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I am a huge supporter of audiobooks, especially for those busier seasons of life when I don’t have time to sit down and physically read a book. There is a debate in the bookish community about whether or not listening to an audiobook counts as reading. I 100% think it does! You are just consuming a story with your ears instead of your eyes.
Related: 8 Easy Ways to Read More Books
I have tried several services over the years, and they are all great depending on your needs. Someone people like to own their audiobooks and some people prefer “borrowing” from an unlimited subscription service. Whatever you prefer, I have a review of the best audiobook services in 2024!
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Audible
Audible is probably the most well known audiobook service out there. There have been some changes to Audible that definitely make it more worthwhile. There are now two subscription options through Audible.
With Audible Premium Plus, you pay $14.95 for one credit every month. You can use the credit to redeem any audiobook on Audible’s extensive catalog of books. Audible also lets you return an audiobook if you don’t like it AND you get to keep your audiobooks purchased with credits even after you cancel.
In addition to the one credit, you also get access to the Audible Plus Catalog, which includes podcasts, audiobooks, and Audible Originals only available on the app.
With Audible Premium, you pay $7.95/month and have access to the Audible Plus Catalog. You do not get a credit to use on an audiobook.
One of my favorite things about Audible is their members only sales on audiobooks. They have these often, and the sales vary. You can pick up popular audiobooks at a super reduced price during these sales!
Another perk of Audible is access to their Audible Exclusive audiobooks. I know recently I wanted to listen to Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir, but the audiobook is only available on Audible. Audible Exclusives are clearly noted on the app.
PROS:
-Large Catalog
-Keep books purchased with a credit if you cancel
-Access to Premium catalog
-Access to Audible exclusive audiobooks
CONS:
-More expensive than other services
As an Amazon Associate, I do have a special offer for you to try Audible! Use my link to try Audible Premium Plus free for 30 days AND if you’re an Amazon Prime member, you will get two book credits instead of one during your trial period!
Everand (formerly Scribd)
If you are not concerned with owning your audiobooks, then I highly recommend Everand’s audiobook service. Other than apps through your library like Libby and Hoopla, Scribd is the cheapest membership price on this list.
I have been using Scribd for years and I love it. You get access to a huge catalog of ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, podcasts, and more for only $11.99/month! I can almost always find the new release audiobooks I’m searching for on Scribd. Some publishers do not make their audiobooks available on Scribd, but I am never lacking options on Scribd.
I primarily use Everand for their audiobooks, but if you don’t mind reading on your phone or tablet, you can also utilize their catalog of ebooks and magazines. You also get access to Snapshots, which I love because you get the key ideas from nonfiction and self help books without having to read the entire book!
The only downside to Everand is that, although advertised as an unlimited access service, you will find that sometimes your access is limited. This has only happened to make when I listen to more new releases in a month, usually after two or three books. But you will not be cut off from the app completely-you will just find that some books are not available for you to read until the next month. Totally not a deal breaker for me because you can’t beat the price! Even if I only listen to two or three new releases in a month, I still find this audiobook service to be worth it for me.
PROS:
-Excellent value
-Large catalog, including new releases
-Additional member perks for services like Pandora and TuneIn Radio
CONS:
-Catalog is limited if you listen to a large amount of audiobooks
-Don’t get to keep ebooks or audiobooks
-Ebooks can not be sent to ereaders
If you are interested in trying Scribd, you can use my link to get a free 30 day trial!
Libro.fm
Libro.fm is a newer audiobook service similar to Audible. Many bookworms prefer to use Libro.fm because they advertise that your membership supports local bookstores. That’s right-Libro.fm directly gives back to the local bookstore of your choice when you sign up for a membership or purchase an audiobook through them.
Libro.fm is very similar to Audible-you pay $14.99/month for a credit to use on an audiobook. You get to keep the audiobook and you can return the book if you email their customer service.
Libro.fm does not offer access to a catalog of books like Audible Plus, but you can purchase additional audiobooks at a 30% discount.
PROS:
-Support local bookstores with your membership
-Large Catalog
-Keep books purchased with a credit if you cancel
CONS:
-More expensive than other services
I am a Libro.fm affiliate, so I do have a referral link for you to use if you decide to try this audiobook service. Use code CHOOSEINDIE to get a free audiobook your first month!
AudiobooksNow
AudiobooksNow is a subscription service that offers a 50% discount on your choice of an audiobook plus access to exclusive sales on additional audiobooks. You can also buy audiobooks at a discounted price without signing up for the $4.99/month club subscription.
This is a great choice if you like to own your audiobooks and listen to more than one per month. There’s no commitment with AudiobooksNow, so you can cancel anytime.
PROS:
-Best value for buying audiobooks
-Access to exclusive sales on additional audiobooks
-Keep books even if you cancel
CONS:
-The app does not have great reviews
You can save 50% off your first audiobook with AudiobooksNow using this link.
Downpour
Another audiobook service similar to Audible, Downpour is a slightly cheaper option at only $12.99/month.
A unique feature of Downpour is the ability to rent audiobooks. This is not included in the $12.99 subscription fee, but you can pay a small fee to rent an audiobook for 30-60 days, depending on the length of the audiobook. The rental price will save you an average of 70% off the retail price of the audiobook.
Downpour also has a Daily Steal feature on their website. At the time of writing this, the Daily Steal audiobook is only $3.95! There is also a Deals section of the website where you can browse audiobooks by price. There are downloads for $0.99 and up available for members only.
PROS:
-Slightly cheaper alternative to Audible
-Keep books purchased with a credit if you cancel
-Daily Steals sections
-Ability to rent audiobooks
CONS:
-No sign up offer
You can sign up for a Downpour subscription here.
Hopefully you found an audiobook service to try in 2021! I find audiobooks to be an easy way to read more books each year, especially during the busier seasons of life. I feel like this list has an option for every budget, but of course, check with your local library to see if you have access to free audiobooks through apps such as Libby or Hoopla.
Related: 7 Clever Ways To Get Free Books
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