Compare software

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

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