Pick Apple Books if
you buy audiobooks from Apple, listen on an Apple Watch, or share with family. The app is free to download.
justRead vs Apple Books: which app plays your own audiobooks?
Apple Books is Apple's free app for the audiobooks it sells. justRead plays audiobook files you already have. If you buy from Apple, stay with Apple Books.
Try the whole app free for 14 days.
justRead
Reader with an audiobook player
Apple Books
Apple's book and audiobook store and player
Which should you pick?
Pick justRead if
your audiobooks are files you own, you have no Mac to import them, or they sit on an Audiobookshelf server. It has no Apple Watch app.
Apple Books is the default
If your audiobooks come from Apple, there is little reason to leave.
Apple's store page lists one app for books and audiobooks, with Family Sharing, CarPlay and Apple Watch.
- Stay with Apple Books if you buy audiobooks from Apple, want them on your wrist, or share a library with family.
- Look at justRead if your audiobooks came from a DRM-free shop, a ripped CD or your own server.
- Use both if you buy from Apple and also own files.
justRead and Apple Books, row by row
Yes or No only when a source backs it. "Not stated" means we found nothing.
| What matters | justRead |
Apple Books |
|---|---|---|
| Adding your own files | ||
| Adding your own audiobook file on the iPhoneThe row this page turns on. It rests on an independent article, not Apple, and we did not test it. | YesFrom the Files picker, by drag and drop, or with Open in justRead.1 | Not documentedAn independent article published 26 July 2026 reports no documented way to import an M4B directly on the iPhone into Books.2 |
| Adding your own audiobook file on a Mac | Not statedWe make no claim about a Mac.1 | YesApple's Mac guide says to choose File > Import or to drag and drop some audiobooks. It names mp3 audiobooks.3 |
| Formats named | m4b, m4a, mp3, aac, flacPlus the .audiobook and .zab package formats.1 | mp3 on the MacApple's Mac guide names mp3 audiobooks. The iPhone guide pages we read name no formats.34 |
| A folder of chapter files as one book | YesA folder of two or more loose mp3, m4a, aac, flac or m4b files becomes one audiobook.1 | Not stated by the developer34 |
| Chapters inside one m4b | YesReads the chapter list stored inside a single m4b file.1 | It variesThe iPhone guide says some audiobooks refer to chapters as tracks, or do not define chapters. Nothing is stated about an imported m4b.4 |
| Your own audiobook server | YesAudiobookshelf, Grimmory and BookOrbit. Audiobookshelf books are downloaded first and played from the device.1 | Not stated by the developer45 |
| Audible audiobooks you already own | NoProtected Audible files are not handled.1 | Mac onlyApple's Mac guide lists Audible audiobooks among importable items. It describes Books on the Mac.3 |
| Playing a book | ||
| Chapter list | YesLists each chapter with its length and plays from the one you tap.1 | YesTap the chapter button, then a chapter.4 |
| Playback speed | 0.75x to 2.0xOne setting that carries from book to book.1 | A dialThe dial sets the narration speed, and holding it resets to 1x. The iPhone page gives no range. The Mac guide says 0.75x to 2x.46 |
| Skip buttons | 5 to 60 secondsChosen separately for back and forward from 5, 10, 15, 30, 45 or 60 seconds. Defaults are 15 and 30.1 | AdjustableThe seconds are set under Settings > Apps > Books. The options are not stated.4 |
| Sleep timer | Yes5, 10, 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes, plus End of Chapter.1 | YesTap the timer button, then choose a duration.4 |
| Mini-player | YesA mini player above the tabs holds the cover, title and chapter with skip back, play or pause and stop.1 | YesSwipe down to switch to the mini-player and tap it to return.4 |
| Sending the sound to another speaker | Through iOSThere is no AirPlay or output-route button in the player. Routing is left to the system controls.1 | In the playerThe player lists play on a different device such as HomePod, Apple TV 4K or a Bluetooth speaker.4 |
| Keeps your place across devices | YesPlace and bookmarks sync through iCloud.1 | YesApple's Mac guide says that syncing audiobook progress across Apple devices needs iCloud.6 |
