AudioBookshelf

AudioBookshelf is a media server focused on organizing and streaming audiobooks and podcasts from your own library. It provides rich metadata management, playback features built for long-form audio, and multi-device sync via web and mobile clients.

Key Features

• Audiobook and podcast library management with automatic metadata matching (title/author/series, cover art, descriptions)
• Multi-user support with per-user progress, listening stats, and library access controls
• Web player and native mobile apps with streaming and progress sync
• Chapter support (when available in source files) and playback speed control
• RSS podcast support (subscribe/download/stream) alongside local media
• Search, filters, and organization for authors, series, collections, and narrators
• Supports common audiobook formats (e.g., M4B/MP3) and folder-based libraries
• REST API for integrations and external clients

Use Cases

• Host a personal/family audiobook library with per-user progress across devices
• Replace proprietary audiobook/podcast apps with a unified self-managed library
• Provide audiobooks to a LAN/VPN-connected community (book club, school, small org)

Limitations and Considerations

• Feature depth and metadata accuracy depend on the quality/structure of your files and available match sources
• Some advanced playback capabilities (e.g., chapters) may require specific container/metadata support (commonly M4B)

AudioBookshelf is a practical option for people who want a dedicated long-form audio server rather than a general-purpose media server. Its focus on audiobook/podcast workflows (progress sync, series/author organization, and long-play listening features) makes it a strong Plex/Emby alternative for spoken-word libraries.