Audiobookshelf
A server you run yourself for your audiobooks, podcasts and ebooks, with apps to listen on your phone.
Instead of Audible
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Audiobookshelf is a server you run for your own audiobooks and podcasts, and it also handles basic ebooks in EPUB, PDF and comic formats. You put your files on a computer or small server you control, add the people who should have access, and listen through a web page or a phone app. It is open source under the GPL, and it plays what you own and keeps your place.
Audiobookshelf scores a 5 on power, a 4 on lock-in and longevity and a 3 on footprint, self-direction and delivery.
It asks you to run a server, so it suits people who are comfortable with that. When we looked, the phone apps were still in beta, and one developer owns most of the project.
- A server you run for your audiobooks, podcasts and ebooks
- Plays the files you own and keeps your place
- Asks you to run a server, so it suits people who are comfortable with that
What stands out
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For comparison, we also reviewed Amazon Kindle (13/30) as a benchmark.
Other tools for “own my books”
Standard EbooksFree, carefully made editions of public-domain books, with no account and no catch.
CalibreManages, converts and reads your ebook library on your own computer.- Project GutenbergMore than 75,000 free ebooks from a volunteer library that started in 1971.
KOReaderAn open-source reading app for e-ink readers, phones and computers that opens almost any file.