Head-to-head · Library Management
Evergreen vs Surpass
Evergreen leads on 1 check, Surpass on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreEvergreen · 7.9/10
- Free planonly Evergreen
- Most featuresEvergreen · 2 of 2
Evergreen scores higher on our rubric for library management: 7.9 against 7.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #5 and #7.
Evergreen offers free plan; Surpass doesn't. On deployment, Evergreen gives you On-premises where Surpass offers Cloud.
Evergreen is the better fit for libraries seeking free, self-hosted core functionality. Surpass is the better fit for schools seeking OneRoster SIS sync.
- Evergreen fits best
Libraries seeking free, self-hosted core functionality
- Surpass fits best
Schools seeking OneRoster SIS sync
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Side by side
| Feature | Evergreen 7.9/10 Visit ↗ | Surpass 7.8/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 7.9 | 7.8 |
| Ranking | #5 in Library Management | #7 in Library Management |
| Best for | Libraries seeking free, self-hosted core functionality | Schools seeking OneRoster SIS sync |
| Pricing model | Free | Paid |
| Starting price | Free plan | $55/mo |
| Free plan | ✓ (best) | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Self-hosted | Cloud, Desktop |
| Platforms | Web | Web, Windows |
| Support | Community, Docs | Docs |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Evergreen 2/2 · Surpass 0/2 | ||
| Circulation management | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Acquisition tools | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Cataloging standards | MARC, MARCXML; Z39.50 record import | Not checked yet |
| Deployment | On-premises | Cloud |
| Patron limit | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Supported languages | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Evergreen is an open-source library automation system for small institutions through large consortia. Its staff interface covers circulation, check-in, holds, and cataloging, while a public access catalog lets patrons discover materials.… Read the review → |
Surpass is library management software for school librarians and other library organizations. It brings cataloging, circulation, renewals, holds, patron management, notices, and a public catalog into one system, with self-check stations… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Evergreen — where it wins
- Supports circulation, check-in, and hold management
- Catalogs MARC records and imports MARC, MARCXML, and Z39.50 records
- Includes acquisitions ordering, budget, and invoice tracking
Where it doesn't
- Self-hosted deployment requires libraries to manage hosting
- Support, migration, and development services may cost extra
- No AI features are included
Surpass — where it wins
- Combines cataloging, circulation, holds, notices, and a public catalog
- OneRoster-compatible integration synchronizes student and staff records
- Plans include self-check, reporting, and multi-location options
Where it doesn't
- The $55 monthly starting plan is designated for congregational libraries
- OneRoster integration appears on Small and higher plans, not Congregational
- Support channels listed are documentation only
- Evergreen7.9/10 · Free plan
Free, self-hosted library automation with circulation, cataloging, and acquisitions.
Visit EvergreenFull verdict → - Surpass7.8/10 · Paid
A school-oriented library system with OneRoster sync and plans starting at $55 per month, billed annually.
Visit SurpassFull verdict →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update