Audiobookshelf
Audiobookshelf: A free, open-source choice for managing personal audiobook and podcast libraries. Ranked #20 of 32 in Audiobook Apps by our editors (7.0/10); pricing: Open source; best for self-hosted personal audiobook libraries.
At a glance
- Editor score7.0 / 10
- PricingOpen source
- Best forSelf-hosted personal audiobook libraries
- Paid fromFree
- Offline listeningYes
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Multi-user accounts with custom permissions and synchronized progress
- Chapter editing, metadata tools, cover-art lookup, and M4B merging
- Web, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, API, RSS, and podcast support
Where it doesn't
- Requires self-hosting and your own audiobook and podcast files
- First-party Android and iOS apps are described as being in beta
- Does not provide a vendor-operated audiobook catalog
Our verdict on Audiobookshelf
Audiobookshelf is a free, open-source, self-hosted media server for personal audiobook and podcast libraries. It is suited to people who want to organize and stream their own files through a web client, Windows or Linux setup, and companion Android and iOS apps. The platform also includes multi-user accounts, custom permissions, synchronized listening progress, offline listening, and limited ebook support. Its API and OpenID Connect integration add options for connecting the server to a wider personal technology setup.
Library management is a major strength. Audiobookshelf can look up metadata and cover art from multiple providers, embed metadata, edit audiobook chapters, find chapter information, and merge multiple audio files into one M4B. Podcast support extends beyond playback with podcast search, episode downloads, automatic downloads, and RSS feeds for audiobook and podcast episodes. Automated backup scheduling is also included, giving administrators a way to manage library protection alongside everyday listening.
The trade-off is the operating model: users host the server themselves and supply their own media files, rather than accessing a vendor-operated audiobook catalog. That makes Audiobookshelf a strong fit for personal collections and households that want separate accounts and synchronized progress, but less suitable for anyone seeking a ready-made subscription catalog or a managed hosting experience. The published product details describe the official mobile apps as being in beta, so mobile users should account for that status when choosing the platform.
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Audiobookshelf pricing
Audiobookshelf fact sheet
| Free plan | Not verified |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Offline listening | Yes |
| Access model | Not verified |
| Mobile platforms | Ios and android |
| Included catalog | Not verified |
| Family sharing | Not verified |
| DRM-free downloads | Not verified |
| Deployment | Self-hosted, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Support | Email, Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 1 integrations: OpenID Connect |
| Pricing | Open source |
| Website | audiobookshelf.org |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
Audiobookshelf integrations
Audiobookshelf lists 1 integrations on its own site.
- OpenID Connect
Alternatives to Audiobookshelf
- LibbyA free library-borrowing app with strong playback controls and broad device support.9.4
- HooplaA free library-card service with audiobooks, offline listening, and entertainment extras.9.2
- AudibleA broad audiobook service with flexible listening, credits, and cross-device support.9.0
See all Audiobookshelf alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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