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Tech riderRev. 4 Oct 2026

Audiobookshelf

Ch 047.4of 32 Audiobook Apps
  1. 1Runs onAndroid, API, iOS, Linux, self-hosted, Web, Windows
  2. 2CostsFree plan
  3. 3Offline listeningYes
  4. 4Mobile platformsios and android
4 lines stated Written from the maker's own pages: audiobookshelf.org
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The Audiobookshelf homepage

Overview

Audiobookshelf is ranked #4 of 32 in audiobook apps on Specifiction. It runs on Android, API, iOS, Linux, Self-hosted, Web, Windows. There is a free plan.

Audiobookshelf plans and pricing

All plans
Audiobookshelf self-hosted server Free Self-hosted audiobook and podcast server; no paid plans or price listed on the official pages opened audiobookshelf.org · 4 Oct 2026

Compared on audiobook apps

Offline listening
Yesaudiobookshelf.org
Mobile platforms
ios and androidaudiobookshelf.org

Facts

What it does
Audiobookshelf is an open-source, self-hosted media server for audiobooks and podcasts.audiobookshelf.org · 4 Oct 2026
Listening
Its beta Android and iOS apps support offline listening.audiobookshelf.org · 4 Oct 2026
Users and sync
The server supports multiple users with custom permissions and keeps each user’s playback progress synced across devices.audiobookshelf.org · 4 Oct 2026
Metadata
Users can look up and apply metadata and cover art from several providers.audiobookshelf.org · 4 Oct 2026
Audiobook tools
The server includes a chapter editor and lookup, metadata embedding, and a tool to merge audio files into one M4B.audiobookshelf.org · 4 Oct 2026
Podcasts and RSS
Users can find podcasts, automatically download episodes, and access open RSS feeds for podcasts and audiobooks.audiobookshelf.org · 4 Oct 2026
Ebooks
Basic ebook support covers EPUB, PDF, CBR, and CBZ, with an ereader and an option to send books to a device such as Kindle.audiobookshelf.org · 4 Oct 2026
Backups
The server supports scheduled backups, which include its database and metadata-directory cover images but not media files or covers stored with library items.audiobookshelf.org · 4 Oct 2026
Installation
Docker is the recommended installation method; official documentation also lists Linux, Windows, and Podman installation options.audiobookshelf.org · 4 Oct 2026
Remote access
Audiobookshelf does not provide built-in remote access; users must configure their own VPN or reverse proxy, and the server serves unencrypted HTTP.audiobookshelf.org · 4 Oct 2026
Security reporting
The project asks users to report security issues through GitHub private vulnerability reporting, with email or private Discord message as alternatives; response times vary.audiobookshelf.org · 4 Oct 2026
Third-party clients
Community client apps are not maintained or security-tested by the Audiobookshelf team, and some may use outdated API endpoints that cause problems.audiobookshelf.org · 4 Oct 2026
Support
The project directs users to its Discord community and GitHub repository for help.audiobookshelf.org · 4 Oct 2026
Who maintains it
The project FAQ says it began as a passion project by advplyr, who remains its main maintainer and contributor.audiobookshelf.org · 4 Oct 2026

Best Audiobookshelf alternatives

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All accessCh 01 Playary Free planAndroidiOS Free to start7.8 All accessCh 02 Bookmate Free planFree trialAndroid Free to start7.5 All accessCh 03 Audible Free trialAndroidiOS from $8.99/mo7.4 All accessCh 05 Hoopla Free planAndroidiOS Free to start7.2 All accessCh 06 Kobo Books Free trialAndroidiOS from $7.99/mo7.2 All accessCh 07 AudiobooksNow Free trialAndroidiOS from $3/mo7.1

Where it ranks on Specifiction

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