plappa

TL:DR - Audiobookshelf or Jellyfin user? THIS IS THE Audiobook app you were looking for. LONGER version: Ok, just wow. I’ve been self hosting my audio books for years (seriously over a decade). Jellyfin and now Audiobookshelf. And I discovered this gem (thanks /r/selfhosted!). It’s everything I could want - access (and download!) my media to my phone, iPad and watch. Change the speed (go to preferences to CUSTOMIZE that beyond the preset speeds! 2.3x is my jam.) Download to my watch. MY WATCH. Kids listening to my phone on CarPlay - now I can listen to a podcast or book VIA MY WATCH. My one request? Have it automatically download the books on my home network that I’ve started (or queuing up) automatically. But overall? THIS was the app you were looking for.

Works flawlessly. It’s audible for your home server! Best features by far are the synchronization between multiple devices. Bookmarks and last paused location works well. Sometimes I have to close and open the app to get syncing to update but that should be fixed in future updates. Maybe a refresh button? I’m using it with Audiobookshelf and my Synology NAS with my Mac and iOS devices. I purchased the app immediately and it gives me download options. Sync still works after download, which is great for offline transfer between devices without having to stream the audio. I’m hoping for an option to “clear all downloads globally”within the app. It’s done individually right now. It can also be done in iOS settings/storage as well. I’m hoping they refine a few more features found BookPlayer like auto sleep timer when resuming playback (doesn’t work for me) and a more clearly accessible bookmarks area. (It’s hidden in playlist tab). Also bookmarks should work without text input like a chapter marker. Great start for a new app though. If you have a home server and love audiobooks , this is a must own!

I used to use the audio bookshelf app but never liked the UI or UX. Plappa is a beautiful app and feels like a native iOS app with nice UI & UX. My needs are simple and the app for the most part provides all features I need. Probably the only thing missing that I would like is a way to mark certain timestamps with a short note so I can refer back when needed. However that’s not a dealbreaker considering the experience the app offers. Also a big shoutout to the developer. He is responsive and constantly updates the app and incorporates feedback. If you scroll down the reviews you will see that he is receptive and responds to each of them. I had a couple interactions with him on Reddit and it was evident to me that he cares about his users and takes feedback seriously. Overall solid app by a passionate developer and excellent support.