KOReader vs Open Library
A side-by-side comparison of two self-hosted e-books & media library options — licensing, setup difficulty, resource needs, and what each one replaces.
Not the right match-up?
KOReader
Document and ebook reader for e-ink and mobile devices
VS
Open Library
Open, editable catalog and library platform for books
| Feature | KOReader | Open Library |
|---|---|---|
| Category | E-books & Media Library | E-books & Media Library |
| License | AGPL-3.0 | AGPL-3.0 |
| Language | Lua | Python |
| Setup difficulty | Medium | Hard |
| Min. RAM | 256 MB | 4,096 MB |
| Deployment | binary, source | docker |
| GitHub stars | ★ 28,800 | ★ 6,597 |
| First released | 2012 | 2007 |
| Replaces | Kindle, Pocketbook reader | Goodreads |
Why pick each one
Choose KOReader if…
- Released under the AGPL-3.0 license
- Mature project with 28.8k GitHub stars
- Written in Lua
- Tiny footprint — runs in 256 MB RAM
Frequently asked questions
Is KOReader or Open Library better?
KOReader is the stronger all-round pick: it has both the larger community and the simpler medium setup. Consider Open Library if its specific feature set fits your needs better.
Are KOReader and Open Library free and open-source?
Yes. KOReader is licensed under AGPL-3.0 and Open Library under AGPL-3.0. Both can be self-hosted at no software cost.
Can I run KOReader and Open Library with Docker?
KOReader: check the project docs for container support. Open Library: yes.