Plato vs Storyteller
A side-by-side comparison of two self-hosted e-books & media library options — licensing, setup difficulty, resource needs, and what each one replaces.
Storyteller
Self-hosted server that syncs ebooks with audiobooks
| Feature | Plato | Storyteller |
|---|---|---|
| Deploy effort | Read-the-docs project | Under-an-hour setup |
| Category | E-books & Media Library | E-books & Media Library |
| License | AGPL-3.0 | AGPL-3.0 |
| Language | Rust | TypeScript |
| Setup difficulty | Medium | Medium |
| Min. RAM | 128 MB | 1,024 MB |
| Deployment | binary, source | docker |
| GitHub stars | ★ 1,705 | ★ 1,500 |
| First released | 2017 | 2024 |
| Replaces | Kobo reader app, Kindle | Audible, Kindle |
What are Plato and Storyteller?
Plato
Plato is an open-source document reader built specifically for Kobo e-ink devices, supporting EPUB, PDF, CBZ, and more. It offers a library view, annotations, and connectivity to OPDS catalogs.
- Built for Kobo devices
- Multi-format support
- OPDS catalog access
- Annotations and bookmarks
Storyteller
Storyteller is a self-hosted platform that synchronizes the text of an ebook with its audiobook narration. This lets you seamlessly switch between reading and listening while keeping your place.
- Syncs ebook text with audio
- Switch between read and listen
- Self-hosted server
- Companion mobile apps
Plato vs Storyteller: key differences
Plato is written in Rust, while Storyteller is built with TypeScript. Plato is the lighter option, starting around 128 MB of RAM against 1,024 MB for Storyteller. Plato is the more established project (first released 2017), while Storyteller arrived in 2024. Storyteller lists first-class Docker deployment; Plato does not.
Why pick each one
Choose Plato if…
- Released under the AGPL-3.0 license
- Active community (1.7k GitHub stars)
- Written in Rust
- Tiny footprint — runs in 128 MB RAM
Choose Storyteller if…
- Unique read-listen sync
- Privacy friendly
Watch out for
- Newer project
- Processing is resource intensive
Frequently asked questions
Is Plato or Storyteller better?
Neither is universally better. Plato has the larger community; both share a medium setup difficulty, so the decision comes down to features and licensing.
Are Plato and Storyteller free and open-source?
Yes. Plato is licensed under AGPL-3.0 and Storyteller under AGPL-3.0. Both can be self-hosted at no software cost.
Can I run Plato and Storyteller with Docker?
Plato: check the project docs for container support. Storyteller: yes.
Which is lighter on resources, Plato or Storyteller?
Plato has the smaller minimum footprint at 128 MB of RAM, compared to about 1,024 MB for Storyteller. Real-world usage depends on library size, user count, and enabled features.