Compare software

Kiwix vs Kolibri: catalog facts
Kiwix	Kolibri
Free No pricing details given for the reader and server applications.	Free Free and open source under the MIT licence, developed by the non-profit Learning Equality.
Self-hosted, Browser extension	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, Self-hosted
Lets large reference libraries be used entirely offline once downloaded Available as both a personal reader and a server for sharing content locally	Works entirely offline once content is downloaded, served over a local network Learner accounts, classes, lesson and quiz assignment, and coach progress reports
Large reference archives require significant storage space Content must be downloaded in advance, so it is not useful for live or changing information	Someone has to download and curate the content channels first Setting up a server and a local network is real administration work
Self-hosted, Downloadable app, Browser extension	Downloadable app, Self-hosted
Closed source	Open source
License not stated	License: MIT
Not stated if an account is needed	No account needed
Not stated if it works offline	Works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 22, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 21, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.