When I first realized the original Readarr project had been retired, I felt like my digital library had lost its best friend. I had years’ worth of ebooks and audiobooks perfectly organized—until one day, automation just… stopped. I didn’t want to manually sort thousands of titles, so I started my quest for the ultimate Readarr alternative.
What I found surprised me: there isn’t just one replacement. There are several fantastic options—each with its own personality, strengths, and quirks. Let me walk you through what I learned while testing them all.
What Makes a Good Readarr Alternative?
Before exploring replacements, I asked myself what I really needed. For me, automation was essential—something that could track authors, grab metadata, and keep my library organized without constant babysitting. But I also wanted flexibility, especially for ebooks and audiobooks.
A good Readarr alternative should:
- Handle metadata like a pro (titles, covers, summaries).
- Integrate smoothly with download clients.
- Offer web access or a modern interface.
- Support both text and audio libraries.
That’s a tall order, but a few contenders rose to the challenge.
Is Calibre Still the King of Ebook Management?
Short answer: absolutely.
Calibre has been around forever, and it’s still one of the most powerful tools for managing an ebook library. It’s open-source, feature-rich, and can handle nearly any format you throw at it—from EPUBs to MOBIs. You can edit metadata, download covers, and even convert formats automatically.
To make it even better, I paired it with Calibre-Web, a self-hosted web interface that lets you browse and read your books from any device. Imagine lounging on the couch and accessing your entire library from your tablet. That’s Calibre-Web magic.
Pros:
- Incredible flexibility and control.
- Automatically fetches metadata and reviews.
- Free and open-source.
Cons:
- It’s a desktop-first tool. Setting up the web version takes a bit of effort.
If you want total control and don’t mind some tinkering, Calibre plus Calibre-Web is a top-tier Readarr alternative setup.
How Does LazyLibrarian Compare to the Original Readarr?
LazyLibrarian is where things get interesting. It feels like a natural spiritual successor to Readarr—an automation-first tool that handles ebooks and audiobooks in one place.
Here’s what it does brilliantly: you can follow your favorite authors, and LazyLibrarian automatically searches for new releases via NZB or torrent sources.
Once it finds them, it sends the files to your download client and saves everything in a Calibre-compatible format. That means your existing setup stays intact.
I love that it supports OPDS, so you can browse and download your books using an ebook client on any device.
Pros:
- Automates downloads for both ebooks and audiobooks.
- Integrates with Prowlarr, Calibre, and multiple download clients.
- Saves all the correct metadata and artwork automatically.
Cons:
- Setup can be tricky. You’ll need some patience to configure everything.
If you’re comfortable with tech and crave automation, LazyLibrarian is an excellent Readarr alternative.
What If I Just Want a Sleek Library Server?
Not everyone needs automation. Some of us just want to read or listen beautifully. That’s where Audiobookshelf and Kavita shine.
Audiobookshelf
This open-source platform focuses on streaming audiobooks (and ebooks) with a polished, app-like experience. I loved how it syncs progress between devices—it’s perfect if you switch between phone and desktop. The interface is clean, responsive, and intuitive.
Kavita
Kavita, on the other hand, is like your digital bookshelf on steroids. It supports EPUBs, PDFs, comics, and even manga. It’s privacy-friendly, self-hosted, and incredibly fast. It doesn’t automate downloads, but it does organize beautifully and syncs progress across users.
If you’re more into enjoying your collection than managing it, these two make a dream team.
What’s the Deal with the New Chaptarr Project?
Now here’s the one I’m most excited about. Chaptarr is a brand-new project built to be a direct, modern Readarr alternative for both ebooks and audiobooks.
It’s still in early development, but it promises everything Readarr lacked—support for multi-author series, smarter metadata, and deep integration with the *arr ecosystem (like Radarr and Sonarr).
Chaptarr feels like the future: a clean interface, active development, and a focus on doing things right from the start. If you’re willing to wait for its stable release, it might become the ultimate solution.
Which Readarr Alternative Should You Choose?
Here’s a quick comparison table to help you decide:
| Tool | Focus Area | Automation | Supports Audiobooks | Ease of Setup |
| Calibre + Calibre-Web | Ebooks management | Partial | No | Medium |
| LazyLibrarian | Ebook + Audiobook automation | Full | Yes | Medium-Hard |
| Audiobookshelf | Library streaming | None | Yes | Easy |
| Kavita | Digital reading & comics | None | Limited | Easy |
| Chaptarr (Beta) | Next-gen arr replacement | Planned | Yes | Early stage |
How Can You Transition Smoothly from Readarr?
If you’re moving from Readarr, start by exporting your metadata and author lists. Then decide if you want to prioritize automation or experience.
- For full control and metadata precision: go with Calibre.
- For true automation: try LazyLibrarian.
- For streaming and aesthetics: explore Audiobookshelf or Kavita.
- For a future-ready, arr-style experience: keep an eye on Chaptarr.
Each option gives you freedom to tailor your setup. Don’t rush it—test one, live with it for a week, and see how it feels.
FAQs About Choosing the Right Readarr Alternative
Q1: Can I still use Readarr if it’s retired?
Technically, yes—but it’s no longer updated or supported, which can lead to bugs or broken integrations. You’re better off switching to something actively maintained like Bookshelf or LazyLibrarian.
Q2: What’s the easiest Readarr alternative for beginners?
Calibre paired with Calibre-Web is your best bet. It’s simple to install, intuitive, and has a massive user community for support.
Q3: Which option handles both ebooks and audiobooks the best?
LazyLibrarian is the most balanced choice right now. It automates downloads for both formats and integrates neatly with Calibre.
Q4: Will Chaptarr replace Readarr completely?
That’s the plan. Once it’s fully released, Chaptarr aims to become a feature-complete replacement with modern automation, metadata management, and “arr” integration.
Closing Chapter: My Takeaway on Readarr Alternatives
Switching from Readarr felt daunting at first, but it turned out to be an upgrade in disguise. I’ve now got a library that’s faster, more customizable, and less dependent on one outdated project. My advice? Experiment until you find your fit.
Right now, my personal combo—Calibre for structure and Audiobookshelf for listening—feels unbeatable. If you love control, automation, or pure reading pleasure, there’s a Readarr alternative out there with your name on it.
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