. That card is the key to accessing the entire platform.
Once connected, you can borrow audiobooks, eBooks, movies, TV shows, comics, magazines, and music at no cost. Access comes through your local library, so availability and monthly borrowing limits depend on that library’s catalog and policies.
Everything syncs across devices, and most titles can be streamed instantly or downloaded for offline use. As long as your library participates and your card is active, the entire catalog is open to you without any subscription or payment.
Content
Hoopla offers a large collection of audiobooks, eBooks, comics, movies, TV shows, magazines, and music all in one place. Everything is organized for quick browsing across different types of digital content.
The catalogs are updated often with trending titles, popular picks, and curated collections across every category. Audiobooks, comics, movies, television, and music each feature their own highlighted selections.
Access depends on a participating library and an active library card. Once connected, a wide mix of entertainment and reading options becomes available at any time.
100,000+
The music library has hundreds of thousands of albums, all available free through a valid public library card. The catalog includes chart-topping releases alongside more niche genres, creating a wide mix of options in one place.
Popular categories include country, rock, soundtracks, Christian, classical, and relaxing or meditation-focused music. Full albums are a core part of the experience, allowing complete playback from start to finish rather than just individual tracks.
Music can be streamed across devices, including in-car systems like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as TVs through Roku. Albums can also be downloaded to mobile devices for offline playback.
There are no ads and no holds, so albums are ready to play instantly. The entire collection remains open for browsing, streaming, and downloading at any time.
Features
Hoopla gives instant access to thousands of audiobooks with no holds or waitlists. The catalog includes bestselling fiction, major series, and classic literature in full-length narration.
Downloads support offline listening on mobile devices, with playback across phones, tablets, and in-car systems like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Audiobooks also stream on TVs through Roku.
Podcast content includes audio series, educational programs, and story-based collections, including kids’ programming through GoKidGo Universe BingePass, plus select podcast-style series listed under audiobooks.
Simultaneous Streams
Simultaneous streaming on Hoopla is not supported under a single account. One device can stream at a time using the same login, so playback is limited to one active session per account.
Profiles
Hoopla links access directly to a public library card, with each account tied to one library card and one email address. A single library card can be used to create and maintain one account.
Each account reflects the borrowing limits and catalog set by the associated library. Multiple library cards require separate accounts, since each card connects to a different library system and its own borrowing rules.
Offline Downloads
Hoopla includes offline downloads, so music is accessible without an internet connection. A valid public library card and the app are all that’s needed to download albums directly to a device.
This feature works well for commutes, workouts, and travel, including flights with no WiFi. Full albums can be downloaded and played from start to finish, giving a more complete listening experience than single tracks.
After logging in with library credentials, browse the music catalog, borrow an album, and select the download option in the app. Once saved, titles appear in the “My Titles” section for quick access.
Downloads can be removed to free up space without returning the borrowed item, then added again anytime before the due date.
Hoopla includes a growing selection of podcasts available free with a public library card. The catalog features audio series, educational programs, and storytelling content across a range of topics.
Kids’ programming stands out through the GoKidGo Universe BingePass, unlocking ad-free, story-based podcasts with original episodes. Some podcast-style series are also listed under audiobooks, including titles like Classic Tales Podcast.
BingePass access opens themed podcast collections for extended listening, covering both entertainment and educational audio.
Hoopla has thousands of audiobooks featuring bestselling titles, popular series, and classic literature from well-known authors.
The catalog features major series such as Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and The Hunger Games, plus classics like The Great Gatsby and a wide selection of Scholastic titles. Full-length narration presents each story in a continuous listening format.
Titles stream online or download for offline use on Apple, Android, and Kindle Fire devices. Playback also works through Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Roku across different devices.
Parental Controls
Kids Mode is designed to limit access to age-appropriate content for children 12 and under. The mode filters the catalog to books, movies, and music suited for younger audiences.
It can be turned on in the settings and secured with a 4-digit PIN.
International Access
Access to hoopla is limited to participating libraries in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Downloaded ebooks, audiobooks, and music remain available while traveling abroad. Movies and television streaming may face restrictions outside North America due to licensing limits.
Compatible Devices
Hoopla is compatible with these devices:
- Amazon Fire TV
- Apple TV 4K
- Google Chromecast
- Roku
- Android TV
- iPhone/iPad
- Android Phone/Tablet
- Mac
- Windows
- Sony Smart TV
Hoopla is not compatible with PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, LG Smart TV, Samsung Smart TV, VIZIO Smart TV, or onn devices.
