Are you an avid audiobook listener looking for an alternative to Audible? While Audible is a popular choice, it’s not the only option out there. There are several alternatives to Audible that offer similar features and benefits. Whether you’re looking for a cheaper subscription or a larger selection of books, there’s an alternative out there for you.
One alternative to Audible is Audiobooks.com. With a catalog of over 350,000 premium titles, Audiobooks.com offers a generous free trial and a subscription service that’s more affordable than Audible. Another option is Libro.fm, which supports independent bookstores and offers a similar selection of books as Audible. If you prefer to borrow books from your local library, Libby is a free app that allows you to access audiobooks from your library’s collection. These are just a few examples of the many alternatives to Audible that are available.
What is Audible and How Does it Work?
If you’re an avid reader, but find it hard to make time for books, you might want to consider audiobooks. Audible is an Amazon company that offers a wide range of audiobooks, podcasts, and original content. Here’s how it works:
To get started with Audible, you need to create an account and sign up for a membership. There are two membership levels – Audible Plus and Audible Premium Plus. With Audible Plus, you get access to a limited selection of audiobooks and podcasts, while Audible Premium Plus gives you access to the full library of audiobooks and podcasts, as well as exclusive content.
Once you have a membership, you can browse the Audible library and choose the audiobook you want to listen to. You can listen to audiobooks on your phone, tablet, or computer using the Audible app, or on a compatible device like an Amazon Echo.
Audible also offers a range of features to enhance your listening experience. For example, you can adjust the playback speed, set a sleep timer, and create bookmarks. You can also switch between reading and listening, so you can pick up where you left off in the book.
Overall, Audible is a great option if you’re looking for a wide selection of audiobooks and exclusive content. However, it’s not the only option out there. There are plenty of other audiobook apps and services that offer similar features and content, so it’s worth exploring your options to find the one that’s right for you.
Alternatives to Audible
If you’re looking for alternatives to Audible, there are plenty of options available. Here are some of the best options for both free and paid audiobook services.
Free Alternatives
- Chirp Audiobooks: Chirp is a great alternative to Audible for avid audiobook listeners. It offers some really good deals and can be less expensive than Audible. Chirp has a wide range of audiobooks available, and you can create a free account to get started.
- Scribd: Scribd is another great alternative to Audible. It offers a monthly subscription service that gives you access to a wide range of audiobooks, ebooks, magazines, and more. Scribd has a huge library of audiobooks available, and you can try it out for free for 30 days.
Paid Alternatives
- Libro.fm: Libro.fm is a great alternative to Audible if you’re looking for a service that supports independent bookstores. With Libro.fm, you can purchase audiobooks and support your local independent bookstore at the same time. Monthly plans start at $14.99 a month for one credit, and all other audiobooks are 30% off.
- Kobo Books: Kobo Books is another great alternative to Audible. It offers a wide range of audiobooks, and you can purchase them individually or sign up for a monthly subscription service. Kobo Books also has a loyalty program that allows you to earn points with every purchase.
- Downpour: Downpour is a great alternative to Audible if you’re looking for a service that offers DRM-free audiobooks. With Downpour, you can purchase audiobooks individually or sign up for a monthly subscription service. Downpour also offers a rental service that allows you to rent audiobooks for a lower price.
Overall, there are plenty of alternatives to Audible available. Whether you’re looking for a free or paid service, there’s an option out there that will meet your needs.
Free Alternatives
If you’re looking for a free alternative to Audible, you’re in luck. There are plenty of options available that won’t cost you a dime. Here are two popular options:
Library Services
Your local library is a great place to start your search for free audiobooks. Many libraries offer digital lending services, such as Libby and Hoopla, that allow you to borrow audiobooks for free. All you need is a library card to get started.
Libby, for example, is a free app that lets you borrow audiobooks and ebooks from your local library. You can download the books for offline listening and return them when you’re done. Hoopla is another free app that offers audiobooks, ebooks, and even movies and TV shows.
Free Audiobook Apps
There are also several free audiobook apps available that offer a wide selection of titles. Here are a few to consider:
- Librivox: This app offers free public domain audiobooks, including classics like Pride and Prejudice and The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.
