Howler.js is described as 'JavaScript API for the modern web, to make working with audio simple and reliable on all platforms' and is a Audio Player in the audio & music category. There are 2 alternatives to Howler.js for Web-based and Self-Hosted. The best Howler.js alternative is Amplitude.js, which is both free and Open Source.
Amplitude.js is a lightweight JavaScript library that allows you to control the design of your media controls in your webpage -- not the browser. No dependencies (jQuery not required).
SoundManager was written to meet a desire to have Javascript-driven sound for interactive web-based projects, and "to make it easy to play MP3s in the browser." It is free for use in both personal and commercial projects (see license, above.
