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ShelfPlayer Positive Reviews

Almost perfect!This app is getting really really close to perfect. It's the only one that handles seasons well! My only advice regards the mini-player animation. It is SO cool that you have emulated Apple's shrinking album cover effect (I'm geeking out about it!), but I'm not sure it's really ready for release. Until it's smooth and snappy, I'd rather have the whole player slide down off the bottom of the screen quickly and smoothly than have a fancy animation that feels slow and finicky. If it weren't for that, I could easily be convinced this app was built by the Apple devs themselves! 👏👏👏.BrrttsmthVersion: 3.3.0

DisappointingI expected a lot more from a $5 app that is written to take advantage of the latest iOS features. While the interface generally looks nice, it is actually less user friendly and less functional than the first party Audiobookshelf app (beta is unfortunately full and it’s not yet on the App Store). Just in the first week of use, I noticed a number of issues that really need to be addressed: * Mysterious slowdowns that bring the app to a crawl such that force closing and restarting the app was the only option (encountered while queuing multiple downloads) * Mostly unusable search; searching anything other than author just doesn’t work (searches for title and other metadata just run indefinitely, never returning results) * The interface, while pretty, is just not at all intuitively designed. Finding settings was difficult, for example.Raptorious DanVersion: 2.4.2

The best Audiobookshelf experienceThere are now several great options for listening to audiobooks from an Audiobookshelf server on iOS. ShelfPlayer is my favorite by a lot. The design is great, and it’s ridiculously full featured. For example it’s the only app I’ve found that can add books to Collections, something I’d previously only been able to do on the browser version of Audiobookshelf. Quick tip: the app can be extensively customized. Many of its more fiddly settings are in the Settings app rather than directly in the ShelfPlayer app, which I like. I run this app on iPhone, iPad, and occasionally even on my Mac (as an iPad app) and it’s a great tool on all of them. Many thanks to this awesome developer for a polished and beautiful app..RayganVersion: 3.1.2

Great player with Bookmark issueThis is a great player. Has everything now. I went to Plappa due to some preferences, but after this update I came back. Only issue is that bookmarks won’t work unless you kill the app. If you hit the bookmarks they continue with the current position. You have to kill the app to stop break current positioning, open back up, cancel request to proceed and then go to bookmarks. Nor enough for me go back to Plappa but it is frustrating. That fix would make ShelfPlayer a chefs kiss situation..UndisputedChampofNothingVersion: 3.0.4

Best Audiobookshelf iOS app for PodcastsI use Audiobookshelf mostly for podcasts. I’ve tried all of the Audiobookshelf apps (to date there are 5 including this one) and I stuck with the beta official app because it was the least worse. Well shelfplayer actually feels like something in the same league as overcast, pocket cast, etc. I’m very impressed and happy. The only feature i need is the ability to add a new podcast without having to open up the mobile browser, but I suspect that’s a limitation of the API..KestreljayVersion: 3.1.4

Works great when it worksI’m really happy overall with ShelfPlayer as it manages my audiobooks via audiobookshelf running on my Linux server. The problem is, it occasionally starts the book from the beginning. This isn’t a huge deal for shorter books, but I’m listening to 1000+ page books over the course of weeks/months and it takes a long long time of skipping around in the audio book to find my place. Infuriating. Edit: seems fixed.Jimmy KnucklesVersion: 3.2.1

Possibly the perfect iPhone app!This app literally hits every note perfectly! It’s tailor-made for a very specific niche use case: that being folks who run the Audio shelf self hosted audiobook software - but it does it so well that I now prefer it as my ex exclusive full-time way of listening to audiobooks! It’s that good! it’s worth every cent of its price and more. I can’t say enough good things. This is really outstanding work and I deeply appreciate all of the care the authors clearly lavished on this application! It really shows!.FeohVersion: 2.5.1

Loading locally downloaded books.I love the app. This is not a criticism but a bug. I think we need an option to load fully downloaded books without the need for the book trying to “handshake” the server I assume for keeping your place across different devices. Some times they fail to load until you turn off Wi-Fi. I’ve already got cellular data turned off to try and prevent this but the Wi-Fi will still cause it. We just need an option to say “I’m already downloaded I only use this device - I don’t need to talk to the server” so it loads immediately..FMulder71Version: 3.1.4

Great app, but genre filter isn't working?The app is great - I have tried many audiobook apps, and this one is really good. The only problem is that it does not return any results from my audiobookshelf when filtering by genres. The little tag button is definitely populating from my genre list, but when you select one, there's no result. This is really frustrating, because it's the most useful part of discovery. There should be the ability to sort by genre, since audiobookshelf doesn't populate tags..RandomAaronVersion: 3.1.1