- Google Play Books and Apple Books: Both of these apps offer a selection of free audiobooks, including public domain titles and classic literature.
- Loyal Books: This app offers a selection of free audiobooks, including public domain titles and classic literature.
Keep in mind that free audiobook apps may not have the same selection as paid services like Audible, but they can still be a great way to discover new books and save money.
Library Services
If you are looking for an alternative to Audible, don’t forget about your local library. Many libraries offer audiobooks that you can borrow for free. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Local Library
Your local library may offer audiobooks in various formats, including CDs, digital downloads, and streaming services. Check with your library to see what they offer.
Library Card
To borrow audiobooks from your library, you will need a library card. If you don’t have one, you can usually get one for free by visiting your local library and providing proof of residency.
Catalog
Once you have a library card, you can search the library’s catalog for audiobooks. You can usually search by title, author, or keyword. Some libraries also have curated collections of audiobooks for you to browse.
When you find an audiobook you want to borrow, check to see what formats are available. If it’s a digital download, you may need to download an app or software to listen to it. If it’s a CD, you will need a CD player.
Keep in mind that libraries may have limited copies of popular audiobooks, so you may need to place a hold and wait for it to become available. Also, make sure to return audiobooks on time to avoid late fees.
Overall, borrowing audiobooks from your local library can be a great alternative to Audible. It’s free, and you can support your local community at the same time.
Free Audiobook Apps
If you’re looking for free audiobook apps, there are several options available to you. Here are a few apps that offer free audiobooks, as well as some that offer a mix of free and paid content.
Audiobook Apps
1. Libby
Libby is a free audiobook app that allows you to borrow audiobooks from your local library. With Libby, you can access thousands of audiobooks for free, as long as you have a library card. The app is easy to use, and you can filter your search results by availability, language, and more.
2. OverDrive
OverDrive is another free audiobook app that allows you to borrow audiobooks from your local library. With OverDrive, you can access a wide range of audiobooks, as well as eBooks and other digital content. The app is easy to use, and you can filter your search results by availability, language, and more.
3. Project Gutenberg
Project Gutenberg is a free eBook and audiobook app that offers a wide range of public domain books. With Project Gutenberg, you can access thousands of free audiobooks, as well as eBooks and other digital content. The app is easy to use, and you can filter your search results by availability, language, and more.
Podcasts
In addition to audiobook apps, there are also several podcasts that offer free audio content. Here are a few podcasts that offer free audiobooks, as well as other audio content.
1. The Classic Tales Podcast
The Classic Tales Podcast offers free audiobook versions of classic literature. With The Classic Tales Podcast, you can access a wide range of classic books, as well as short stories and other audio content.
2. LeVar Burton Reads
LeVar Burton Reads is a podcast that offers free short stories read by LeVar Burton. With LeVar Burton Reads, you can access a wide range of short stories, as well as interviews with authors and other audio content.
3. The New Yorker Fiction Podcast
The New Yorker Fiction Podcast offers free short stories read by authors. With The New Yorker Fiction Podcast, you can access a wide range of short stories, as well as interviews with authors and other audio content.
Overall, there are several free audiobook apps and podcasts available that offer a wide range of audio content. Whether you’re looking for classic literature or short stories, there’s something out there for everyone.
Paid Alternatives
If you’re willing to pay for audiobooks, there are several great alternatives to Audible. Here are some options:
Subscription Services
- Audiobooks.com – A subscription service with a catalog of over 350,000 premium titles. The service works similarly to Audible, with a monthly subscription fee and the ability to purchase additional credits. However, Audiobooks.com offers a more generous free trial with three audiobooks. The app is easy to use and offers a great selection of new releases.
- Scribd – A subscription service that offers not only audiobooks but also e-books, magazines, and more. For a monthly fee, you get unlimited access to their entire library. Scribd’s selection of audiobooks is not as extensive as Audible’s, but they offer a great value for those who want access to a variety of content.
- Kobo Audiobooks – Kobo offers a subscription service that includes one audiobook per month, as well as discounts on additional purchases. Their selection is not as extensive as Audible’s, but they offer a great value for those who only need one audiobook per month.
