Calibre-Web vs Readest

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.

Readest is an ebook reader for EPUB, PDF, MOBI, AZW3, FB2, CBZ and TXT files, with additional listed support for ZIP and Markdown. Readers can highlight, bookmark, take notes and search across their ebook library. Parallel Read presents two books together with synchronized scrolling and navigation. The app can translate passages, look up words in Wiktionary or Wikipedia, and read books aloud using on-device, browser or cloud text-to-speech. It connects to OPDS catalogs and calibre libraries, and can export highlights to Readwise or Hardcover. Readest runs on the web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android, and supports screen readers and offline reading. The software is open source under AGPL-3.0. Ebooks, notes, highlights and bookmarks are stored locally by default; optional third-party cloud sync requires a paid plan. The free plan includes 500 MB of cloud storage, and paid plans start at $4.99/mo.