If you’re having trouble fitting reading into your day, the best audiobook apps let you multitask and listen to the latest releases while you’re driving, working out, or making dinner. Audiobooks are becoming more and more popular, and by 2022, he says, more than 140 million Americans will have listened to audiobooks. Publisher’s weekly magazine.
Audiobook apps vary in their range of features and libraries. Many require a monthly or annual subscription, and some offer media other than audiobooks, such as podcasts. Voracious listeners may prefer a subscription service that allows them to enjoy as many audiobooks as they want in a month. However, if it takes him a month or two to finish reading an audiobook, a pay-per-book platform may be more economical.
Ultimately, your device’s operating system, music preferences, and budget all factor into which app is best for you when finding your next great adventure.
1. Best overall: audible
Founded in 1995 and acquired by Amazon in 2008, Audible is one of the pioneers in the audiobook space. With this service, you can get almost any title in audiobook format. You’ll also have access to podcasts, exclusive shows, and original programming available only on this platform.
Audible offers two membership tiers, both of which provide access to the Audible ‘Plus’ catalog, which includes over 10,000 audiobooks. With an Audible Premium Plus membership, you get 1 extra credit each month to buy books outside of the Plus catalog and get access to an additional 470,000 audiobooks. You can purchase credits and listen to more audiobooks without a premium membership.
The platform also allows you to continue accessing your Audible books even if you cancel your subscription. In contrast, similar apps like Scribd only give you access to the books you purchase as long as you subscribe to the app. Other services like Hoopla and Libby allow you to browse a list of audiobooks from your local library. However, you’ll only have access to it for a few weeks, after which you’ll need to add it to your reading list again.
With Audible, you can listen to a book at your leisure and jump back and forth between books without fear of losing access before you finish reading the novel. You’ll also have access to audiobooks whether you subscribe or not. Not sure if Audible is right for you? No worries. Get a 30-day free trial before signing up for Audible Plus, which costs $7.95 per month, or Audible Premium Plus, which costs $14.95 per month.
audible is available in iOSiPadOS, watchOS, and android.
2. Best for iPhone: Apple Books
Apple Books is a convenient way to get digital books and audiobooks that sync with all your Apple devices. Unlike many audiobook apps, Apple Books is not a subscription service. This is similar to an e-bookstore where you pay per book.
If you only read one or two books a month, Apple Books may be cheaper than a subscription service. Plus, if you have a month where you don’t have time to listen at all, you don’t have to pay for unused subscriptions. We also have a large selection of free audiobooks, including classics such as. pride and prejudice When your budget is tight.
Beyond the financial advantages and disadvantages, the app itself offers a robust library that is easy to navigate thanks to its effective classification. Browse thousands of titles by popular genre, but also search in other categories, including free books, new and trending books, book club picks, and Apple picks. You can also sample short snippets before making your final decision.
The library includes audiobooks as well as digital titles. In theory, you can use this one app to do most things like reading and audio. Apple devices require iOS 10 or later, but can sync across the board, including iPad, iPhone, some iPods, and some Apple Watches. As a bonus, you also have the option to download and import Audible titles, so if you’re torn between the two, add it to your list of Audible tips and tricks.
Apple Books Free iOSiPadOS, watchOS.
3. Best for nonfiction: Blinkist
Blinkist is more than just an audiobook app. It’s not just a book app. This unique app focuses on learning everything from podcasts and book summaries to audiobooks. If you’re focused on nonfiction, it’s an even better deal, especially if you’re short on time.
This app provides book summaries in manageable 15-minute increments and includes popular books such as: Atomic Habits Written by James Clear. Download titles for offline access or send to your Kindle. Books are organized by topics such as love, personal development, memoir, and autobiography. Get your hands on popular new releases and classics right away. The goal is to “feed your brain” and improve your mind and body with content that fits your busy lifestyle.
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Blinkist gives you easy access to information and books you don’t have time for, and it doesn’t take long for you to see personalized recommendations based on your preferences and habits. There’s a 7-day free trial, and after that it costs $15.99 per month for a monthly plan or $8.24 per month if you choose to pay annually.
Blinkist is available in iOSiPadOS, and android.
4. Best Free: LibriVox
Subscriptions and monthly purchases can add up quickly. For those on a budget, LibriVox offers free (and legal) audiobooks. Their catalog consists of over 40,000 of his books available in the public domain, read by volunteers.
You won’t find the latest releases, but you can still get the classics. This book is DRM-free so you can download the audiobook as many times as you like and listen to it offline or on other devices. This is important because DRM (Digital Rights Management) prevents unauthorized copying of copyrighted content, but it can also cause problems on your device. However, with LibriVox, you don’t have to worry about that because every piece of content is in the public domain.
The interface isn’t polished or flashy, but it does offer bookmark and timer functionality to support basic listening needs. If you like reading aloud a little, consider volunteering to read a book yourself. However, the quality of narration varies between volunteers, so you may skip some books due to poor storytelling. Still, nothing beats free audiobooks and a platform that celebrates your love of literature.
Lilibox is available to iOSiPadOS, and android.
5. Best Budget: Chirp
Chirp is where thrift stores meet audiobooks. Owned by BookBub, an author promotion site. Thousands of subscribers are scrambling for deals on new and popular books, including Harlan Coben audiobooks for $5 on his. Deals for a particular book typically last several days, and the listing will show a countdown of how long the deal will last. Bookbub’s wide reach allows authors to compete for the best promotion.
Chirp fits into this situation by offering audiobooks at a discounted price. For listeners, Chirp is a money-saving benefit, and for authors, the platform is a great way to find new readers. You pay per book, not a subscription fee. And the depth of the discount also varies.
On the downside, sales are limited, so you’ll need to act quickly when you find the book you want. The app itself is free and allows you to store your purchased audiobooks, making it a great way to build your library on a budget.
chirp Free iOSiPadOS, and android.