Independent Bookstores
- Libro.fm – A platform that partners with independent bookstores to offer audiobooks. You can choose to support a local bookstore with your purchase, and they offer a great selection of new releases and bestsellers. They also offer a subscription service that includes one audiobook per month, as well as discounts on additional purchases.
- Downpour – An independent bookstore that offers both physical CDs and digital downloads of audiobooks. They have a great selection of audiobooks, including new releases and bestsellers. They offer a membership program that includes discounts on purchases and a loyalty program that rewards you with book credits.
Overall, there are several great alternatives to Audible if you’re willing to pay for audiobooks. Subscription services like Audiobooks.com and Scribd offer a great value for those who want access to a variety of content, while independent bookstores like Libro.fm and Downpour offer a way to support local businesses and get great audiobooks at the same time.
Subscription Services
If you’re looking for a subscription service that offers a wide range of audiobooks, there are several alternatives to Audible that you can try. Here are some of the most popular ones:
Scribd
Scribd is a subscription service that offers access to a wide range of e-books, audiobooks, magazines, and more. With a monthly subscription fee of $9.99, you can access unlimited audiobooks from their library of over 1 million titles. Scribd also offers personalized recommendations based on your reading history and preferences.
Libro.fm
Libro.fm is an audiobook subscription service that supports independent bookstores. With a monthly subscription fee of $14.99, you can access a wide range of audiobooks from their library of over 150,000 titles. Libro.fm also offers curated booklists, author interviews, and other exclusive content.
Kobo Books
Kobo Books is an e-book and audiobook retailer that offers a subscription service called Kobo Plus. With a monthly subscription fee of $9.99, you can access a library of over 1 million e-books and audiobooks. Kobo Plus also offers personalized recommendations and the ability to read and listen on multiple devices.
Audiobooks.com
Audiobooks.com is a subscription service with a library of over 350,000 premium titles. With a monthly subscription fee of $14.95, you can access up to two audiobooks per month. Audiobooks.com also offers a free trial with three audiobooks, and their app is easy to use.
In conclusion, there are several subscription services that offer a wide range of audiobooks for a monthly fee. Whether you prefer to support independent bookstores or access a large library of titles, there is an alternative to Audible that will suit your needs.
Independent Bookstores
If you’re looking for an ethical alternative to Audible, independent bookstores are a great place to start. Many of them have partnered with digital audiobook platforms to offer a wide selection of titles. Here are some things to consider when choosing to support independent bookstores for your audiobook needs.
Benefits
- Supporting your local community: By purchasing from independent bookstores, you’re supporting local businesses and keeping your money in the community.
- Ethical practices: Independent bookstores are often committed to ethical practices, such as paying their employees fair wages and using environmentally-friendly packaging.
- User-friendly platforms: Many independent bookstores use user-friendly digital audiobook platforms that are easy to navigate and offer a wide selection of titles.
Downside
- Limited selection: Independent bookstores may not have the same selection as larger audiobook platforms like Audible.
- Higher prices: Audiobooks purchased through independent bookstores may be more expensive than those purchased through larger platforms.
Overall, supporting independent bookstores is a great way to support your local community and ethical business practices. While the selection may be limited and prices may be higher, the benefits of supporting independent bookstores far outweigh the downsides.
Key Takeaways
If you’re looking for alternatives to Audible, you have a lot of options to choose from. Whether you want a cheaper service, a broader selection of audiobooks, or a more personalized experience, there’s an app or website out there that can meet your needs.
Some of the best Audible alternatives include Chirp, Kobo, Libro.fm, and Downpour. Chirp offers great deals on audiobooks and a simple, user-friendly interface. Kobo has a wide selection of audiobooks and e-books, and it integrates well with other Kobo devices and apps. Libro.fm is a great choice if you want to support independent bookstores, and it offers a seamless listening experience. Downpour is another great option, with a large selection of audiobooks and a subscription service that can save you money.
When choosing an Audible alternative, consider factors like price, selection, ease of use, and compatibility with your devices. You may also want to look for features like personalized recommendations, social sharing, and syncing across multiple devices.
Ultimately, the best Audible alternative for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Take some time to explore the options and find the one that works best for you. With so many great alternatives out there, you’re sure to find the perfect app or website for your audiobook needs.