| Bookmarks in an audiobook | YesA bookmark shows the chapter title and the time into the chapter.1 | Not stated by the developerApple lists bookmarks syncing for books. The pages read do not describe audiobook bookmarks.47 |
| Away from the screen | ||
| CarPlay | YesAn Audiobooks tab and a Read Aloud tab.1 | YesThe Audiobooks app in CarPlay plays the audiobooks that are on your iPhone.58 |
| Lock screen controls | YesCover and chapter time, with next and previous chapter, scrubbing, speed and skip.1 | Not stated by the developerThe iPhone page mentions headphones and car controls as external controls.4 |
| Car mode on the phone | YesA full-screen, always-dark screen with four large tiles: Play and Pause, Skip Back, Skip Forward and Bookmark.1 | Not stated by the developer45 |
| Apple Watch | NoNo Apple Watch companion ships with the app.1 | YesThe Audiobooks app on Apple Watch shows recent audiobooks, and the Watch app on iPhone picks which to download.5 |
| Siri, Shortcuts and widgets | YesA Continue Listening shortcut for Siri and Shortcuts plays the book you heard last, and the Current Book widget has Play and Pause.1 | Not stated by the developer45 |
| Devices | iPhone and iPadjustRead runs on iPhone and iPad only.1 | ManyThe store page lists iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple Vision and Apple Watch, and Apple's guide describes Books on Mac.35 |
| Ebooks, comics, voices and statistics | ||
| Reads ebooks | YesEPUB, PDF, CBZ and CBR books import next to audiobooks.1 | YesA Book Store with reading themes, line height and letter spacing, vertical scrolling and reading goals.5 |
| Opens comic files (CBZ, CBR) | YesCBZ and CBR files import next to the books.1 | Not stated by the developer35 |
| A computer voice reads your ebooks | YesRead Aloud with Apple, Kokoro and Supertonic voices.1 | iOS featureThe Books pages read state no read-aloud setting. iPhone's own Speak Screen can read what is on the screen.59 |
| Text follows the narration | EPUB 3 onlyAn EPUB 3 book that ships synced audio gets a narration transport, and a tap in the text moves the voice there.1 | Not stated by the developer45 |
| Listening in statistics and to Hardcover | YesStatistics has a Listening category with week, month, year and all-time ranges, and progress goes to Hardcover in seconds listened.1 | Reading goalsThe store page lists reading goals with streak tracking. Audiobook listening is not mentioned.5 |
| What each costs | ||
| Price of the appUS figures read on 26 October 2026. They change. | 14 days, then $4.99 a monthOr $29.99 a year, or $79.99 once. The audiobook player is not charged separately.110 | FreeThe app is free to download. Audiobook prices are not stated on the pages read.5 |
| Sample before you commit | 14-day trialThe trial covers the whole app, then a paywall appears.1 | PreviewsSample any book or preview an audiobook, says the store description.5 |
| Rating in the US store | 4.6154 ratings.11 | 4.53About 117,000 ratings.5 |
| Latest update | 19 Oct 2026Version 5.5.11 | 14 Sep 2026Version 5.4.5 |
| Minimum iOS | iOS 18.1iPhone and iPad.11 | iOS 10.0The information panel says 10.0. The description says iPhone requires iOS 12 or later.5 |
| Interface languagesLanguages of the app, not of the audiobooks. | 21English and 20 other languages.1 | 33English and 32 more on the store page.5 |
Adding your own file to Apple Books
The answer changes with the device in your hand.
On a Mac: documented
Apple's guide says you choose File > Import, or drag and drop. It lists mp3 audiobooks and Audible audiobooks. Some files, such as ACSM, AZW and ODM, need another app.3
On the iPhone: not documented
The pages we read cover playing books already in your library. An independent article from 26 July 2026 says add the file on a Mac, then sync by cable.24
Protected Audible files
Apple's Mac guide lists Audible audiobooks as importable. justRead does not handle protected Audible files on any device.13
We have not run this import ourselves. That is not proof it cannot be done, so check on your own phone.