Great app, but….This is a great app. I like the UI even more than the official ABS client in TestFlight. The only reason I still use the TestFlight and not this app is because I have my podcasts, audiobooks, and ebooks on AudioBookShelf, and the official client allows me to use all 3. If ebook support was brought to this app, I would almost definitely use it more..CalebWest2Version: 3.1.1

Latest update issueI had been using my app in offline mode while fixing my server was on the back burner and the lastest update removed everything so I lost all my progress from offline mode and I can't figure out why the app isn't connecting anymore. I still love this app so much and would recommend it to anyone using audiobookshelf. This is my only bad experience and just want the devs to be aware of it..Winbun18Version: 3.0.4

Latest Update Makes This Worth ItI was struggling to find a good play to use my local Audiobookshelf on and it was between the beta yea app and this. This app was definitely prettier but lacked a ton of functionality so o never really used it…. Until the latest update. Oh my god thank you! This catapults it to one of the best podcast/audiobook apps you can use on iOS. We now have playlists, a play queue!, I can edit my library from the app?! So good. Five stars.ZStreetVersion: 3.0.2

Best on store, but not better than official appHappy to support this developer, but I ran in to consistent issues with the app. Local books frequently wouldn’t play, organization in the app is non-existent, and navigation of library is obtuse. I found myself having to stop the app frequently, and finally just went back to side loading the official app for ABS. Not a bad app, and if you’re just trying to keep things local for trips without coverage it’s a reasonable option, but otherwise not a great ABS client..EverglowVersion: 2.4.5

Great appSaw some people complaining that it’s $5. This price is absolutely worth it. It’s an open source app that is filling the gap left by another open source project. A one time payment to support this project is entirely reasonable. This app integrates well into iOS and is regularly updated to improve the UX and maintain functionality with the backend that’s not directly under the maintainer’s control..MarzvroverVersion: 2.4.5

Best of bestThis by far the best audiobookshelf client I have used. It’s better than even the original audiobookshelf client which is in beta for more than a year now. If you want a real client for your audiobookshelf server this is the app to go. Shell out the $5 every penny with it. Thanks developer for making this, I’m glad I could payback for this app..Abstract-classVersion: 2.5.3

Been my primary audiobook playerI’m at a period of life where reading books is difficult. I listen to books almost constantly. I have a half dozen audiobook apps and this one is my go to. I have multiple long series that I enjoy re-listening to, and this is a simple way to do that..Kerryh8er04Version: 3.2.1

The Best Player for AudioBookshelf!The only thing that would make this app even better would be adding Apple Watch support for offline listing when I don’t bring my phone with me. I’d gladly pay a few dollars more for the option of taking my books with me on my watch..Mvance56Version: 2.4.2

Brilliant! Impressive and elegant app.I’m so impressed how well put together and smooth and full-featured this app is. It is easier to use and more stable and better integrated into iOS than Patreon or Stitcher or even Apple’s own podcast app. It’s working beautifully with my AudioBookShelf server and I couldn’t be happier with it. Amazing work!!.SchussVersion: 2.3.5

This app is game changingI have been a long time user/tester for the “official” ABS app and compared to it, ShelfPlayer is about 100 years ahead of it. Actual working Siri integration, a working CarPlay implementation, and just a clean easy to navigate UI. Spend the few bucks, you will never look back!.RevSaxonVersion: 2.4.2

Awesome work!!!I just wish I had found your app a bit sooner. Definitely a sold app if you want to move over to Audiobookshelf from other selfhosting options (like Plex who ended Podcast support no sooner than a few years after starting it)..Zardoz 1138Version: 2.4.2

Thoroughly SatisfiedI’m very happy with this app! It does exactly what I need it to, seamlessly connects to my Audiobookshelf server, and allows for offline listening. The developer has done a fantastic job with this one and appears to respond quickly when users need help..ThalachanarVersion: 2.3.6

A great app, missing playlists thoughPlaylists are a core functionality for me, so this missing feature leaves it in feature disparity with the other app. Everything else is great, but settings being in the settings app isn’t a good move in my opinion..🔭🔬Version: 2.5.2

Worth the priceAfter trying Plappa and ShelfPlayer, I ended up sticking with ShelfPlayer due to personal preferences. There are still a few issues, but the devs are pretty responsive to bugs and suggestions on their GitHub page.Blue mathVersion: 3.0.4

