Do you prefer listening to audiobooks instead of reading books in the first place? If so then you should consider trying these best audiobook apps. Using audiobooks has always been the best way to upgrade your knowledge, especially if you prefer listening more than reading in many ways.
This article covers information about the best apps that provide the best service when it comes to audiobooks. A few of the apps mentioned on the list below are free – even though you can always upgrade your subscriptions for more features.
Table of Contents
Best Audiobook Apps to Listen to Anytime You Want
The answer always depends on various things. Other than your smartphone platform, you also need to consider the features offered. Some apps mentioned on the list of the top ten best audiobook apps provide only specific types of collections.
But what things should you consider before choosing an audiobook service?
- Collections
- Subscription plans
- Content
- In-app purchase options
- Organizational tools
- Platform support
Thus, it is better to check out the review as well as the services provided. Here are the best apps that will deliver excellent services to play your favorite audiobooks.
1. Kobo Books
Kobo Books is on top of this list for a reason. This app has become the most popular audiobook player that comes with affordable subscription plans. By signing up for its paid plan, you have access to all of the collections on Kobo Books’ library. The price is five bucks cheaper than Audible, the most popular audiobook service on earth for now.
As one of the best audible alternatives, Kobo Books offers thousands of titles on its database. Even though there is no catalog, it seems like you can always find your favorite book through its search box. Users love using this app due to its simple and neat UI design. Other than that, you can choose audiobook and non-audiobook content easily – the collections are divided and organized neatly. Also, compared to most apps on this list, the audiobook player is like the simplest.
All in all, Kobo Books is a perfect app for those who need a robust audiobook player with an affordable subscription. For now, you can access this app on the Play Store and App Store. Android users can purchase books directly from the app while iOS users have to log into the website in the first place.
Download on Google Play Download on the App Store
2. Google Play Books
Which audiobook app is best and free? Well, Google Play Books could be the answer – even though it might not be the most ideal choice. You can grab the app for free but some books require you to pay for rentals or purchase it. This app features tons of book collections, including comics and e-books as well. And even though this app has “Google” name on it, today you can enjoy the app even though you are using iOS devices.
You have to use your Google account to enjoy all the features in the first place. Thus, it will be such a gift for those who use Google accounts for everything in their phones. As mentioned earlier, this app is free to download and use, even though you can only access a limited number of book collections.
Once you sign up for its subscription plan, you have access to a bunch of premium collections. Google Books works similarly to your favorite local bookstores. The only difference is on the system – everything is accessible through your phone. The only thing that lacks on this app is the listening statistics, though.
Download on Google Play Download on the App Store
3. Barnes & Noble NOOK
Back then Barnes & Noble developed NOOK to be the best audiobook service for the Android. Today, you can enjoy all the features offered by NOOK as well as other benefits by using the app available on both the Play Store and App Store.
By using this app, you have access to tons of collections by B&N – of course, you have to sign up for the paid subscription in the first place. It costs USD14.99 per month and you can listen – or download – the collections that you like. If you’ve been using NOOK previously, you can sync your collections effortlessly.
This app supports synchronization across multiple devices, though. One of the most interesting things about B&N NOOK is that you can listen to your favorite books in the car – it’s CarPlay-compatible, after all. You also have the ability to customize the settings – from the narration speed to the sleep timers.
Download on Google Play Download on the App Store
4. Audiobooks.com
Can I listen to audiobooks for free? Yes, you can – Audiobooks.com makes it possible for a few titles, after all. Back then, this app was only accessible from web browsers. However, today, you can access all the features from your iOS devices.
The app is intuitive and features a neat yet informative UI design. Of course, you have to sign up for its paid subscription to enjoy all the features. By paying USD14.95, you can get two audiobooks each month. Other than that, you can listen to audio news, audio magazines, and many more including content specifically for sleep and meditation.
Audiobooks.com is also home for various podcast episodes. Thus, you can listen to them anytime you want and anywhere you are. There is no reason not to give this app a try, though.
Download on Google Play Download on the App Store
5. Audible
More than anything, Audible deserves a spot on this list. Users agree that this is the best audiobook app for iPhone could ask for – Android users can use this app as well. Audible is by far the best-overall app that provides and delivers audiobooks services. Until today, at least 200,000 recordings are listed on the app’s database collections.
While you can always use the free service or consider the free trial, you will get lots of benefits after signing up for its paid subscription. Don’t worry because the subscription plans are varied, though. Audible also features many collections that are only available on this platform – subscribers feel loved and exclusive, after all.
