Kavita
Self-hosted reading server for comics, manga, EPUB and PDF
- #7 of 10 in best media server software
- Free and open source
- Free to use
- Open source
- Self-hostedWeb
Ranked 7 of 10 in best media server software
Built-in comic, manga, EPUB and PDF readers with OIDC login and per-library limits, under GPL-3.0. Extra metadata sources need the optional Kavita+ subscription, and it covers reading only, with no music or video.
Best for Self-hosted reading with built-in readers
About Kavita
Kavita scans libraries of comics, manga, EPUB and PDF files and reads metadata from filenames and ComicInfo.xml. Its built-in readers offer single page, double page and webtoon modes for image-based files, and EPUB and PDF each have a dedicated reader with annotation support.
Users can log in with local accounts or OIDC, and administrators can restrict libraries and age ratings per user. Reading lists can be shared, and OPDS feeds let e-reader apps connect to the library. Kavita+ is an optional paid subscription that adds external covers, descriptions and ratings from outside sources.
Key features
- EPUB, PDF and comic readers
- Webtoon and double page modes
- OIDC login
- Shared reading lists
- Annotations export to Obsidian
Strengths
- Built-in readers for EPUB, PDF and comics
- OIDC login and per-library restrictions
- OPDS feeds for reader apps
Limits
- Extra metadata sources need the paid Kavita+ plan
- Books and comics only, with no music or video
Where Kavita ranks
How Kavita compares
| Product | Score | Price | Platforms | Media handled | Other app access | Browser player or reader |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
#5 Audiobookshelf | 89.5 | Free and open source | Self-hostedWebAndroidiOS | Audiobooks and podcasts | Companion apps for Android and iOS, in beta | Yes, web client with ebook reader |
#6 Komga | 88.0 | Free and open source | Self-hostedWeb | Comics, manga, BDs, magazines and eBooks | OPDS, Mihon extension and Kobo Sync | Yes, integrated web reader |
| #7Kavita | 87.0 | Free and open source | Self-hostedWeb | Comics, manga, EPUB and PDF | OPDS feeds for reader apps | Yes, built-in readers |
#8 PhotoPrism | 85.5 | Free and open source | Self-hostedWeb | Photos and videos | Progressive web app and PhotoSync | Yes, progressive web app |
#9 Emby | 84.5 | Free plan, paid upgrades | AndroidiOSWindows | Video, music, photos and live TV | Free apps for Android, Fire TV, iOS, Xbox and PS4 | Yes, Chrome, Firefox and Edge |
The full comparison table for best media server software has all 10 products.
Alternatives to Kavita
All 9 alternatives
Questions about Kavita
- Is Kavita free?
- Kavita can be used without paying: Free and open source; optional Kavita+ subscription. Check the vendor’s pricing page for current limits.
- Is Kavita open source?
- Yes. Kavita publishes its source code under the GPL-3.0 license.
- Which platforms does Kavita support?
- Kavita is available on: Self-hosted, Web.
- What is Kavita best for?
- Self-hosted reading with built-in readers. In our ranking of media server software it is number 7 of 10 with a score of 87.0.
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