I’m trying to find the best audiobooks app out there and would love some recommendations. I’m overwhelmed with all the options available and am not sure which one to choose. Any advice on the best app in terms of user experience, available titles, and pricing would be greatly appreciated.
If you’re looking for the best audiobook app, I’ve got a few thoughts. It’s true, the market’s overflowing with apps, making it tough to choose. Here’s my breakdown:
Audible: Amazon’s giant has the largest library out there, with a wide variety – everything from bestsellers to obscure indie titles. The app is super user-friendly with features like bookmarks, notes, and sleep timers. The downside? It’s on the pricey side. The monthly subscription gets you one credit, equivalent to one audiobook, which is decent if you consume one book a month – but it can get costly if you’re a voracious listener.
Libby: This one taps directly into your local library’s resources. You get access to an impressive selection for free. Yes, free – all you need is a library card. As for the user experience, it’s simple and clean. However, availability can be hit-or-miss depending on your library’s collection and the demand for certain titles.
Scribd: Often touted as the ‘Netflix of books,’ Scribd offers unlimited audiobooks for a flat monthly fee. It’s attractive if you devour multiple books every month. The app’s user interface is quite intuitive, but the major caveat is that not all titles are available under the unlimited plan – some popular books might still need you to buy them separately.
Google Play Books: If you’re deep into the Google ecosystem, this one can be beneficial. The app is straightforward, and you don’t need to subscribe – you pay as you go, which can be more economical for those who don’t listen to audiobooks frequently. The selection is pretty decent, though it might not match Audible’s vast library.
Kobo Books: If you’re an e-reader fan, Kobo’s audiobooks are integrated seamlessly with their e-ink devices. Their subscription model is similar to Audible, and the selection is robust. Additionally, Kobo regularly has nice promotions and discounts.
Chirp: Offers fantastic deals on audiobooks – some titles go for as little as a couple of bucks. No subscription fees means you pay per book, which can be super affordable if you’re good at finding deals. The selection is expanding but still smaller compared to Audible or Scribd.
Hope this helps! It’s a jungle out there, but depending on your listening habits, one of these should fit the bill.
I’m gonna be blunt: I adore Libro.fm. It’s a different model from what @cacadordeestrelas mentioned. You get to support local independent bookstores with every purchase. It’s got a great selection of audiobooks, not quite Audible-sized, but still impressive. The interface is clean and easy to use, and I love that you can choose a specific bookstore to support with every buy. Plus, it’s always nice to know where your money is going. Pricing is similar to Audible, but worth it if you value local businesses.
Also, I think @cacadordeestrelas underestimates Audiobooks.com. This app has a solid library, on par with Audible. The first month’s trial gives you three books for free (which is awesome) and there are often special deals for members. The app features like bookmarks and sleep timers make for a smooth experience.
For students or folks on a budget, another option to consider is LibriVox. It provides free public domain audiobooks read by volunteers from around the world. The selection is limited to classics, but if you’re into that, you essentially have a treasure trove at your disposal. The app itself isn’t the fanciest, but it’s functional enough for getting lost in classic literature without spending a dime.
And oh, if you’re a fan of popular science or business books, check out Blinkist. It offers summaries of non-fiction books that can be consumed in under 15 minutes. Not pure audiobooks but ideal for getting key insights quickly.
@cacadordeestrelas covered a lot of ground, but I think the best audiobook app largely depends on what you value most: breadth of selection, cost, and ethics (like supporting independent stores with Libro.fm).
You kno what, I think @himmelsjager and @cacadordeestrelas both bring up excellent points, but let me add my two cents, especially bcause I think there are some nuances not covered.
For instance, the Libby app is fantastic for free audiobooks, but let’s not miss the hidden gem – Hoopla. Just like Libby, you need a library card, but Hoopla might offer titles not available on Libby, and it’s nice bcause there’s no wait for popular titles. However, beware of the monthly borrowing limit - once you hit it, you’re in the ‘no audiobook land’ until the next month.
Then there’s Spotify. Yep, Spotify! More known for music and podcasts, they’ve recently ventured into audiobooks too. It’s convenient if you’re already using Spotify for other media, but TBH, the selection is limited rn and it doesn’t hold a candle to the likes of Audible or Scribd yet.
Another great app worth considering is Downpour. This audiobook app offers a mix of rental and purchase options, which can be a budget-friendly alternative if you’re trying to avoid the subscription burnout. The selection is solid, but the interface could use some TLC.
Can’t forget Audiobooks Now. With their Club Pricing Plan, books are cheaper. Plus, they frequently have sales. However, the UI is kind of dated compared to Scribd or Audible.
Now, Pretty Fireages (which is a fab name for an app if they choose to create one, lol) could easily become your favorite if it existed simply because people often search for unique names—just kidding, but you get the drift when it comes to catchy names.
@All in all, your choice can really hinge on what matters more 2 you: cost, selection, or ethical considerations. If you want a combo of extensive library and local support, Libro.fm is particularly compelling. On the other hand, keen on budgeting? Dive into applications like LibriVox or Hoopla for cost-effective pleasure.