BookPlayer

Overview

BookPlayer is a free audiobook player for DRM-free files, built for listeners who already have a collection and want to manage it across iOS, Android, or macOS. Its playback and import options make the free plan useful on its own, but it does not provide books to listen to.

Key features

BookPlayer plays M4B, M4A, MP3, and FLAC files. Chapters, speed controls, smart rewind, volume boost, and an adjustable sleep timer cover the essentials for longer listening sessions. Offline listening is supported, so imported books need not depend on a live connection.

Progress tracking, finished-book markers, sorting, playlists, and folders help keep a personal library organized. Files can be brought in through AirDrop, Files, iTunes File Sharing, or ZIP archives, or accessed from a personal Audiobookshelf or Jellyfin server. Automatic library tracking on Hardcover is a useful addition for listeners who keep their reading history there. Android users can download or stream from Audiobookshelf and Jellyfin, including with Quick Connect and single sign-on.

VoiceOver support is listed for iOS, while the Android project lists TalkBack support. That gives users of either mobile platform documented screen-reader support. The iOS project is licensed under GNU GPL version 3.0.

Pricing

Free: free. This plan includes core audiobook playback features and is the sensible choice for listeners who import their own files and do not need cloud sync or standalone Apple Watch playback.

BookPlayer Pro: custom pricing. Subscription fees are payable monthly or annually, with the price displayed in the app. Pro adds cloud sync, server storage for library files, progress, and bookmarks, additional themes, and alternative app icons. It is the tier to consider if keeping a library and listening progress in sync, or playing from a standalone Apple Watch, matters to you; otherwise, the free plan covers the core player.

The privacy policy says base functionality collects crash and performance data. Pro stores library files, progress, and bookmarks on BookPlayer servers. BookPlayer says it does not share collected information or send emails. Account deletion can be initiated in the app, with data retained for seven days; users can request a copy by contacting support.

Platforms

BookPlayer is available on iOS, Android, and macOS. Its mobile apps document VoiceOver or TalkBack support, respectively. Bug reports and feature requests go through GitHub issues or the Discord feedback forum.

Who it's for

Choose BookPlayer if you own DRM-free audiobooks, want playback and library tools without paying for the core features, or already use Audiobookshelf or Jellyfin. It is less suitable if you need a service that supplies titles: its included catalog has 0 titles, so sourcing the books is up to you.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Core playback is free, with multiple file-import routes and support for Audiobookshelf and Jellyfin servers.
• Pros: Library progress, folders, playlists, and offline listening help manage and enjoy a collection without a bundled catalog.
• Cons: There are no included titles, so BookPlayer is not a discovery or borrowing service.
• Cons: Cloud sync and standalone Apple Watch playback are Pro features, and Pro's price is displayed in the app rather than published as a fixed amount.

Alternatives

For a wider mix of media, Playary offers songs, podcasts, movies, audiobooks, and TV shows across more platforms; its free plan is limited to songs and podcasts, while Premium adds ad-free listening and the broader catalog.

Choose LibriVox if you want free public-domain audiobooks rather than a player for a personal collection; its recordings may be used for any purpose.

Audiobookshelf is the better fit if you want a free, self-hosted audiobook and podcast server rather than just a playback app.

Sora is an option for free ebooks and audiobooks from your school library.

Bookmate suits listeners who also want books, comics, and podcasts, with offline listening and a seven-day free trial before cancellation.

Choose Hoopla for library-linked access to titles, provided you have a card from a participating public library; available titles vary by library catalog.

Libby is another free borrowing option when you have a library card, with access depending on your library's collection.

Loyal Books is worth considering if you want public-domain audiobooks and eBooks, as well as its selection of best sellers.

Browse more options in Audiobook Apps.

Verdict

BookPlayer is a strong choice for listeners who already own DRM-free audiobooks and want a capable free player with flexible imports, library organization, and server support. Look elsewhere if you need a built-in catalog, or choose Pro if cloud sync or standalone Apple Watch playback is essential.