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Calibre-Web

github.com

Free plan WebWindowsmacOSLinuxSelf-hosted
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Spec score 8.1 #9 of 27 in Ebook Reader Software

What it is

Calibre-Web is a web app for browsing, reading, and downloading eBooks stored in a Calibre database. Its library tools include advanced search and filtering, custom shelves, metadata editing, and plugin-based metadata downloads. It supports in-browser reading for multiple formats and accepts uploads in various formats, including audio. An OPDS feed lets reader apps access the library, and a one-click option sends eBooks to e-readers. Kobo devices can sync with the library when the optional Kepubify tool is installed. Administrators can manage users and per-user permissions, restrict downloads for logged-in users, allow public registration, and hide content by category. Authentication options include LDAP, Google and GitHub OAuth, and proxy authentication. The project is GPL v3 licensed and free. Supported platforms are web, Windows, macOS, Linux, and self-hosted deployments. The README recommends pip installation in a Python virtual environment and also links to pre-built LinuxServer Docker images for x64 and aarch64.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Calibre-Web is a web app for browsing, reading, and downloading eBooks stored in a Calibre database.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Support
The project points users to its wiki FAQ and Discord community for help, and asks bug reporters to file issues in the repository.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
License
The project is licensed under the GPL v3 License.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Access management
It provides user management with per-user permissions, logged-in-user download restrictions, public registration, and category-based content hiding.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Authentication
Supported authentication options include LDAP, Google and GitHub OAuth, and proxy authentication.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Installation
The README recommends installation with pip in a Python virtual environment and also links to pre-built Docker images for LinuxServer x64 and aarch64.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Kobo
Calibre-Web can sync Kobo devices with a Calibre library; Kobo support requires the optional Kepubify tool.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Library tools
Features include advanced search and filtering, custom shelves, metadata editing, and metadata downloads through extensible plugins.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Reader integrations
An OPDS feed lets eBook reader apps access the library, and the app can send eBooks to e-readers with one click.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Reading
It supports in-browser reading for multiple formats and can upload books in various formats, including audio formats.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Requirements
The README requires Python 3.7 or newer and says ImageMagick is needed for EPUB cover extraction.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Security reporting
The security policy asks users to report security issues to the email address listed there and says to upgrade to the latest version to receive vulnerability fixes.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Wiki readers
The project wiki says four eBook readers are available and identifies EPUB, comics, TXT, and PDF readers.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com

Plans and prices

Calibre-Web Free GPL v3 licensed software · requires a Calibre database Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com

Every Calibre-Web plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free under the GPL v3 license
  • Supports in-browser reading and e-reader access
  • Includes user permissions and category-based content hiding
  • Supports LDAP and Google and GitHub OAuth
  • Offers search, filtering, and custom shelves

Limits

  • Requires a Calibre database
  • Kobo sync requires the optional Kepubify tool
  • Requires Python 3.7 or newer
  • ImageMagick is needed for EPUB cover extraction

Who it suits

Calibre-Web suits people who want to browse and read a Calibre library through a web app, or provide access to a library for multiple users. Its user permissions and authentication options may suit administrators managing access.

Verdict

Calibre-Web provides library browsing, reading, and access controls around a Calibre database, at no software cost. Installation has stated prerequisites, and Kobo syncing depends on an optional tool.

Where Specifiction places it

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