Self-Hosted Ebook Library
To host your own ebook and comic library, three apps cover it. For ebooks managed with Calibre and a send-to-Kindle feature, Calibre-Web. For a modern reader spanning ebooks and comics, Kavita. For comics and manga specifically, Komga.
Updated 2026-06-03 · by Jonathan Caruso
Top pick
Calibre-Web
If your collection is ebooks, Calibre-Web is the natural front end for a Calibre library: web reading, clean metadata, and a send-to-Kindle feature so you can push books to the device. It is light and widely used.
The options
Calibre-Web
GPL, freeA web UI for a Calibre ebook library, with reading and send-to-Kindle.
Visit Calibre-Web site- Runs on
- Light, Docker. Uses a Calibre library.
- Pick it if
- You manage ebooks with Calibre and want web access and Kindle sending.
Kavita
GPL, freeA fast, modern reader for ebooks, comics, and manga.
Visit Kavita site- Runs on
- Light, Docker.
- Pick it if
- You want a polished modern reader across ebooks and comics.
Komga
MIT, freeA media server focused on comics and manga (CBZ, CBR, PDF).
Visit Komga site- Runs on
- Light, Docker.
- Pick it if
- Your library is mostly comics and manga.
How to choose
If your collection is ebooks and you already use Calibre to manage it, Calibre-Web is the natural front end: web reading, metadata, and send-to-Kindle. If you want a more modern reading experience or a mix of ebooks and comics, Kavita has a nicer reader and handles both. For a library that is mostly comics and manga, Komga is purpose-built for that format.
Many people run Calibre-Web for ebooks and Komga or Kavita for comics side by side, since they specialize. All three are light enough to run together on a Raspberry Pi or a NAS.
The verdict
For ebooks managed with Calibre, run Calibre-Web for web reading and send-to-Kindle. For a modern reader spanning ebooks and comics, Kavita. For a comics-and-manga library, Komga. They are light enough to run together, and many people do.
FAQ
What is the best self-hosted ebook library?
Calibre-Web if you manage ebooks with Calibre and want web access plus send-to-Kindle. Kavita for a modern reader across ebooks and comics. Komga if your library is mostly comics and manga.
Can I send books to my Kindle?
Yes. Calibre-Web has a send-to-Kindle feature that emails books to your Kindle address, so you can read your self-hosted library on the device.
Does it handle comics and manga?
Kavita and Komga both do, with readers built for CBZ, CBR, and similar formats. Komga focuses on comics specifically, while Kavita handles ebooks and comics together.