The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Start with your library and the audiobook you want: access, catalog, and borrowing rules are set locally, so neither Libby nor Hoopla is a universal winner. If your library offers both, search for the exact title in each app. Libby is useful for library catalogs, holds, and offline listening in its mobile app; Hoopla offers immediate borrowing for available Instant titles and also includes other media.
Libby vs. Hoopla at a glance
| What to compare | Libby | Hoopla |
|---|---|---|
| Access | Requires a library card for each library you want to use; you can add multiple libraries and cards. Libby Help | Requires a valid card from a library that offers Hoopla. Hoopla Support |
| Availability | Items unavailable to borrow immediately may be placed on hold. Libby Help | Instant titles can be borrowed immediately; some libraries also offer Flex titles, which may be available or waitlisted. Hoopla The Loop |
| Borrowing limits | Set by the library; audiobook and ebook loans count toward the loan limit. Libby Help | Limits and available content vary by library; personal and collective limits may apply. Hoopla Support |
| Offline listening | The mobile app downloads audiobooks over Wi-Fi by default. The website requires an internet connection. Libby Help | Supports streaming and downloads, but download availability should be checked for the specific title. Hoopla Support |
| Other formats | Library books, audiobooks, magazines, and Extras. Libby Help | Audiobooks, ebooks, comics and manga, movies, TV, music, and other offerings. Hoopla Support |
Which app has the audiobook you want?
Catalogs are specific to each participating library. A title might be missing from one service, available right away in another, or temporarily unavailable. Search the exact audiobook in the apps your library supports rather than assuming one has a larger or faster catalog.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Libby: holds and library collections
If a Libby title is checked out, you can place a hold and borrow it when it becomes available. The pickup window for a ready hold is limited. Some libraries have partner-library arrangements that can make additional titles available, but partner terms may differ from your home library’s rules. Libby Help
Hoopla: Instant and Flex titles
Hoopla labels some titles Instant, meaning they can be borrowed immediately when available through your library. Some libraries also offer Flex titles, which can involve holds. The titles a library offers depend on licensing, its budget, and its lending policies, so “Instant” does not mean every Hoopla title is always available. Hoopla The Loop
#1 Best Overall
- The Perkins Library proudly announces the all new 16GB Blank Cartridge that can hold about 1600 hours of talking book audio to get more audio storage for less money
- Now available in 4GB, 8GB and 16GB to give you more audio storage for less money with a new raised print feature to allow the visually impaired to quickly determine the cartridge capacity.
- Can be used to store & play books that are downloaded from the National Library Service BARD website.
- This cartridge works with the American Printing House for the Blind’s Book Port DT, and APH's Joy Player. (Note: APH's Joy Player is not enabled to play NLS Talking Books but is compatible with MP3 and Daisy file formats
- This cartridge is primarily used for blind, visually impaired, or reading disabled people that are registered with the National Library Service program through each state’s affiliated library.
Who sets the loan limits?
Your library sets the rules, not a universal Libby-versus-Hoopla standard. Libby states, “Your library chooses how many loans and holds you can have at a time.” Audiobook and ebook loans count toward Libby’s loan limit. Hoopla’s borrowing limits and available content also vary by library, and its support documentation describes personal monthly limits as well as a collective daily cap. Check your library’s current limits in each service rather than relying on a general number. Libby Help · Hoopla Support
Can you listen offline?
Libby
In the Libby mobile app, books and audiobooks download over Wi-Fi by default, so you can listen offline after the download completes. Libby’s website always needs an internet connection. Libby Help
Rank #2
- Listen to audiobooks offline
- Browse or search hundreds of books
- Shortlist your favourite books
- Cast and play audiobooks on mobile, Chrome cast (Google Cast), Android TV or Android Auto
Hoopla
Hoopla supports streaming and downloads, but download availability can depend on the selected title. Check the audiobook’s options in the app before you rely on offline listening. Hoopla Support
Do you want books only, or more media?
Hoopla can be useful if you want one library service for audiobooks alongside ebooks, comics and manga, movies, TV, music, and other available formats. Libby focuses on library books, audiobooks, magazines, and Extras. What appears in either app depends on your library’s collection and service access. Hoopla Support · Libby Help
Rank #3
- This 4GB Blank Cartridge can hold about 400 hours of talking book audio and can be used to store & play books that are downloaded from the National Library Service BARD website.
