Your Library Card Is a Free Netflix Alternative—Here’s What You’re Missing

After Netflix’s recent price hike, scrolling through its library has felt more frustrating than usual. I'd been shackled to the service so long that I had no idea I had access to alternative free streaming with just my library card.

We've covered the best free streaming options and how they compare to cable — and here I compare Kanopy and Hoopla head-to-head so you can decide whether either one can replace what you're paying for.

Kanopy and Hoopla are two popular free streaming platforms available to U.S. library cardholders. While availability differs by region and library, most people have access to at least one, and many have access to both.

For both Kanopy and Hoopla, “free” means that these services are already funded by the library system, so they have no ads, no trial period that will auto-charge your account once it ends, and no need for you to pull out your credit card.

You will need a library membership to access these services, but those are free in virtually every U.S. city and county. However, not every library participates in funding these platforms, so you will need to check that your local library has access to these catalogs.

While these two services might seem interchangeable, there are some key differences worth knowing.

Both platforms have built-in library locator tools. You can also go to your library’s website and look for a “Digital Resources,” “Apps,” or “Services” section, or simply search “[your city] library Kanopy” or “[your city] library Hoopla.”

To use Kanopy's library locator:

• Go to kanopy.com
• Click "Get Started"
• Click "Find Your Library" (or "Find Your University," if you're a student or faculty member)
• Type your library's name, city, or zip code into the search bar
• Select "Select This Library" and create your account

To use Hoopla's library locator:

• Go to hoopladigital.com
• Click "Get Started"
• Click "Let's Go!"
• Type your library's name, city, or zip code into the search bar
• Select "Next" and create your account

Once you're in, check your library's specific borrow limits — they vary more than you'd expect, and Kanopy's play cap in particular can differ by system.

No library card? The process to get one is usually free and can often be done online in minutes. It’s worth a look!

Not every library has access to both platforms — in fact, my main local library has access to Kanopy but not Hoopla — and some don't offer either. But you still have options!

If your library isn't on Hoopla, the platform can forward a request on your behalf. Similarly, Kanopy recommends contacting your library directly to let them know you are interested.

Alternatively, you can try getting another library membership at a neighboring system — each library can have different requirements for getting a card, and some metro areas even allow cross-system cards, so it's worth searching the libraries near you.

These services won't replace Netflix for everyone, but they might be better alternatives for specific viewers, such as film fans, families, light streamers, or anyone mid-cancellation. Free streaming with your library card is hard to beat. And at the very least, it’s worth five minutes to check if these services work for you. If you’re anxious about the money you’re spending on cable or streaming, our best streaming services guide can help you figure out what's actually worth keeping. Either way, check your library's digital resources page today.