Comparison

Sonarplay vs ShelfDrop Audiobook Player

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

Head to head
About

Sonarplay

Features
Read full description

SonarPlay - Your Audiobook Streaming Platform Listen to thousands of audiobooks and book summaries anytime, anywhere. SonarPlay brings stories and ideas to life with high-quality audio, smart recommendations, and offline listening. What you will love * Huge library across fiction, self-help, business, biographies, and more * Smooth playback with speed control and easy skipping * Background and offline listening for life on the move * Curated recommendations, powerful search, and top-rated picks * Personalised profiles, favourites, and synced progress across devices * Premium subscription for unlimited access and exclusive content * Secure sign-in, flexible payments, and multi-language support Start listening smarter with SonarPlay. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://sonarplay.com/privacy_policy

About

ShelfDrop Audiobook Player

This app allows you to listen to your own DRM-free audiobooks offline. Import files directly or upload them wirelessly from your computer. It automatically saves your progress and offers playback controls like speed adjustment and a sleep timer.

Highlights
  • Offline playback
  • Wireless PC uploads
  • Import various audio formats
  • Automatic progress saving
  • Playback speed adjustment
  • Sleep timer
  • Cover art display
Features
Read full description

ShelfDrop is an offline-first audiobook player for people who keep their own DRM-free audiobook files. Import audiobooks from the Files app, or start Receive mode and upload from a computer browser on the same Wi-Fi network. ShelfDrop copies your books into local app storage so you can listen without running a media server, cloud account, or manual media syncing. Features: - Import DRM-free .m4b, .m4a, .mp3, .aac, .wav, .flac, and .zip files. - Upload from a PC browser using local Wi-Fi Receive mode. - Import audiobook folders and multi-track books. - Play offline after import. - Save playback progress automatically. - Resume where you left off. - Adjust playback speed. - Use configurable jump buttons. - Use a sleep timer. - Show cover art when available. - Delete imported books and their local files from the app. ShelfDrop does not include, sell, or provide audiobook content. It is designed for audiobooks you already own and have the right to use. Free playback improvements: - Drag the playback progress bar to seek through a book. - Use Control Center and Lock Screen playback controls. - Improved recovery after audio interruptions and AirPods changes. Optional Sources with ShelfDrop Pro: - Connect to your own Audiobookshelf or WebDAV server. - Browse and stream supported DRM-free audiobooks from your server. - Download books to Library for offline listening. - Continue listening with Audiobookshelf progress sync. Check server compatibility for free before unlocking Sources. Try Sources free for seven days, with no automatic charge or subscription, or buy permanent Pro with a one-time purchase. Permanent Pro supports Family Sharing. You provide your own compatible server and audiobook files. After the trial ends, Sources requires permanent Pro. Completed local downloads, imported books, listening progress, Files imports, Wi-Fi Receive and local playback remain available without Pro. ShelfDrop does not require a ShelfDrop account. Optional Sources uses your server login; connections and Audiobookshelf progress go directly to your configured server.

Screenshots

Sonarplay4 screens
ShelfDrop Audiobook Player4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: ShelfDrop Audiobook Player at every 3 days against Sonarplay's every 5 weeks. On price, ads, in-app purchases 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. Sonarplay sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $9.99 per month and ShelfDrop Audiobook Player sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Sonarplay ships an update every 5 weeks, ShelfDrop Audiobook Player every 3 days. Both last shipped on October 31, 2026.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
Sonarplay versus ShelfDrop Audiobook Player: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSonarplayShelfDrop Audiobook Player
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—1 — better
Update frequencyEvery 5 weeksEvery 3 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS16.4 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size93 MB10 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developerwaplead solutions llcKINGDOM MUTALA AKUGRI

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Sonarplay

Subscriptions1
  • SonarPlay Premium1 Month trial$9.991 Month
2 purchases

ShelfDrop Audiobook Player

One-time2
  • 7-day TrialFree
  • ShelfDrop Pro$4.99

Questions

Is Sonarplay free?
Sonarplay is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is ShelfDrop Audiobook Player free?
ShelfDrop Audiobook Player is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Sonarplay or ShelfDrop Audiobook Player have ads?
Neither Sonarplay nor ShelfDrop Audiobook Player shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Sonarplay or ShelfDrop Audiobook Player?
Sonarplay ships an update every 5 weeks, and ShelfDrop Audiobook Player every 3 days. Most recently, Sonarplay was updated on October 31, 2026 and ShelfDrop Audiobook Player on October 31, 2026.

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