plappa vs Scuba
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
plappa
This app is a client for self-hosted media servers like Jellyfin and AudioBookShelf, designed specifically for playing audiobooks. It supports common audio formats, reads metadata, and allows for offline listening with optional in-app purchases for advanced features.
- Jellyfin, Emby, AudioBookShelf client
- Supports common audio formats
- Saves and syncs playback states
- Reads audiobook metadata
- Offline listening (via IAP)
- Podcast and collection support (AudioBookShelf)
Read full descriptionHide full description
Disclaimer: plappa only works in connection with a Jellyfin or AudioBookShelf media server! plappa is an audiobook player/client for Jellyfin, Emby and AudioBookShelf, the popular self-hosted media server. Features: - Support for most common audio formats - Purpose built for audiobooks - Save and sync playback states via iCloud or your AudioBookShelf server - Reads metadata like author, narrator and others - Download audiobooks and podcast episodes for offline listening* - Support for podcasts, collections and series with AudioBookShelf * plappa allows you to unlock additional features like downloads and customization options through optional in-app purchases: You can choose between a one-time purchase or an auto-renewing subscription (1 month free trial included). The one-time purchase unlocks all current and future updates. With the subscription, all features are available for the duration of your subscription. Both the subscription and one-time purchase can be shared with your family. plappa is licensed under the Apple standard EULA: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Scuba
Discover and read classic books with a modern, mobile-first approach. This app breaks down stories into digestible beats, using vertical swipes for natural phone navigation. Story recaps and offline reading features help you maintain your reading habit.
- Story beats for easier reading
- Recaps to remember story progress
- Vertical swiping for phone reading
- Home screen widget for current book
- Offline reading support
- Curated bookstore
Read full descriptionHide full description
Scuba is a new way to read books on your phone. Browse a curated bookstore, then read with Story Beats™, natural vertical swiping and Story So Far recaps designed to keep you reading. Your first book is free. Features • Story Beats™ keep you moving deeper into the story • Natural vertical swiping • Story So Far recaps help you pick up where you left off • Adjustable text size, themes and page design • Home Screen widget to jump straight back into your book • Offline reading for flights, travel and commuting • A curated bookstore of timeless classics Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: Scuba at every 3 days against plappa's every 5 weeks. Scuba also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 86%). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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
Both are free to download. plappa sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per year and Scuba sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $24.99 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
plappa ships an update every 5 weeks, Scuba every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | plappa | Scuba |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.7 (331 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 86.4% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 331 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | Every 3 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 34 MB | 38 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Leo Wehrfritz | Tim Brown |
Customer experience
plappa
Scuba
Bugs and requests
plappa
Reported bugs
2 issues- Can't login Audiobookshelf
- Podcasts library not listing all podcasts
Requested features
9 requests- Auto download when start playing book
- Auto delete when finished book
- Option to add multiple servers
- More sorting and filtering options in the library section
- Refresh button for libraries
Show 4 moreShow fewer
- Easy way to change server address without logging out
- Sync the unplayed/unlistened flags with AudiobookShelf
- Shortcut to bookmarks from within the player
- Slider for fine-tuned control of playback speed
Scuba
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
plappa
- Subscription (1 Year)1 Month trial$1.991 Year
- Full Version (Lifetime)$4.99
Scuba
- Scuba Reading Pass$24.991 Year