Best Audiobookshelf App of any platformI don’t usually write reviews but I’m so impressed with this app. $5 is nothing for the level of polish this app has. Sometimes I forget this app ISN’T Apple Podcasts. I use this app over Tailscale and it simply works flawlessly. Incredible job!.J-Man111Version: 2.5.3

Love the appThe latest update broke viewing chapters in CarPlay. I can still view them on the phone. I also noticed a delay when starting books in this newest update that wasn’t there before..GreysaveVersion: 2.5.1

Great app with one issueThe app works well! However, when playing an Audio track the buttons on the bottom (playback speed, audio player, etc) don’t work.Annie 56421Version: 2.5.3

Podcast full supportThe audiobooks section is great. However. The podcast options are mostly only available on the app, not much on the carplay. Way way better than the app audiobookshelf app..Bibin MohanVersion: 2.3.5

Offline modeWhen setting a connect you cannot change the ip while their is an edit button its uses are unclear. And while connected to it seems three audiobook server my data wont aave in offline mode period the first downloaded book does the ones after do jot..StolidhaddockVersion: 3.0.4

WonderfulThis the most elegant and beautiful app I have ever used. The attention to details is amazing when is coming to both functionality and design..ThreecubedVersion: 3.2.0

GOATEDI’ve been using ABS for several years and have hopped between the various iOS apps (5 thus far). ShelfPlayer is the one I keep coming back to and in late 2025, this is the one you want..NotIfYouSuckVersion: 3.1.1

Does not disappoint!This app is well worth the money, the developer is on top of new features and bug fixes. Would highly recommend!.Jward92Version: 3.1.1

Works well. No pain waiting for TestFlight to kick people off the beta for official app.Using for a few days now. No issues so far. CarPlay functionality was an unexpected bonus!.User001bVersion: 2.3.4

Great PotentialSo far my experience has been good with this app, but there is one major feature missing for me. In addition to audiobooks, I also keep several ebooks (pdf, epub) on my ABS server. Unfortunately it doesn’t look like this app supports playing standard ebooks..NdametzVersion: 2.5.3

Pretty solid app!Just one small issue I encountered - after I switched my server to exclusively use OIDC, I can’t get the app to login. Is OIDC supported? (I made a dummy account to work around this so still enjoying my library).UeiidnrhickcnehejVersion: 2.5.3

Next levelBeen waiting for the 3.0 release for awhile and followed the devs progress on GitHub. Amazing to see it all come together, congrats to the dev on a major release!.AutobahnsVersion: 3.0.2

Good appApp works great, but I wish you could customize the playback speed to my own increments and go beyond 2x. Please consider adding this in the future :).JixilatedVersion: 2.5.3

Solid playerJust works, haven’t run into any issues, what more can you ask?.FluffyFrog15Version: 2.5.2

Audiobookshelf userPerfect for my needs. And I appreciate just one time payment for the app!!! Never left a review before but this made me so happy..Apple user leaving a reviewVersion: 2.5.2

Flawless appRarely are apps so easy to set up and work exactly how I expect right out of the box. Thanks! totally worth the price..User84738374Version: 2.5.3

Love itGreat app to interact with Audiobookshelf. This replaced multiple apps in one go and is now my podcast and audiobook player. It integrates really well with CarPlay, arguably the best feature since cars are the perfect place for long form audiobook listening..ThisNicknameIsTakenReallyVersion: 3.1.0

Awesome companion player for AudiobookshelfIt looks amazing, integrates well and has offline downloads. Only thing I’d need is an offline storage on Apple Watch (whatever way Prologue does it) and I can leave my phone at home..XStimorolVersion: 3.0.4

Beautiful UI, works great tooAwesome client for audiobookshelf. Very clean and beautiful UI, and works as expected. I would love to see an iPad version too..LittolprinceVersion: 2.3.5

Just what I wanted10/10.DonorobVersion: 2.5.3

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ShelfPlayer Negative Reviews

Finally fixed the background crashing, but many other issues added in the processPrevious update finally solved the background crashing issue, but caused numerous other issues. 1. Trying to play a completed episode without first explicitly resetting progress causes an instant crash 2. If you have used the sleep timer, you must set to random value, then cancels, then set again. Otherwise it will show a negative number in the thousands and prevent podcasts from playing 3. The latest field has disappeared from CarPlay with no discernible way to get it back. 4. Double click AirPods no longer skips forward, but instead SKIPS TO THE NEXT EPISODE unlike every other audio app in existence. There seems to be no way to change this 5. The currently playing display at the bottom of the screen with occasionally stop working and require a force close 6. Occasionally will crash when queueing multiple episodes To users - maybe just use plappa. It’s clunky and less pretty, but it actually works consistently To the dev - maybe layoff the vibes. Random things are breaking and changing in every update. Kinda bums me out.ImtntVersion: 3.2.1

