Are there apps like Audible?

Alternative Apps
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I enjoy listening to audiobooks but find Audible expensive. Are there other affordable apps with a good selection of audiobooks I could try? I’m looking for recommendations to explore new options.

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1. Libby by OverDrive

Homepage Link: Libby App

  • Pros:

    • Free to use with a library card.
    • Large catalog of audiobooks from partnered libraries.
    • User-friendly and minimalist interface.
    • Multiple speed options for playback.

  • Cons:

    • Limited selection if your library doesn’t own the audiobook titles you’re after.
    • Waitlists can be long for popular titles.
    • No full ownership or permanent downloads.

  • Features:

    • Borrow audiobooks and eBooks directly from public libraries.
    • Synchronizes across devices.
    • Offline access after downloading.

  • User Reviews:
    Most users appreciate the zero-dollar price tag and vast catalog, especially those on a budget. The delays for hold requests, however, can frustrate binge audiobook consumers.

  • Verdict:
    Libby is an excellent option for those who have consistent access to a good public library system. It’s free, functional, and lets you discover new titles regularly if you don’t mind waiting.

2. Scribd

Homepage Link: Scribd

  • Pros:

    • Affordable subscription plan ($11.99/month for unlimited titles).
    • Wide selection of audiobooks, eBooks, and even magazines.
    • Includes other forms of content like sheet music or documents.

  • Cons:

    • Some audiobooks may get ‘temporarily unavailable’ towards the end of your cycle due to soft limits on the ‘unlimited’ tag.
    • Narration quality varies.

  • Features:

    • Unlimited streaming within its catalog.
    • Cross-platform support with easy syncing.
    • Recommendations based on your interests.

  • User Reviews:
    Fans love how much value Scribd offers for the price (especially compared to Audible). Critics dislike the ‘not-so-unlimited’ hidden limits.

  • Verdict:
    Best for budget-conscious users who don’t mind occasional content restrictions. Scribd’s diverse media library is a bonus, but audiobook superfans may prefer more guaranteed access.

3. Chirp

Homepage Link: Chirp Books

  • Pros:

    • No subscriptions; pay-per-book model.
    • Offers heavily discounted audiobook deals.
    • You keep everything you buy permanently.

  • Cons:

    • Smaller catalog compared to Audible or Scribd.
    • Deals may not always align with your desired genres.

  • Features:

    • Hand-curated deals on audiobooks up to 95% off.
    • Notification setup for deals in genres or authors you like.
    • Own your audiobook library outright.

  • User Reviews:
    Users appreciate Chirp’s straightforward pricing and occasional amazing deals, especially casual readers with sporadic listening habits. However, hardcore audiobook fans feel the selection could be broader.

  • Verdict:
    Chirp is an excellent supplement to other audiobook platforms. If you don’t listen to audiobooks daily or only purchase sporadically, it’s a no-brainer.

4. Hoopla Digital

Homepage Link: Hoopla Digital

  • Pros:

    • Free with a participating library card.
    • No waitlists or holds, unlike Libby.
    • A multi-media platform (movies, music, eBooks, and audiobooks).

  • Cons:

    • Limited number of checkouts per month, defined by individual libraries (e.g., 5-10 titles).
    • Smaller catalog compared to Audible.

  • Features:

    • Borrow for free with immediate access.
    • Clean interface with device syncing.
    • Supports offline listening.

  • User Reviews:
    Users love Hoopla’s instant gratification (no holding queue), but the hard limit on monthly checkouts can feel restrictive for heavy consumers.

  • Verdict:
    Hoopla is like Libby’s no-holds-barred sibling, but with fewer titles and checkout caps. Great if your library participates and you’re a moderate audiobook listener.

5. Libro.fm

Homepage Link: Libro.fm

  • Pros:

    • Supports local, independent bookstores.
    • Pay-per-book with no subscription commitment.
    • Excellent curation of indie titles alongside mainstream releases.

  • Cons:

    • Not as many discounts compared to platforms like Chirp or Scribd.

