Comparison

Files Player vs OwnBooks

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Files Player

Features
Read full description

For years, I have been collecting countless audio and video files on my hard drives that I want to listen to and watch in between or on the go. No streaming, no subscription, no cloud, no cover art – and no annoying risk of Wi-Fi dropouts or mobile network playback glitches – just copy the files over and take them with you offline. But with “memory”: the app remembers which files I have already played (incl. position). And it works in standby mode and can be conveniently operated from Lock Screen, Apple Watch and AirPods. THE THREE MOST IMPORTANT FEATURES 1) Easy 2) Simple 3) Uncomplicated THE APP WILL BE USEFUL FOR 1) Tidying up 2) Sorting 3) Discovering A PLAYER LIKE A BIG MEMORY STICK For the price of a veeeery small memory stick. The app shares its Documents folder. So you can upload and delete files and folders directly via the Finder. TRANSFER AUDIO/VIDEO FILES 1) Connect your iPhone/iPad to your Mac. 2) Select it on the desktop or in the Finder sidebar. 3) In the “Files” tab, expand the “Files Player” app with >. 4) Drag & drop audio/video files into the app. 5) Delete files / folders with context menu. Can also be done in the app with the “Trash” button. 6) Refresh the list using the “Refresh” button or “Pull to refresh”. 7) HandOff active? Then alternatively copy files to the clipboard and transfer them to the device using the “Folder” button. 8) On a PC use iTunes. 9) Formats: mp3, m4a, aiff (audio), mp4, m4v, mov (video). The free app is limited to 5 files. If you support me in the development of the app by purchasing it, you can not only manage as many files as you like, but also choose your favorite color for icon & interface via button “Settings” button.

About

OwnBooks

Organize and play your personal audiobook collection with a powerful, privacy-focused player. Features include custom folders, playback speed adjustment, and iCloud syncing across devices. Own your audiobooks without subscriptions.

Highlights
  • Custom folder organization
  • Adjustable playback speed
  • Lifetime listening stats
  • iCloud sync
  • Automatic cover art and metadata loading
  • Edit metadata
  • Privacy-first design
Features
Read full description

OwnBooks: Your Audiobook Library, Organized Tired of scattered audiobooks and clunky players? OwnBooks is your personal audiobook hub — elegantly designed to organize, track, and enjoy your collection your way. Create folders, track lifetime listening stats, adjust playback speed, and sync seamlessly with iCloud. Whether your books come from the store… or other adventurous sources , OwnBooks makes sure they all have a proper home. Unlike subscription apps, you actually own your audiobooks — and with OwnBooks, your library syncs across iPhone, iPad, and Mac effortlessly. Your collection, your rules. Features: • Seamless Playback: Simple, powerful audiobook player with adjustable playback speed • Folder Organization: Group your books into custom folders for easy browsing • Lifetime Listening Stats: Track total listening time across your entire library • iCloud Sync: Keep your library synced across iPhone, iPad, and Mac • Powerful Search: Find your audiobooks quickly by title or author • Cover Art & Metadata: Automatically loads cover images and book details when available • Speed Control: Fine-tune playback speed for every audiobook • Edit Metadata: Update title, author, and cover art to keep your library clean • Privacy-First: No accounts, no tracking — your library stays yours Own your audiobooks. Own your listening experience. Break free from renting — OwnBooks gives your library a real home.

Screenshots

Files Player4 screens
OwnBooks3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: OwnBooks at none against Files Player's 1. Files Player's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 6 days vs every 8 months). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Files Player sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. OwnBooks asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Files Player ships an update every 6 days, OwnBooks every 8 months. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 9, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 5 level
Files Player versus OwnBooks: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFiles PlayerOwnBooks
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Number of ratings—1 — better
Update frequencyEvery 6 days — betterEvery 8 months
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
Monetization—Ad-supported
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.6 — better18.6
Further details — not scored
Size5 MB7 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperIvo WesselMichael Brockman

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Files Player

One-time1
  • Unlimited$6.99
None

OwnBooks

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Files Player free?
Files Player is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is OwnBooks free?
OwnBooks is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Files Player or OwnBooks have ads?
OwnBooks shows ads; Files Player does not.
Which is updated more often, Files Player or OwnBooks?
Files Player ships an update every 6 days, and OwnBooks every 8 months. Most recently, Files Player was updated on September 25, 2026 and OwnBooks on September 9, 2026.

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