Where justRead loses to Apple Books
Seven places where Apple's app comes out ahead.
Apple Books is free
The store page shows the app as free. With justRead you get a 14-day trial, then $4.99 a month, $29.99 a year or $79.99 once.1510
Apple sells and previews audiobooks
Its store has an Audiobook Store and previews. justRead has no store and does not handle FairPlay-protected titles.15
No Apple Watch app
Apple lists the Audiobooks app on Apple Watch. justRead has no Apple Watch app for your wrist.15
No sound-output button
Apple's guide lists playing on a HomePod, Apple TV 4K or Bluetooth speaker. justRead leaves that to iOS.14
Family Sharing and more devices
Apple lists Family Sharing for up to five people. It runs on iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple Vision and Apple Watch. justRead is for iPhone and iPad.135
More interface languages
Apple Books lists 33 languages. justRead has English and 20 others.15
A bigger public record
Apple Books has about 117,000 US ratings at 4.53. justRead has 54 at 4.61.511
Where justRead is the better fit
Five reasons you may prefer justRead.
It takes your files on the iPhone
Use the Files picker, a drag, or Open in justRead. The Apple pages we read show no way to do this on the phone.124
A folder becomes one book
Two or more loose chapter files are grouped into one audiobook. Apple's pages say nothing about folders.134
It connects to your server
It works with Audiobookshelf, Grimmory and BookOrbit. The Apple pages we read name no server.145
Books, comics and audiobooks together
EPUB, PDF, CBZ and CBR sit next to your audiobooks. Read Aloud speaks an ebook for you.15
Listening counts as reading time
Your listening time shows in Statistics. Progress goes to Hardcover, in seconds listened.1
More on the audiobook player page and in our post on Apple Books alternatives.
Other Apple Books alternatives
Each line comes from the app's own store listing. None is a ranking.
BookPlayer
Free, with source code under the GNU GPL 3.0. It takes AirDrop, Files, zip files or your own server. It has an Apple Watch app and CarPlay.12
Bound
Paid once, at $4.99. It pulls DRM-free files from Dropbox, OneDrive, Files or a web uploader. Its newest release dates from February 2025.13
Prologue
A player for your own Plex or Audiobookshelf server. It has iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch apps, and CarPlay. Free, with a one-time Premium purchase.14
Compare justRead vs BookPlayer and Audiobookshelf apps.
Using both apps
Most people do not have to choose.
Keep Apple Books for what you bought in Apple's store. Use justRead for files you brought in yourself. Each app keeps its own place.
How to move your files to justRead
Nothing here deletes anything from Apple Books.
-
Find the original files
Use the m4b, or the folder of mp3 chapters, that you bought or made. Apple's pages describe no way to take a file back out of Books.
-
Add them to justRead
Use the Files picker, a drag, or Open in justRead. Or pick a library folder on the Add Books page, ideally in iCloud Drive.1
-
Check the chapters
Open the chapter sheet. justRead lists the chapters stored in an m4b, each with its length.1
-
Find your place
Neither app imports the other's position. Start at the chapter you reached, and set your speed once.1
Keep Apple Books for anything you bought from Apple.
What Apple and its listeners say
Two quotes from Apple's guide and an article, then three from listeners.
You can also drag and drop books, PDFs, and some audiobooks into your library.
There is no documented way to import an M4B directly on the iPhone into Books.
I use Apple Books and it works well with chapters so I usually create the books with [Audiobook Builder's site]
I use this for all my pdf files and audiobooks. Easy searchable filter and great system
Tonight I tried to play an audiobook that I have owned for years on my iPad. It said I have too many devices, and I need to log out of the other ones
Questions about Apple Books and justRead
What are good Apple Books alternatives?
