# Audiobookshelf vs Calibre Web

> Pick Audiobookshelf if you want to stream audiobooks and podcasts with progress sync; pick Calibre-Web if you want a web front end for an existing Calibre e-book library.

## Verdict

Audiobookshelf is the best self-hosted server for audiobooks and podcasts, with playback progress sync and its own mobile apps. Calibre-Web gives an existing Calibre library a browser interface, OPDS feed, e-reader sending and Kobo sync, which makes it the pick for e-book readers.

- Best for Audiobookshelf: Listening to audiobooks and podcasts across devices with synced progress
- Best for Calibre Web: Reading and managing an existing Calibre e-book library from a browser

## Key differences

| Aspect | Audiobookshelf | Calibre Web |
|---|---|---|
| License | GPL-3.0 | GPL-3.0 |
| Language/stack | Node.js server with a Vue (Nuxt) web client | Python (Flask) |
| Scope | Audiobooks and podcasts first, with e-book support | E-books stored in a Calibre database |
| Mobile apps | Open-source Android and iOS apps, both in beta | No official app; responsive web UI and OPDS for e-reader apps |
| Standout features | Progress sync, podcast search and auto-download, Chromecast, RSS feeds | OPDS catalog, send to e-reader, Kobo sync, in-browser reader |
| Requirements | Docker image; scans your audiobook folders | Needs an existing Calibre metadata.db library |

## GitHub numbers

| Metric | Audiobookshelf | Calibre Web |
|---|---|---|
| GitHub stars | 14,555 | 18,330 |
| Forks | 1,199 | 1,879 |
| Commits, last 12 months | 487 | 276 |
| Last commit | Oct 5, 2026 | Oct 3, 2026 |
| Latest release | v2.37.1 | 0.6.27 |
| License | GPL-3.0 | GPL-3.0 |
| License type | Open source | Open source |
| Language | JavaScript | Fluent |
| Docker image | Yes | No |
| Repository | https://github.com/advplyr/audiobookshelf | https://github.com/janeczku/calibre-web |

App pages: [Audiobookshelf](https://appsgit.com/apps/audiobookshelf), [Calibre Web](https://appsgit.com/apps/calibre-web)

## FAQ

### Can Audiobookshelf replace Calibre-Web?

For audiobooks and podcasts, yes. For a large e-book collection managed in Calibre, Calibre-Web is still the better front end.

### Does Calibre-Web need Calibre installed?

It needs a Calibre library database (metadata.db). You can create that with the Calibre desktop app, and Calibre-Web can optionally use Calibre's tools for conversions.

### Does Audiobookshelf have an iOS app?

Yes, an open-source iOS app is available as a beta, alongside the Android app.

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