Audiobookshelf
Audiobookshelf is an open-source, self-hosted media server for audiobooks and podcasts. It lets you organize your library, stream to web and mobile, sync listening progress per user, and manage metadata and chapters. It runs well on Docker, Linux, and NAS devices.
This tool is built for audiobook enthusiasts, privacy-minded users, and households that want shared libraries without relying on a cloud vendor. It emphasizes audiobook-specific workflows—chapter editing, M4B merging, robust metadata—while also covering podcasts and offline listening.
Use Cases
- Audiobook collectors who want a central, well-organized library with accurate metadata and artwork.
- Families or shared households that need multi-user accounts, permissions, and separate listening progress.
- Self-hosters running on a NAS or home server via Docker who prefer control, privacy, and no subscription fees.
- Travelers and commuters who need reliable offline listening on mobile devices.
- Podcast listeners who want to integrate podcast subscriptions, auto-downloads, and open RSS alongside audiobooks.
- Power users who edit chapters, merge files into M4B, and embed metadata for clean navigation.
- Developers and tinkerers who want to build integrations or use third-party clients through the public API.
Strengths
- Self-hosted and open-source: Full data control, no vendor lock-in or mandatory subscriptions.
- Audiobook-first tooling: Chapter editor, chapter lookup, M4B merging, and per-user progress sync.
- Cross-platform access: Web client with PWA, official Android app, iOS app in beta, and community clients.
- Offline listening: Download to mobile apps or PWA for use without connectivity.
- Rich metadata: Automatic metadata and cover art lookup from Google Books, Open Library, iTunes/Amazon, and more.
- Multi-user management: Accounts, permissions, and independent progress for shared libraries.
- Efficient library operations: Bulk uploads, folder import, and change detection without full rescans.
- Podcast support: Search, subscribe, auto-download, and expose open RSS feeds.
- Backups and scheduling: Automated backups of database and settings.
- API ecosystem: Public API with multiple third-party clients and integrations.
Limitations
- Requires self-hosting and maintenance: Setup, updates, backups, and monitoring demand technical comfort and time.
- iOS app availability: Official app has been in beta with limited slots; many users rely on third-party clients.
- Web UI polish: Functional but may feel less refined than commercial alternatives.
- Experimental areas: Ebook support and some tools are labeled experimental and can be less stable.
- DRM/legal considerations: Importing or converting DRM-protected content may be unlawful depending on jurisdiction.
- Total cost of ownership: Hardware, electricity, storage, SSL/domains, and your time all factor in despite free software.
Final Thoughts
If you value control, privacy, and audiobook-centric features, Audiobookshelf is one of the most capable self-hosted options. It consolidates audiobooks and podcasts, handles metadata well, and delivers solid multi-user and offline experiences.
Practical advice: deploy with Docker on a NAS or small server, structure your library clearly, enable scheduled backups, and test mobile clients (including third-party options on iOS). Use HTTPS via a reverse proxy for remote access, set per-user permissions thoughtfully, and approach DRM conversions cautiously in line with local laws.