# AudioBookSync vs Absorb

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Absorb at none against AudioBookSync's 1. Absorb also leads on iOS requirement (15.0 vs 18.6). AudioBookSync's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 5 weeks). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. AudioBookSync sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Absorb asks for nothing beyond the download.

AudioBookSync ships an update every 2 weeks, Absorb every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | AudioBookSync | Absorb |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.9 (157 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/absorb-for-audiobookshelf/id6760673498/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **157** |
| Positive reviews | — | 97.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 5 weeks |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Size | 12 MB | 65 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.6 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Hans-Peter Jordi](https://appshunter.io/developer/1879027494) | [Nathan Poulson](https://appshunter.io/developer/1885644242) |

## What reviewers say

### AudioBookSync

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/audiobooksync/id6759492424)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| AudioBookSync Pro | $5.99 | one-time |


### Absorb

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/absorb-for-audiobookshelf/id6760673498)

This app provides a streamlined mobile experience for listening to audiobooks and podcasts from your self-hosted media server. Enjoy features like offline playback, chapter navigation, and listening statistics. It's a free, open-source solution with no ads or data collection.

**Highlights:** Offline listening, Chapter navigation, Sleep timer, Playback speed control, Home screen widgets, Listening statistics, CarPlay support

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is AudioBookSync free?

AudioBookSync is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Absorb free?

Absorb is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do AudioBookSync or Absorb have ads?

Neither AudioBookSync nor Absorb shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, AudioBookSync or Absorb?

AudioBookSync ships an update every 2 weeks, and Absorb every 5 weeks. Most recently, AudioBookSync was updated on October 7, 2026 and Absorb on October 22, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*