BookPlayer vs SimplyE
BookPlayer
bookplayer.appSimplyE
librarysimplified.orgSide by side
| Figure | BookPlayer | SimplyE |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 2 | 1 |
| Spec score · Audiobook Apps | 8.0 (#9) | 7.4 (#30) |
| Accessibility | The iOS app lists VoiceOver support, and the Android project lists TalkBack support. | The Library Simplified platform describes its technology as using interoperable and accessible standards. |
| Integrations | BookPlayer supports Audiobookshelf, Jellyfin, and automatic library tracking on Hardcover. | Listed providers include OverDrive, Axis360, cloudLibrary, DPLA Exchange, EBSCO NoveList, BiblioBoard, Odilo, and RBdigital. |
| Support | The project directs bug reports and feature requests to GitHub issues or its Discord feedback forum. | Library Simplified service providers offer setup and onboarding, plus low-cost front-line support for libraries. |
Plans
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.
SimplyE
SimplyE was a free library e-reading app for browsing, borrowing, and reading e-books, with audiobook support from Findaway and OverDrive. Patrons could sign in once with a library card and reach materials from listed providers in one place, including OverDrive, Axis360, cloudLibrary, DPLA Exchange, EBSCO NoveList, BiblioBoard, Odilo, and RBdigital. The app connected to a library’s existing card web application and supported instant card sign-up through the app. Reading controls included font, font size, and background-color adjustments, plus OpenDyslexic and screen-reader compatibility. E-books could use Adobe DRM, while audiobooks used Findaway or OverDrive rights management. SimplyE was listed for Android, iOS, and web, but the app retired in August 2025. It did not render Kindle AZW files or Adobe-encrypted PDFs and did not work on e-ink devices. Library Simplified describes the platform as open-source and provides source code for organizational customization.