Can Apple Books play my M4B on iPhone?
Can you read along in Apple Books?
How do I import audiobooks into Apple Books?
Why does my audiobook have no chapters?
Can justRead play my M4B on iPhone?
Yes. justRead plays m4b, m4a, mp3, aac and flac, plus .audiobook and .zab packages. It shows chapters stored in an m4b.1
Does Apple Books support CarPlay and Apple Watch?
Which playback speeds does each app offer?
Can justRead play Audible audiobooks?
Does Apple Books keep my place across devices?
Apple Books or Audible for audiobooks?
Sources and how we checked
17 sources
justRead.app makes justRead, so we hold this page to a stricter rule than a neutral roundup. Every justRead cell comes from the app's source code at the 5.5 release.
Apple Books' cells come from its US App Store listing and Apple's iPhone and Mac guide pages, all re-read on 26 October 2026. One row rests on an independent article, which we name wherever it is used.
"Not stated by the developer" means we found nothing either way and did not guess. We did not import a file into Apple Books ourselves, and we ran no app against a file.
Apple updates Books with the operating system, so its pages change. The dates tell you how old each fact is.
The quotes are examples, not a count. The reviews come from a sample of 1,050 written reviews (US, GB and DE) pulled on 23 October 2026.
Of those, 393 give one or two stars and 547 give four or five. We re-read each quoted review in Apple's feed on 26 October 2026.
The Reithmeier line is an independent writer's finding, not an Apple statement, and we did not test it.
Checked 26 October 2026 against justRead 5.5 and Apple Books 5.4.
- justRead 5.5 app behavior, read from the app's source code at the release build (our own review). accessed 2026-10-26
- Tobias Reithmeier, M4B Audiobooks on iPhone: Chapters, Resume, Players (2026), published 26 July 2026 (independent article). tobiasreithmeier.de accessed 2026-10-26
- Apple Books User Guide, Import books, audiobooks, or PDFs in Books on Mac. support.apple.com accessed 2026-10-26
- Apple iPhone User Guide, Listen to audiobooks in the Books app on iPhone (skip, chapters, speed, timer, output). support.apple.com accessed 2026-10-26
- Apple Books, App Store listing (US): version 5.4, description, devices, languages and requirements. apps.apple.com accessed 2026-10-26
- Apple Books User Guide, Listen to audiobooks in Books on Mac (speed range, iCloud sync). support.apple.com accessed 2026-10-26
- Apple iPhone User Guide, Access books on other Apple devices in the Books app on iPhone (iCloud sync). support.apple.com accessed 2026-10-26
- Apple iPhone User Guide, Play audiobooks with CarPlay. support.apple.com accessed 2026-10-26
- Apple, iPhone User Guide: Hear iPhone speak the screen, selected text, and typing feedback. support.apple.com accessed 2026-10-26
- justRead pricing and trial, from the justRead site. justread.app accessed 2026-10-26
- justRead, App Store listing (US): version 5.5, minimum iOS, rating count and last update. apps.apple.com accessed 2026-10-26
- BookPlayer, App Store listing (US storefront), read on 26 October 2026. apps.apple.com accessed 2026-10-26
- Bound - Audiobook Player, App Store listing (US storefront), read on 26 October 2026. apps.apple.com accessed 2026-10-26
- Prologue Audiobook Player, App Store listing (US storefront), read on 26 October 2026. apps.apple.com accessed 2026-10-26
- Hacker News, Show HN: M4b-tool, a tool to merge, split and chapterize audiobooks (a comment of 8 May 2019). news.ycombinator.com accessed 2026-10-26
- Apple Books, App Store customer reviews (US and GB storefronts), read from Apple's public review feed on 26 October 2026. apps.apple.com accessed 2026-10-26
- Audible, US membership plans page (monthly selection, credits, Plus Catalog). audible.com accessed 2026-10-26
A plain-text version of this page is at https://justread.app/en/compare/justread-vs-apple-books.md.