- Now available in 4GB, 8GB and 16GB to give you more audio storage for less money with a new raised print feature to allow the visually impaired to quickly determine the cartridge capacity.
- This cartridge works with the American Printing House for the Blind’s Book Port DT, and APH's Joy Player. (Note: APH's Joy Player is not enabled to play NLS Talking Books but is compatible with MP3 and Daisy file formats
- This cartridge is primarily used for blind, visually impaired, or reading disabled people that are registered with the National Library Service program through each state’s affiliated library.
- Be sure to check our full line all of products for the NLS Talking Book Player including our new line of Perkins Library brand cartridges.
How to choose for your library
- Check your library’s website to see whether it offers Libby, Hoopla, or both, and confirm that your card is eligible.
- Search for the exact audiobook in every service your library supports. Look at whether it is available now, can be held, or is a Hoopla Instant or Flex title.
- Check your local loan and hold limits, including any rules that apply to partner-library borrowing.
- If offline listening matters, confirm the title’s download option and use the relevant mobile app; Libby’s website requires an internet connection.
If your library offers both services, you can use both. The better choice for a particular listen is the one where your library has the title under borrowing terms and availability that work for you.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 🎧 Pure Music & Audiobook Player – No Ads, No Distractions: A dedicated player with no notifications, no algorithms, just your content. Preloaded with a native Music app and VLC for playing local MP3, FLAC, WAV, OGG, and WMA files – alongside essential audiobook apps for offline listening. Works as both an portable audio player and audio book reader.
- 📖 Preloaded with Audiobook & Ebook Apps: Comes with classic audiobook apps including LibriVox (45,000+ free classics), Audiobooks, and preloaded VLC for M4B/FLAC/MP3/WAV/AAC support. Use it as a dedicated audiobook player, just drag and drop your files. Also includes an ebook reader supporting EPUB/PDF/MOBI/TXT.
- 🔋 Ultra-Portable & Long Battery Life – 35H Playback: Weighs only 4.3 oz (about 119g) and fits any pocket. Enjoy 35 hours of music and audiobook playback – even longer for reading books. A reliable portable audio player for travel, commute, or outdoor activities.
- 💾 Huge Expandable Storage & Loud Built-in Speaker: Expandable up to 1TB via microSD – store thousands of songs and audiobooks. The loud built‑in speaker delivers room‑filling sound. Simple USB‑C file transfer for drag‑and‑drop loading.
- 🛡️ Closed System – Privacy & Security First: No app store. No third‑party app installations. This dedicated audio book player runs on a closed OS – your privacy and security are fully protected. No malware, no data leaks. A trusted MP3 player with Bluetooth and WiFi. The closed system also provides a safer environment for kids and reduces risks for elderly users. Note: If you need to update the app, please contact customer service for instructions on how to do so.
Rank #4
- 【Operate Less, Smile More】 One-touch music playback and large, uniquely colored buttons. The adjustable volume switch is located on the side of the simple music player to better prevent accidental touching. They make it easy for seniors, Dementia, Alzheimers, Visually Impaired, Low Vision, memory loss, had a stroke, mentally handicap patients and others to enjoy music.
- 【Just Plug and Play】 This audiobook player for elderly requires no wifi and bluetooth. Just download music/audiobooks on the TF card, plug in the point and use it. Simple and few operations greatly reduce the hassle of charge life and the tediousness of connection.
- 【32GB of Memory & Fast Downloads】 The easy music player for elderly have enough memory to download more than 5,000 songs or audiobooks from CDs or other devices to play on your music player for dementia patients. You can even try downloading 100 songs a minute.
- 【Playback Memory】 The dementia music player supports Stop Memory, Playback Switch, Folder Switch. When you turn on the music or audiobook again, the music player with speaker will continue to play the music before mp3 player speaker was turned off. So don't worry about readjusting the progress button.
- 【Additionally】Unique retro design, high quality sound. It is a cost-effective music player for seniors. Whether you use it at home, nursing home, assisted living home or other places, it is a good simple mp3 player.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
