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SPECIFICTION
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Audiobookshelf

audiobookshelf.org

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Spec score 8.3 #4 of 32 in Audiobook Apps

What it is

Audiobookshelf is a free, open-source media server for audiobooks and podcasts that users host themselves. It supports multiple users with custom permissions and keeps each user’s playback progress synced across devices. Its beta Android and iOS apps support offline listening, alongside web access and Linux and Windows platform support. Users can find and apply metadata and cover art from several providers. Audiobook tools include chapter lookup and editing, metadata embedding, and merging audio files into one M4B. Podcast features include finding shows, downloading episodes automatically, and open RSS feeds for podcasts and audiobooks. Basic ebook support covers EPUB, PDF, CBR, and CBZ, with an ereader and an option to send books to a device such as Kindle. Scheduled backups include the database and metadata-directory cover images, but exclude media files and covers stored with library items. Docker is the recommended installation method. Audiobookshelf does not provide built-in remote access: users must configure a VPN or reverse proxy, and the server uses unencrypted HTTP.

Spec sheet

What it does
Audiobookshelf is an open-source, self-hosted media server for audiobooks and podcasts.Read 4 Oct 2026 · audiobookshelf.org
Support
The project directs users to its Discord community and GitHub repository for help.Read 4 Oct 2026 · audiobookshelf.org
Audiobook tools
The server includes a chapter editor and lookup, metadata embedding, and a tool to merge audio files into one M4B.Read 4 Oct 2026 · audiobookshelf.org
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.Read 4 Oct 2026 · audiobookshelf.org
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.Read 4 Oct 2026 · audiobookshelf.org
Installation
Docker is the recommended installation method; official documentation also lists Linux, Windows, and Podman installation options.Read 4 Oct 2026 · audiobookshelf.org
Listening
Its beta Android and iOS apps support offline listening.Read 4 Oct 2026 · audiobookshelf.org
Metadata
Users can look up and apply metadata and cover art from several providers.Read 4 Oct 2026 · audiobookshelf.org
Podcasts and RSS
Users can find podcasts, automatically download episodes, and access open RSS feeds for podcasts and audiobooks.Read 4 Oct 2026 · audiobookshelf.org
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.Read 4 Oct 2026 · audiobookshelf.org
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.Read 4 Oct 2026 · audiobookshelf.org
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.Read 4 Oct 2026 · audiobookshelf.org
Users and sync
The server supports multiple users with custom permissions and keeps each user’s playback progress synced across devices.Read 4 Oct 2026 · audiobookshelf.org
Who maintains it
The project FAQ says it began as a passion project by advplyr, who remains its main maintainer and contributor.Read 4 Oct 2026 · audiobookshelf.org

Plans and prices

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

Every Audiobookshelf plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Multiple users with custom permissions
  • Playback progress syncs across devices
  • Beta mobile apps support offline listening
  • Podcast episode downloads and open RSS feeds
  • Includes audiobook and basic ebook tools

Limits

  • Remote access requires a user-configured VPN or reverse proxy
  • Server serves unencrypted HTTP
  • Scheduled backups exclude media files
  • Mobile apps are beta

Who it suits

Audiobookshelf suits people who want to host audiobook and podcast libraries themselves, including households that need separate accounts and synced progress. It also offers basic ebook support.

Verdict

Audiobookshelf combines self-hosted audiobooks and podcasts with user accounts, syncing, and library tools. Users should plan their own remote-access setup and account for what scheduled backups exclude.

Where Specifiction places it

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