Audiobookshelf vs BookPlayer
Audiobookshelf
audiobookshelf.orgBookPlayer
bookplayer.appSide by side
| Figure | Audiobookshelf | BookPlayer |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Spec score · Audiobook Apps | 8.3 (#4) | 8.0 (#9) |
| Support | The project directs users to its Discord community and GitHub repository for help. | The project directs bug reports and feature requests to GitHub issues or its Discord feedback forum. |
Plans
In their own words
Audiobookshelf
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.
BookPlayer
BookPlayer is an audiobook player for DRM-free audiobooks, available on iOS, Android, and macOS. It plays M4B, M4A, MP3, and FLAC files, with chapter navigation, speed controls, smart rewind, volume boost, and an adjustable sleep timer. Library tools track progress, mark books finished, sort titles, and organize them into playlists or folders. Audiobooks can be imported through AirDrop, Files, iTunes File Sharing, ZIP archives, or personal Audiobookshelf and Jellyfin servers. On Android, users can also download or stream from those servers, including through Quick Connect and single sign-on. BookPlayer supports Audiobookshelf and Jellyfin, and automatic library tracking on Hardcover. VoiceOver support is listed for iOS and TalkBack for Android. The free plan includes core playback. BookPlayer Pro adds cloud sync, standalone Apple Watch playback, themes, and alternative app icons. Pro stores library files, progress, and bookmarks on its servers; its subscription is payable monthly or annually, with the price displayed in the app. The iOS project is licensed under GNU GPL version 3.0.