FOLIO vs Surpass

FOLIO7.9Visit Surpass7.8Visit

Higher score FOLIO #3 in Library Management 7.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 2 features Visit FOLIO

vs

Surpass #7 in Library Management 7.8/10 Paid ✓ 0 of 2 features Visit Surpass

• FOLIO fits best

  Academic and larger libraries seeking an open platform

• Surpass fits best

  Schools seeking OneRoster SIS sync

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Side by side

Feature	FOLIO 7.9/10 Visit ↗	Surpass 7.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	7.9	7.8
Ranking	#3 in Library Management	#7 in Library Management
Best for	Academic and larger libraries seeking an open platform	Schools seeking OneRoster SIS sync
Pricing model	Free	Paid
Starting price	Free plan	$55/mo
Free plan	✓ (best)	—
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Cloud, Self-hosted	Cloud, Desktop
Platforms	Web	Web, Windows
Support	Docs	Docs
Integrations	16 integrations	6 integrations
Built for	Mid-market, Enterprise	Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features FOLIO 2/2 · Surpass 0/2
Circulation management	✓ (best)	Not checked yet
Acquisition tools	✓ (best)	Not checked yet
Specs
Cataloging standards	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Deployment	Both	Cloud
Patron limit	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Supported languages	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Our review
Pros	Covers inventory, cataloging, acquisitions, e-resources and circulation Modular applications use an API-driven architecture Integrates with systems including OCLC WorldCat, VuFind and Shibboleth	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
Cons	Requires libraries to choose and operate applications or arrange hosting Commercial hosting and support may be separate from the free software Support channel listed is documentation	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
Our verdict	FOLIO is an open-source library services platform from the Open Library Foundation, built for libraries managing print and electronic resources. Its applications cover inventory and bibliographic management, acquisitions, electronic… 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

• FOLIO — where it wins

  • Covers inventory, cataloging, acquisitions, e-resources and circulation
  • Modular applications use an API-driven architecture
  • Integrates with systems including OCLC WorldCat, VuFind and Shibboleth

  Where it doesn't

  • Requires libraries to choose and operate applications or arrange hosting
  • Commercial hosting and support may be separate from the free software
  • Support channel listed is documentation

• 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

• FOLIO7.9/10 · Free plan

  A modular library platform spanning cataloging, acquisitions, e-resources and circulation.

  Visit FOLIOFull 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 →