Kavita
Kavita: A free, open-source reader and library for people who want to host their own comics and ebooks. Ranked #3 of 55 in Comic Book Reader Apps by our editors (7.8/10); pricing: Free plan; best for self-hosters who want a feature-rich web reader.
At a glance
- Editor score7.8 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forSelf-hosters who want a feature-rich web reader
- Free planYes
- Paid from$4/mo
- Panel-by-panel modeNo
- Facts checked13 Oct 2026
Where it wins
- Built-in readers support comics, manga, EPUB and PDF
- Search, metadata filters, collections and reading lists organize a library
- OPDS access connects the library with compatible reader apps
Where it doesn't
- Requires self-hosting rather than a cloud-hosted library
- No panel-by-panel reading mode
- No cloud-hosted sync
Our verdict on Kavita
Kavita is a free, open-source digital library for organizing and reading comics, manga, EPUBs and PDFs on a self-hosted server. Its browser-based readers offer single- and double-page layouts, webtoon mode, and right-to-left or left-to-right reading direction. Library metadata parsing, filters, full-text search, reading lists and collections suit solo readers or small households who want to manage their own reading collections. It is less suited to readers looking for a cloud-hosted service or panel-by-panel navigation.
The main appeal is the combination of library management and reader options. Kavita indexes libraries for full-text search, while user accounts can have library and age restrictions. OPDS access lets compatible reader apps connect to the library, and listed integrations include AniList, MyAnimeList, Mangabaka and Hardcover. The reader is image/page based: it supports page layouts and manga directions, but not panel-by-panel reading. Readers who primarily want panel navigation should consider an alternative with that mode.
The core software is free; the optional Kavita+ plan is listed at $4 per month, billed monthly. It adds progress sync with external services and external metadata, ratings and reviews. That sync is distinct from cloud-hosted sync: Kavita is self-hosted, and cloud-hosted sync is not part of its listed offering. Documentation and community are the stated support channels. Choose Kavita if hosting and maintaining a personal digital library is part of the goal, especially for mixed comic, manga and ebook collections. Those who want a managed cloud library, or prefer not to host their own server, are a poorer fit.
Your product? Our editors can test Kavita in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Kavita pricing
All 1 Kavita plans and prices →
Kavita fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | $4/mo |
| Archive formats | CBZ, CBR, CB7, CBT |
| Panel-by-panel mode | No |
| Library organization | Yes |
| Platforms | web, Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Cloud sync | No |
| Manga reading | Yes |
| Deployment | Self-hosted, Browser extension |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Docs, Community |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 5 integrations: AniList, MyAnimeList, Mangabaka, Hardcover, OPDS-compatible reader apps |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | kavitareader.com |
| Facts checked | 13 Oct 2026 |
Kavita integrations
Kavita lists 5 integrations on its own site.
- AniList
- MyAnimeList
- Mangabaka
- Hardcover
- OPDS-compatible reader apps
Alternatives to Kavita
- KomikkuA free Linux reader for online manga and local comics, with library and series tracking.9.1
- YACReaderA free desktop reader and server pair with mobile apps for browsing and progress sync.7.9
- KomgaA strong fit for self-hosters who want shared libraries and per-user reading progress.7.7
Kavita vs the competition
- Kavita vs Komikku
- Kavita vs YACReader
- Kavita vs Komga
- Kavita vs Panels
- Kavita vs OpenComic
- Kavita vs Challenger Comics Viewer
Compare Kavita with any tool side by side →
Used Kavita? Be the first to review it
The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used Kavita for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
Write a reviewTwo minutes · verified accounts only · read by an editor before it appears
Featured on iTechGuides
Kavita is listed in our Comic Book Reader Apps directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/kavita/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/kavita.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>
Guides on comic book reader apps
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update