Sonarplay vs ShelfDrop Audiobook Player
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Sonarplay
Read full descriptionHide 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
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.
- Offline playback
- Wireless PC uploads
- Import various audio formats
- Automatic progress saving
- Playback speed adjustment
- Sleep timer
- Cover art display
Read full descriptionHide 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
Verdict
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
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.
Sonarplay ships an update every 5 weeks, ShelfDrop Audiobook Player every 3 days. Both last shipped on October 31, 2026.
| Parameter | Sonarplay | ShelfDrop Audiobook Player |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | — | 1 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | Every 3 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad — better | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 16.4 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 93 MB | 10 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | waplead solutions llc | KINGDOM MUTALA AKUGRI |
In-app purchases
Sonarplay
- SonarPlay Premium1 Month trial$9.991 Month
ShelfDrop Audiobook Player
- 7-day TrialFree
- ShelfDrop Pro$4.99
Questions
Is Sonarplay free?
Is ShelfDrop Audiobook Player free?
Do Sonarplay or ShelfDrop Audiobook Player have ads?
Which is updated more often, Sonarplay or ShelfDrop Audiobook Player?
Other comparisons















