Audiobookshelf
Self-hosted audiobook and podcast server with progress sync and mobile apps.
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About Audiobookshelf
Audiobookshelf is an open-source server built specifically for audiobooks and podcasts, things general media servers handle poorly. It keeps listening progress per user and syncs it across devices, fetches metadata and cover art from several providers, includes a chapter editor and tools to merge files into a single M4B or embed metadata, and can search for, subscribe to and auto-download podcast episodes. Companion Android and iOS apps support offline listening, and there is basic ebook reading with send-to-Kindle. Multiple users get their own permissions and progress. It runs in Docker or on Linux, Windows and other systems, and it is free under the GPL v3, maintained by a single lead developer and contributors. The mobile apps are still labelled beta, and its focus means you will still want another server for movies and music.
Best for: Audiobook and podcast listeners who want an Audible-style library they host themselves.
Pros and cons
What works
- Per-user progress synced across devices
- Good metadata lookup and chapter tools
- Podcast subscriptions with auto-download
Why people leave
- Mobile apps are still labelled beta
- Only for audiobooks, podcasts and basic ebooks
- Relies heavily on one lead developer
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Audiobookshelf: common questions
Is Audiobookshelf free?
Yes. Audiobookshelf is free, open-source software that you can host yourself.
Is Audiobookshelf open source?
Yes. The source code is on GitHub at advplyr/audiobookshelf. You can also run it on your own server.
What platforms does Audiobookshelf run on?
Audiobookshelf is available for Self-hosted, Web, iOS and Android.
What are the best alternatives to Audiobookshelf?
The highest-ranked Audiobookshelf alternatives right now are Plex, Jellyfin and Kavita. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.