Best Absorb alternatives: apps like Absorb - for Audiobookshelf

10+ similar apps compared and reviewed

4.6 avg rating
10 free apps
Updated November 2026

Absorb is great, but it's not the only option. Explore 10+ similar apps for iPhone and iPad, each reviewed and rated by real users. Find free alternatives, premium upgrades, and hidden gems.

Top Alternatives to Absorb

Still: for Audiobookshelf#1

Still: for Audiobookshelf by 统伟 ι™ˆ

Audiobooks, Ebooks, Podcasts
Editor's Choice
πŸ“š Books
4.9(46 ratings)
FreeIn-App Purchases
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This minimalist audio player connects to your private Audiobookshelf server, offering a focused listening experience for audiobooks, ebooks, and podcasts. Enjoy offline downloads, seamless cross-device sync, and a distraction-free interface designed for inward resonance.

AudioBooth: Audiobooks Player#2

AudioBooth: Audiobooks Player by Jeremy Grenier

Audiobookshelf made simple
Strong Contender
πŸ“š Books
4.9(726 ratings)
FreeIn-App Purchases
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This app provides a streamlined iOS experience for managing and listening to your self-hosted audiobook library from Audiobookshelf. Enjoy essential playback controls, offline downloads, and seamless integration with your server.

SoundLeaf#3

SoundLeaf by Hemant Kumar

Your Stories, Your Way!
Worth Considering
πŸ“š Books
4.7(53 ratings)
FreeIn-App Purchases
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This app provides a premium iOS client for the open-source Audiobookshelf server. It offers a beautiful, intuitive interface for listening to your personal audiobook collection with features like CarPlay support and offline downloads.

More apps like Absorb

4
plappa
plappa
plappa
Self-hosted Audiobooks
Free

This app is an audiobook player that connects to self-hosted media servers like Jellyfin and AudioBookShelf. It supports various audio formats, reads metadata, and allows for offline listening through optional in-app purchases. Users can sync playback states across devices or their server.

Connects to Jellyfin, Emby, AudioBookShelfSupports common audio formatsPurpose-built for audiobooks
πŸ“š Books
(345)
free with in-app purchases
5
ShelfPlayer - Audio Book Shelf
ShelfPlayer - Audio Book Shelf
ShelfPlayer - Audio Book Shelf
Reading Player for Audiobooks
Free

This app provides a native iOS experience for managing and listening to audiobooks and podcasts from your self-hosted Audiobookshelf library. It offers robust playback controls, offline access, and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem.

Unified audiobook and podcast managementMulti-server supportFlexible authentication options
πŸ“š Books
(246)
paid
6
BookOrbit: The Official App
BookOrbit: The Official App
BookOrbit: The Official App
Your reading space
Free

This app provides a private digital library for various book formats, audiobooks, and podcasts. It allows offline access, reading progress tracking, and advanced features with a premium subscription.

Supports EPUB, MOBI, PDF, CBZ, CBR, and moreOffline audiobook playbackText-to-speech for ebooks
πŸ“š Books
(38)
freemium
7
Storyteller Reader
Storyteller Reader
Storyteller Reader
by Shane Friedman
Free

Create and read ebooks with guided narration on your device. This self-hosted platform allows you to enjoy EPUB books, including those with immersive reading features. Pair it with a backend server for automatic alignment of audiobooks and ebooks.

Create and read ebooksGuided narrationEPUB support
πŸ“š Books
(46)
free
8
Audra Books
Audra Books
Audra Books
Audiobookshelf Client
Free

This app provides a native mobile interface for managing and enjoying your self-hosted audiobook library. Stream, download, and read ebooks with synchronized progress across devices. It offers advanced playback controls, listening stats, and podcast management.

Audiobook playback with speed controlEbook reader with syncRead-along highlighting
πŸ“š Books
(16)
freemium
9
Spine - Audiobook Player
Spine - Audiobook Player
Spine - Audiobook Player
Audiobooks, finally beautiful
Free

This app offers a beautiful and intuitive audiobook listening experience. It streams from your personal cloud library, syncs with Hardcover, and gamifies listening habits with levels and streaks. Enjoy features like an inline player, automatic chapter support, and on-device intelligence for recaps and summaries.

Inline audiobook playerAutomatic chapter supportHardcover sync
πŸ“š Books
(31)
free
10
Fable Frog
Fable Frog
Fable Frog
Player for Audiobookshelf
Free

This app is a native iOS client for Audiobookshelf, offering a premium listening experience for your self-hosted audiobook library. Enjoy features like variable playback speed, sleep timers, offline downloads, and detailed listening statistics. It also includes a deals feature to track Audible prices and a dedicated Carplay interface.

Variable playback speed and volume boostSleep timer with presetsChapter navigation with durations
πŸ“š Books
(3)
free with in-app purchases