Audible cares about the users on a different level. Other than providing a list of comprehensive title selections and an informative catalog, you can track how many hours you have spent listening to audiobooks from this app. The app also appreciates your activity through several fun badges – you will get those badges after listening to audiobooks for certain hours.
All in all, Audible is the best audiobook app you could ask for. Whether you are using Android or iOS devices, this application is accessible for all.
Download on Google Play Download on the App Store
6. Realm
The Realm audiobook player app was originally named Serial Box. Today, you can enjoy all the features through an app called Realm. You can say that this app is an ideal choice when it comes to the best free audiobook app for Android and iOS.
Other than allowing you to play audiobooks, you can also listen to various interesting podcast episodes. Realm, on the other hand, offers a series of novel collections that you can listen to anytime you like. The genres are also varied, which are suitable for those who want to spend their break time or during commuting moments.
You can enjoy the content for free – but everything is limited, though. Thus, you need to sign up for its annual membership. It costs less than USD3 per month – interesting, right? All in all, Realm is a perfect friend for those who prefer listening to stories instead of reading ones.
Download on Google Play Download on the App Store
7. Hoopla
Have you heard of Hoopla? This app was originally created and developed for iOS devices. Today, you can enjoy this app even though you are using Android. Even though today this app is not one of the best audiobook apps for iPhone users, there are various things you can do by using Hoopla.
Generally, Hoopla is a digital media service. Thus, instead of offering an audiobook player, this app comes up with the idea of borrowing movies, audiobooks, music, e-books, and many more. Later, you can play what you’ve borrowed on your favorite device.
Until today, there are plenty of collections that you can borrow and listen to. Also, Hoopla allows the users to download the content so that they can watch or listen to them later, in offline mode. So, if you are into that kind of thing then Hoopla might be a worthy investment to feed your curiosity about this world.
Download on Google Play Download on the App Store
8. Scribd
It is unfair to not include Scribd on the list of best audiobook apps for both Android and iOS. Over the years, this platform has been known for one of the best places to find book and audiobook collections. At least there are 40,000 total collections of books in its library – and you surely can find popular titles, whether they’re fiction or non-fiction collections.
Similar to many apps on this list, you can read or listen to the books that you’ve picked for later, offline. However, you need to join its paid subscription. It costs USD9.99 per month to enjoy all the book collections and have access to the entire database. But don’t worry because Scribd offers a free trial that is valid for 30 days – you can always cancel anytime, though.
All in all, Scribd is a perfect place to head to, especially if you prefer to listen instead of read. Besides, this is such a perfect way to upgrade your knowledge. Can you imagine how interesting it is to find new information from your favorite books while driving or facing traffic? Scribd is surely the answer.
Download on Google Play Download on the App Store
9. LibriVox
There might be a few alternatives to Audible. However, not all audiobook apps are created equal. Thus, if you are looking for something robust and well-known while providing a bunch of audiobook collections then you should consider LibriVox in the first place.
There are various collections that you can choose, from bestsellers and short stories, to history and biographies. It seems like you can always get new information anywhere – even if you are driving or currently spending your breaktime.
Generally, there is no special tab that divides the book and audiobook sections. However, you can always find your favorite collections by utilizing the search box. Later, the system will show you a list of titles – the list is sorted by the newest date in the first place.
The good news is that you can access this app on both the Play Store and App Store. Other than that, LibriVox offers free services even though the audiobooks are limited. LibriVox, on the other hand, is worth a shot in many ways.
Download on Google Play Download on the App Store
10. Libby
Another alternative to Audible that you have to try is called Libby. This app brands itself as the new version of local libraries. If you love going to nearby libraries then you would love Libby, for sure. By creating an account on this app you will get at least ten books for free from the app’s collections.
Keep in mind that the availability of the titles may vary. The entire thing on Libby works similarly to traditional libraries but you can access the collections through a smartphone. For now, this app is available both on the Play Store and App Store.
However, you cannot keep what you borrow – the system will automatically return the books after 14 days, though. Also, if you want to read popular titles then you may need to wait on the long-line of waiting list. Still, this app is worth a shot. So, is there anything like Audible but with a vibe of a traditional library? Yes, there is – Libby is the answer.
Download on Google Play Download on the App Store
After reading the information above, now you know the top best audiobook apps for both Android and iOS. Almost all the apps mentioned above are available on both app markets. However, a few of them have a very segmented niche. Thus, you better check out the review as well as the terms and conditions.
And that’s a wrap – this is everything you need to know about the best audiobook apps. Have you tried all the apps mentioned above? Which audiobook app is your favorite?
