BookPlayer vs Prologue
BookPlayer
bookplayer.appPrologue
prologue.audioSide by side
| Figure | BookPlayer | Prologue |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 2 | 5 |
| Spec score · Audiobook Apps | 8.0 (#9) | 7.6 (#25) |
| Integrations | BookPlayer supports Audiobookshelf, Jellyfin, and automatic library tracking on Hardcover. | The app lists Plex and Audiobookshelf as supported library servers. |
| Support | The project directs bug reports and feature requests to GitHub issues or its Discord feedback forum. | The maker directs users to report issues or get in touch from its release page. |
Plans
Prologue
- FreeFree
- Prologue for Apple Watch$4.99, paid once
- Premium (Family Upgrade)$7.99, paid once
- Premium$9.99, paid once
- Premium (Family)$17.99, paid once
In their own words
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.
Prologue
Prologue is a self-hosted audiobook player for Plex and Audiobookshelf libraries. It can connect to either service or both, with offline downloads, collections, series, bookmarks, a reading list, statistics, and playback history. Playback controls include per-book settings, sleep timers, smart rewind after pauses, Voice Boost, and an equalizer. The maker lists iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Siri, widgets, and CarPlay support, with macOS also listed as a platform. Apple Watch can stream books being read or on the reading list, download books for offline listening, and use widgets and complications. Prologue says library data remains on your devices and that it does not store or handle Plex or Audiobookshelf passwords; access tokens are stored on-device. It collects pseudonymous usage and Apple Ads attribution data, and uses Sentry for crash reports that may include device and operating-system details. The App Store listing requires iOS 26.5 or later and lists iPad, Mac with Apple M1 or later, Apple Vision, and Apple Watch compatibility.