Audiobookshelf

7.2easy start · #4 of 32
in Audiobook Apps

Free to practise onyes
Free trialnot on record
Well documentedyes
Runs where you workyes

Runs on Android, api, iOS, Linux, self-hosted, Web, Windows.

Audiobookshelf is ranked #4 of 32 in audiobook apps on The Geeks Club. It runs on Android, API, iOS, Linux, Self-hosted, Web, Windows. There is a free plan.

Audiobookshelf plans and pricing

All plans

Audiobookshelf self-hosted server Free Self-hosted audiobook and podcast server; no paid plans or price listed on the official pages opened audiobookshelf.org · 4 Oct 2026

Compared on audiobook apps

Offline listening: Yes
Mobile platforms: ios and android

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The record

What it does: Audiobookshelf is an open-source, self-hosted media server for audiobooks and podcasts.
Listening: Its beta Android and iOS apps support offline listening.
Users and sync: The server supports multiple users with custom permissions and keeps each user’s playback progress synced across devices.
Metadata: Users can look up and apply metadata and cover art from several providers.
Audiobook tools: The server includes a chapter editor and lookup, metadata embedding, and a tool to merge audio files into one M4B.
Podcasts and RSS: Users can find podcasts, automatically download episodes, and access open RSS feeds for podcasts and audiobooks.
Ebooks: Basic ebook support covers EPUB, PDF, CBR, and CBZ, with an ereader and an option to send books to a device such as Kindle.
Backups: The server supports scheduled backups, which include its database and metadata-directory cover images but not media files or covers stored with library items.
Installation: Docker is the recommended installation method; official documentation also lists Linux, Windows, and Podman installation options.
Remote access: Audiobookshelf does not provide built-in remote access; users must configure their own VPN or reverse proxy, and the server serves unencrypted HTTP.
Security reporting: The project asks users to report security issues through GitHub private vulnerability reporting, with email or private Discord message as alternatives; response times vary.
Third-party clients: Community client apps are not maintained or security-tested by the Audiobookshelf team, and some may use outdated API endpoints that cause problems.
Support: The project directs users to its Discord community and GitHub repository for help.
Who maintains it: The project FAQ says it began as a passion project by advplyr, who remains its main maintainer and contributor.
Price from: Free

Where it ranks on The Geeks Club

Best Audiobook Apps in 2026#4 of 32

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Sources

audiobookshelf.org/docs/documentation/introduction/· checked 4 Oct 2026
audiobookshelf.org/docs/category/server-management/· checked 4 Oct 2026
audiobookshelf.org/docs/category/installation/· checked 4 Oct 2026
audiobookshelf.org/docs/faq/server/· checked 4 Oct 2026
audiobookshelf.org/docs/contributing/security/· checked 4 Oct 2026
audiobookshelf.org/docs/documentation/community/community-· checked 4 Oct 2026
audiobookshelf.org/docs/faq/general/· checked 4 Oct 2026
audiobookshelf.org· checked 4 Oct 2026