u/typing-blindly

I've been running an instance of Calibre Web for a while now, but when I started playing around with Koreader, I wanted to look at alternatives that supported both Kobo and Koreader syncing. I thought I'd compare my experience so far.

* This is not a full review

	Calibre Web	Grimmory	Book Orbit
Easy import from Calibre	Yes	Somewhat	Not attemped
Built-in reader	Yes	Yes	Yes
Kobo Sync	Yes	Yes	Yes
Koreader Sync	No	Yes	Yes
OPDS Catalog	Yes	Yes	Yes
Full Multiuser Support	Partial	Yes	Yes
Ease of Install	Yes	Somewhat	Somewhat
Extra Metadata	No	Yes	Yes

Easy Import from Calibre

Calibre Web wins this hands down, since it reads Calibre's sqlite database. When I tried to import my full library into Grimmory, it did a fair job of reading the sidecar files, but the import was far from perfect. I didn't test out Book Orbit.

Built-in Reader

Each application has one. I don't use them.

Kobo Sync

Kobo sync works great on Calibre Web and Grimmory. I have configured it on Book Orbit, but have not tested it yet.

Koreader Sync

Calibre Web does not have this feature. To get that functionality, you have to run something like koreader-sync-server. Grimmory and Book Orbit both have this feature built-in. I did test Grimmory, and it works. Though I did have issues syncing by file name. I have configured this feature in Book Orbit, but have not tested it yet.

OPDS Catalog

Every project has this. I have only tested Grimmory, and it works great.

Full Multiuser Support

Calibre Web supports multiple users with some limitations imposed by its use of the Calibre database. Some features like book ratings are per book. Both Grimmory and Book Orbit offer full multiuser support.

Ease of Install

All three are easily run via Docker Compose. Calibre Web is really easy to get started with since it uses Calibre's database. There is no library creation to speak of. Just create your user accounts and go.

Both Grimmory and Book Orbit require a separate database. Again this is handled by the provided compose files. In addition, there are some environment variables that need to be set. None of this is difficult, unless you are unfamiliar with the command line. Both projects have good documentation.

Both Grimmory and Book Orbit require that you configure a library to being using the applications. The process is fairly similar, but Book Orbit has a nicer interface to guide you through the process. Grimmory does have the ability to track your physical books as well. Something I could not figure out how to do in Book Orbit. So if you want to track your entire collection Grimmory does have the advantage.

Once your library is created, both projects allow you to upload your books via the browser. I did notice a minor issue with Book Orbit here. The default pattern used for file naming breaks down when you import multiple books in a series. The books only get one entry in the application. To fix this you must change the pattern. This isn't difficult, but was a surprise.

Extra Metadata

Both Grimmory and Book Orbit allow you to add metadata for authors and series. Grimmory allows you to upload a picture of the author which is a nice touch. But it also includes an ASIN field, which is odd since ASINs apply to books and not authors. Book Orbit doesn't support uploading a picture, but does allow you to specify the sort order for the author.

In the end, it's good to have options. All three applications fill a need. If you want simple, then use Calibre Web. If you want a more full featured catalog, then either Grimmory or Book Orbit will work very well.

Hi! I'm new to Koreader so apologies if this has been asked before. I have Simple UI installed and have sideloaded books onto my Kobo using Calibre. The are all just sitting in the /Books directory I created. /Books is my home directory now. If I'm in default grouping everything is fine. But if I group by author or series, books are not grouped correctly. Books that are on the device don't necessarily show up.

Does Koreader index books like Nickel does, and if so is there a way to kick the process off?

I am trying to import a book into Calibre which has the same title as another book in my catalog. They are not the same book. Different author and everything. I'm not sure of another way to import since the existing book already contains an epub.

I love the default Kobo software. It's quick and responsive on my Kobos, easy to use, and looks good or at least good enough. But lately I've been playing around with Koreader, and I have to say it has some nice features if you're visually impaired like I am.

My main gripes about the Kobo software is that things like the status bar, and dictionary are difficult for me to read. I just found out about large print mode, and that looks like it could help. But Koreader's customizability really shines here.

Screenshot of Koreader showing dictionary and status bar

Here is a screenshot with some of my settings. The default dictionary window has larger text out of the box, and the status bar can be made larger independent of the rest of the UI.

Koreader is not user-friendly. I've resisted installing it until recently, because the default Kobo software works so well for me. But I've enjoyed playing with Koreader. It may just fix the very few gripes I have about my Kobos.

Hi! I have a couple of Kobos and I want to turn on the Kobo integration in Calibre Web. But the Kobos have books that I've sideloaded with Calibre. Is the sync smart enough to detect them or should I remove them first and then sync?

Let me start by saying I sideload exclusively. I have a KLC and an Elipsa 2e, but I use them for different purposes. I use my KLC mainly for fiction, and the Elipsa for nonfiction where I might want the bigger screen for diagrams. When combined they hold my entire library.

I set up Kobo integration in Calibre Web the other day for my wife, and of course I had to test it out. I thought it was great! When my KLC needed to charge I was able to seamlessly switch to the Elipsa.

So, now I’m curious. How do you use your Kobo(s)? Do you load it with everything you can? Do you just what you’re currently reading? What does that do to your reading stats?