# OpenReader vs YT Zero

> Two self-hosted projects, compared on the numbers selfhost.directory tracks live: score, popularity, release cadence and setup effort.

| | OpenReader | YT Zero |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 59/100 ✓ | 52/100 |
| Rank in category | #4 of 15 in Audiobook Management | #53 of 118 in Media Server |
| GitHub stars | 550 | 669 ✓ |
| Stars, last 30 days | +35 | — |
| Stable releases, 12 months | 19 ✓ | 9 |
| Latest release | v5.4.0 · 28 Oct 2026 ✓ | 2026.09.9 · 28 Sept 2026 |
| Setup | Moderate | Easy ✓ |
| Official Docker image | Yes | Yes |
| License | MIT | Unlicense |
| Main language | Typescript | Typescript |

## Which one should you pick?

OpenReader scores 59/100 against 52/100 for YT Zero, so it is the safer default.

OpenReader ships more often: 19 stable releases in the past year, against 9 for YT Zero.

If you want the quickest setup, YT Zero is easier to run; OpenReader needs more configuration.

OpenReader is growing faster right now (+35 stars in 30 days).

## Details

- [OpenReader](https://selfhost.directory/project/openreader) (markdown: https://selfhost.directory/project/openreader.md)
- [YT Zero](https://selfhost.directory/project/ytzero) (markdown: https://selfhost.directory/project/ytzero.md)

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Source: https://selfhost.directory/compare/openreader-vs-ytzero