Audiobookshelf is a free, open-source server for managing audiobooks and podcasts on a system you host yourself. It supports multiple users with custom permissions and keeps playback progress in sync across their devices. Beta apps for Android and iOS support offline listening, alongside web access and listed Linux and Windows platforms. For audiobooks, users can find metadata and cover art, edit or look up chapters, embed metadata, and combine audio files into an M4B. Podcast tools include finding shows, automatic episode downloads, and open RSS feeds. Basic ebook support covers EPUB, PDF, CBR, and CBZ, with an ereader and an option to send books to a device such as Kindle. Docker is the recommended installation method; Linux, Windows, and Podman options are also documented. Scheduled backups cover the database and metadata-directory cover images, not media files or covers stored with library items. Remote access is not built in: users need to configure a VPN or reverse proxy, and the server serves unencrypted HTTP.
Who it is for
Audiobookshelf suits people who want to host and manage audiobook and podcast libraries for multiple users. It may also suit readers who want basic ebook support alongside audio.
What is good
- Free and open source.
- Syncs each user's playback progress across devices.
- Beta Android and iOS apps support offline listening.
- Includes chapter tools and M4B merging.
- Supports several ebook formats and an ereader.
What to know first
- Remote access requires a user-configured VPN or reverse proxy.
- The server serves unencrypted HTTP.
- Scheduled backups exclude media files and some covers.
- Mobile apps are beta.
Verdict
Audiobookshelf combines self-hosted audiobook and podcast management with multi-user progress sync, metadata tools, and basic ebook support. Account for the need to arrange remote access yourself and the limits of scheduled backups.
Audiobookshelf plans and pricing
All plansCompared on audiobook apps
- Offline listening
- Yes
- Mobile platforms
- ios and android
