Audiobookshelf

Overview

Audiobookshelf is a free, open-source server for people who want to organize and listen to their own audiobooks and podcasts across devices. It is best suited to listeners comfortable running a self-hosted service and managing their own remote access. Its breadth of library tools is a strong draw, but the setup and security responsibilities are part of the deal.

Key features

Multiple users can have custom permissions, with playback progress synced across their devices. That makes Audiobookshelf a practical shared server for households, while keeping individual listening progress separate. Metadata and cover art can be looked up from several providers and applied to a library.

For audiobook maintenance, the server includes chapter editing and lookup, metadata embedding, and a tool to combine audio files into one M4B. Podcast discovery, automatic episode downloads, and open RSS feeds extend it beyond a static audiobook shelf. Basic ebook support adds EPUB, PDF, CBR, and CBZ reading, plus an option to send books to a device such as Kindle; it is useful as a companion feature, not the core reason to choose the server.

Beta Android and iOS apps support offline listening, so a connection to the server is not required for every listening session. Scheduled backups cover the database and cover images in the metadata directory, but not media files or covers stored alongside library items. Keep separate backups of those files; the built-in schedule is not a complete media-library backup.

Pricing

Audiobookshelf self-hosted server: free. The open-source server has no paid plans. This suits listeners willing to supply and maintain their own hosting; the trade-off is that there is no paid hosted plan to avoid that work.

Platforms

Audiobookshelf supports Android, iOS, Linux, Windows, web, and API access, with self-hosting central to how it works. Docker is the recommended installation method; official documentation also covers Linux, Windows, and Podman. Mobile apps are beta, and offline listening is supported on Android and iOS.

Remote access is not built in. To reach a server away from home, users must configure their own VPN or reverse proxy, and the server serves unencrypted HTTP. That makes network setup and security a meaningful responsibility, not a minor configuration detail. The project directs security reports to GitHub private vulnerability reporting, with email or a private Discord message as alternatives; response times vary. Help is available through its Discord community and GitHub repository. Community clients are not maintained or security-tested by the project, and outdated API endpoints in some clients can cause problems.

Who it's for

Choose Audiobookshelf if you want a self-managed, multi-user home library with audiobook tools, podcast downloads, and playback sync, and are comfortable handling installation, remote access, and media backups. Look elsewhere if you want a ready-to-use streaming service or do not want to manage server security and networking. The project began as a passion project by advplyr, who remains its main maintainer and contributor.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Free, open-source hosting combines audiobooks, podcasts, and basic ebooks in one server.
• Pros: Custom user permissions and per-user playback sync make a shared library more manageable.
• Cons: Self-hosting requires installation and ongoing server administration.
• Cons: Remote access must be configured separately, while the server serves unencrypted HTTP.
• Cons: Scheduled backups omit media files and some covers, so a separate file-backup plan is necessary.
• Cons: The mobile apps are beta, and third-party clients may have compatibility or security limitations.

Alternatives

For a broader directory of listening options, browse Audiobook Apps.

• Playary is a free option across mobile, desktop, and web that combines audiobooks with songs, podcasts, movies, and TV shows, including ad-free listening on its Premium plan.
• Sora offers free ebooks and audiobooks through its student reading app on Android, iOS, and web.
• Bookmate is a freemium reading and listening service; its Premium plan offers a seven-day free period, books, comics, audiobooks, podcasts, uploads, and offline use.
• Hoopla is a free library-based option for readers with a valid card from a participating public library; title availability depends on that library’s catalog.
• Libby is a free app for borrowing audiobooks and other library materials, with access dependent on a library card and collection.
• Libro.fm offers a paid monthly audiobook-credit plan with 30% off additional audiobooks, member-exclusive sales, and credits that never expire.
• Audible is a paid audiobook service whose Standard plan is $8.99 a month after a 30-day period and auto-renews; it includes one audiobook per month from its collection.
• Google Play Books Auto-narrated Audiobooks is a web option for publishers who own the rights to an EPUB ebook offered on Google Play and want to create, publish, and download an audiobook at no charge for a limited time.

Verdict

Audiobookshelf is a strong choice for technically comfortable listeners who want a free, multi-user server for their own audiobooks and podcasts, with practical library tools and synced progress. Choose it for control over a personal collection; choose another service if you want built-in remote access or a managed listening catalog without server upkeep.