  • Features:

    • Seamless app with offline listening.
    • Gives back to your choice of indie bookstore via profits.
    • Monthly membership available if desired.

  • User Reviews:
    Many users rave about the ethical business model and clean app, but price-sensitive users may hold off without big audiobook deals.

  • Verdict:
    If supporting independent bookstores is important to you, Libro.fm is the way to go. Pricier per book, but the feel-good factor and great audio quality compensate for occasional splurges.

6. Google Play Books and Audiobooks

Homepage Link: Google Play Books

  • Pros:

    • One-time purchase with no subscription lock-in.
    • Frequently runs sales on popular audiobooks.
    • Integrates with Google Assistant and other smart devices.

  • Cons:

    • Lack of subscription “access all” model. Regular users might find it pricey after multiple purchases.

  • Features:

    • Books and audiobooks sync across all Android/Google devices.
    • Offline playback and option for multi-device use.
    • Can preview audiobooks before purchasing.

  • User Reviews:
    Although consumers praise the seamless integration into the Google ecosystem, the absence of a subscription model deters heavy users.

  • Verdict:
    Ideal for Android/Google ecosystem users who prefer owning books outright without being stuck in a subscription loop.

7. Kobo Audiobooks

Homepage Link: Kobo Audiobooks

  • Pros:

    • A cost-effective subscription plan ($9.99/month).
    • Discounted prices for non-credit purchases.
    • Generous 30-day free trial.

  • Cons:

    • U.S. and Canadian catalogs are superior—other regions might feel underserved.

  • Features:

    • Syncs with Kobo eReaders and the Kobo app.
    • Save on additional audiobooks beyond your membership credits.
    • Sleek app design with detailed listening statistics.

  • User Reviews:
    Praised for its affordable subscription price, but some find the selection less diverse than Audible.

  • Verdict:
    A solid budget-friendly Audible alternative, especially for Canadian users, with a reasonable balance between affordability and selection.

8. Storytel

Homepage Link: Storytel

  • Pros:

    • Truly unlimited audiobook and eBook content for $9.99/month.
    • Tons of international titles (perfect for multilingual listeners).

  • Cons:

    • Less focus on U.S. authors compared to Audible.

  • Features:

    • Unlimited subscription model.
    • Offline capability with personalized recommendations.
    • Unique language-focused collections.

  • User Reviews:
    Storytel has a loyal fanbase globally, particularly users outside North America. Its “all-you-can-listen” appeal wins attention.

  • Verdict:
    Worth considering if you’re willing to explore global authors and don’t exclusively stick to U.S.-centric bestsellers.

9. Audiobooks.com

Homepage Link: Audiobooks.com

  • Pros:

    • $14.95/month subscription with one free audiobook and access to VIP sales.
    • Offers podcasts in addition to audiobooks.
    • Includes a free extra audiobook from a rotating selection.

  • Cons:

    • Matching Audible’s price without surpassing its features can feel underwhelming.

  • Features:

    • Streaming and offline capabilities.
    • 150,000+ audiobook catalog.
    • Compatible with CarPlay and Alexa.

  • User Reviews:
    Some see it as an indistinguishable Audible alternative. Loyalists appreciate the podcast integration, though.

  • Verdict:
    If you’re looking to switch from Audible without a significant withdrawal, Audiobooks.com delivers a similar vibe at the same price.

10. Spotify (Yes, Spotify!)

Homepage Link: Spotify

  • Pros:

    • No additional cost beyond Spotify Premium.
    • Sharing playlists of audiobooks with friends is seamless.
    • Great for casual fans already on Spotify.

  • Cons:

    • Limited titles. Audiobooks aren’t as extensive here.

  • Features:

    • Audiobooks are bundled with subscriptions.
    • No separate downloads—they’re integrated into music playlists.

  • User Reviews:
    Audiobook listeners on Spotify generally dabble here casually and don’t treat it as their primary audiobook source.

  • Verdict:
    It’s a nice bonus feature for existing Spotify users, but serious audiobook fans will want a more specialized service.

Try any one of these options based on your budget and audiobook tastes!