Lacks the Polish of PlappaThe fact that this app requires a upfront purchase when it lacks core features its crazy, definitely a predatory pricing model. Maybe the UI is ever so slightly tidier than plappa, but the entire app is just slow as can be. When you first open the app it has to take a few seconds to cache the server, then a few seconds to cache the file you want to listen to. Plappa doesn’t do this. You open Plappa it instantly presents you your books, and can essentially instantly start playing whichever book you want. Plappa also works seamlessly with airplay, where Shelfplayer continually struggles. Shelfplayer was a complete waste of money, only reason anyone uses it is sunk cost fallacy at the 5% prettier UI..ThereviewerofthingsonappleVersion: 3.1.4

Very promising, very buggyUnlike Plappa, this runs on everything Apple - iOS, iPadOS, MacOS and provides better UI experience. Unfortunately, critical bugs won’t let me switch away from Plappa. The biggest one is inability to present all books from an author. Say I have 16 books of Dan Simmons. ShelfPlayer shows 16 as a counter of all books from Dan Simmons, but only subset is shown in the actual book list… that’s a hard stop, critical issue for me.Tuareg0xFFFFVersion: 3.2.0

Update broke the appSince the app was redesigned it will not save the place of the audiobooks It is inconsistent and will usually reset the playback to the opening credits. Incredibly frustrating. The app has been updated multiple times and I’ve had hopes it would be fixed, but after months the app is unusable with audiobookshelf server. Switched from using plex as my backend and now I’m regretting it..GmwiVersion: 3.1.4

Why is SIRI the first option in car play?Why is this even a thing? I turned off SIRI in the options, but it still shows up in the app. Why are my audiobooks sorted by download time instead of my last listened to, or why isn’t there a option to sort by that in the settings? I’m going back to plappa, at least I don’t get the unwanted SIRI prompt and my books are sorted in a reasonable format..NullenvoidVersion: 2.4.2

Don’t delete Audible!It never stops trying to synchronise. If I select offline mode the player loses where I last left off. Pretty awful app. It only works when it’s on the same network as the library. I even went and setup Tailscale and it still can’t find the library..EastBayRaeVersion: 3.1.2

Off-line mode brokenOff-line mode broken and the developer has an addressed it after being notified of the issue on a support forum. Can’t recommend this app until that is fixed. When you try to open and play a book off-line, it just hangs..Jager4545Version: 3.1.4

Immediately crashesAfter working for a couple weeks, it suddenly and repeatedly crashes. even uninstalling and reinstalling doesn't help. server continues to function and stream podcasts as expected, even while I write this review. but the app does not work..No buzz offVersion: 2.4.5

CarPlay support not what I expected…Works well, CarPlay does not allow for selecting of media, I can only manipulate a title that is already playing which means I still have to pick up my phone find the title and begin it’s playback. Works well with audio bookshelf otherwise..Twidget2000Version: 2.3.5

Latest update broke itThe player was good, but with the latest update it is broken. Can connect to, and stream from my audiobookshelf server. But if I try to download anything it fails to fully download the file, then I cannot play it at all. It is, effectively, worthless right now..Crmarvin42Version: 3.0.3

Latest version crashes constantly. I wish I could get my money back.Since the release of the version in November, the app has become functionally useless. What once was the gold standard now has become a complete waste of time. Look elsewhere..OberstEnzVersion: 3.1.4

Overall great, but keeps losing my progressI like everything about this app, except there’s a few UC oddities, such as preferences/settings being behind the bookmark icon. The dealbreaker is that it keeps losing my progress. I’ll have 2-3 good listening sessions and boom, book restarts when I resume. ABS knows my progress, I checked, so why does this client keep restarting? Fix this and my review goes straight to 4 or 5..MattbladezVersion: 3.1.4

UnstableUnfortunately horribly unstable even in offline mode, particularly with car play. Can go weeks without issues and then suddenly refuse to display anything or even play an audio book even if it’s on the phone and it’s been downloaded..JopeekVersion: 3.1.4

Always “offline”Whenever I try to select “Go online”, it loads for one second and then the screen refreshes back to the “go online” screen. I paid for this app and it has never worked for me!.Brienne BVersion: 3.1.4

Avoid this appWon’t open some of my audio books. Ebooks are not supported as well..Bugoy chanVersion: 2.5.3

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