# Kavita review, pricing and alternatives

Source: https://listme.name/software/kavita
Website: https://www.kavitareader.com/

Self-hosted reading server for comics, manga, EPUB and PDF

Kavita is a free, open-source reading server for comics, manga, EPUB and PDF files, with built-in readers, OPDS feeds and user management. It is licensed under GPL-3.0 and offers an optional paid subscription, Kavita+, for extra metadata.

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.

- Free and open source | Self-hosted, Web | open source (GPL-3.0)
- Price: Free and open source; optional Kavita+ subscription
- Checked: 2026-10-10

## 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

## Rankings

- #7 of 10 in [best Media server software](https://listme.name/best/media-server-software), score 87.0: 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.

## Alternatives

- [Jellyfin](https://listme.name/software/jellyfin), score 94.0
- [Plex](https://listme.name/software/plex), score 92.5
- [Immich](https://listme.name/software/immich), score 91.0
- [Navidrome](https://listme.name/software/navidrome), score 90.0
- [Audiobookshelf](https://listme.name/software/audiobookshelf), score 89.5
- [Komga](https://listme.name/software/komga), score 88.0
- [PhotoPrism](https://listme.name/software/photoprism), score 85.5
- [Emby](https://listme.name/software/emby), score 84.5