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PinePodsAudiobookshelf

Best for: Households that want a shared, self-hosted podcast library

Best for: A household audiobook and podcast library that keeps everyone's place

Free

Free and open source.

 Free

Free and open source under the GPL 3.0, including the mobile apps.

Android, Web, Self-hosted Windows, macOS, Linux, Self-hosted, Android, iOS, Web
  • Multi-user podcast server
  • gPodder-compatible sync API
All 4 strengths
  • Multi-user podcast server
  • gPodder-compatible sync API
  • Web interface plus a mobile app
  • Downloads episodes to your own server
  • Progress syncs per user across web, Android and iOS
  • Podcast search, subscription and automatic episode download
All 4 strengths
  • Progress syncs per user across web, Android and iOS
  • Podcast search, subscription and automatic episode download
  • Chapter editor, metadata lookup and m4b merging built in
  • Multi-user with custom permissions, plus Chromecast support
  • Requires running and maintaining a server
  • Smaller project than mainstream podcast apps
  • The iOS app is a beta and its test slots fill up
  • The web frontend is mid-rewrite, so Vue pull requests are not being merged
All 4 limitations
  • The iOS app is a beta and its test slots fill up
  • The web frontend is mid-rewrite, so Vue pull requests are not being merged
  • Ebook support is basic next to a dedicated reader
  • You run the server, including its backups
Self-hosted Self-hosted
Open source Open source
License: GPL-3.0 License: GPL-3.0
Not stated if an account is needed No account needed
Not stated if it works offline Offline features available
Sources

Catalog checked September 24, 2026
Sources

Catalog checked September 21, 2026

“Not stated” means we have not confirmed it. Features can vary by device and plan.