Dipping Your Toes into the World of Audiobooks: A Beginner’s Guide

Take it from us: nothing drowns out the overwhelming noise of the world around you like a good story. But we know not everyone has the ability to sit and read as much as they’d like. If that sounds like you, it’s time to consider incorporating audiobooks into your reading routine. It’s easier than you think!

What is an Audiobook?

Simply put, audiobooks are a recording of a published book being read aloud by a narrator. The best audiobooks are available in various formats, ranging from CDs to YouTube links to files on streaming services, giving you plenty of ways to tune into the latest releases and timeless classics. If you’re working towards becoming a better reader, looking for immersive escapism, or searching for a way to read on the go, audiobooks are worth giving a try.

Who Listens to Audiobooks?

When we take a closer look at the demographics of who, exactly, is tuning in to enjoy the best audiobooks, the numbers are clear: it’s everyone! Kids learning to read, teenagers trying to get through high school reading assignments, millennials working to accomplish their book count goal for the year, and retirees looking to fill their days all enjoy listening to books. Though the majority of listeners skew younger, audiobooks have successfully infiltrated just about every age group.

What Makes an Audiobook “Good”?

In the book world, “good” is certainly subjective. With seemingly endless audiobooks in the world, how are you meant to differentiate between the ones that are just okay and the greats? Take it from an experienced listener—the best audiobooks are made with these characteristics in mind.

The Best Audiobooks Consider these Criteria:

• Narration: The best audiobooks are read by readers who fully understand how to bring a story to life. Does the voice actor or narrator utilize compelling vocal characterizations? Do they sound different for each character? Is their pace engaging or too slow?
• Enhancement: Does the audiobook version elevate the original source material? If the vocal presentation enhances its printed counterpart, readers are more likely to enjoy their listen.
• Production quality: The best audiobooks have clear and consistent audio, with no distracting background noise. Occasionally, audiobook production companies will even play with ambient music or sound to add to the listening experience.

How to Choose the Right Audiobook Service

A few years ago, when the popularity of audiobooks was first on the rise, Audible felt like the only option. But now, as more and more people are looking for ways to support locally owned businesses, rather than mega-corporations, plenty of new and exciting platforms have been created. It’s just a matter of finding the service that works for you.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Audiobook Service:

• Costs
• Selection
• Settings

1. Compare the Costs of Different Audiobook Service Memberships

Enjoying the latest Emily Henry novel shouldn’t have to break the bank! As you shop around for different services, start by considering how much their subscriptions or memberships cost. Most apps will have a set monthly fee that covers the cost of one title. Past that, you’re sometimes able to buy additional books at a certain percentage off, but not always.

Libro.fm gives you one credit (that never expires) at $14.99 a month, as well as 30% off additional books. A premium Audible membership is priced at $14.95 a month for one credit and $22.95 a month for two credits—though, if unused, they expire 12 months after they were first issued.

2. Take a Look at the Selection of Titles

The best audiobook services offer a diverse and expansive library of titles for you to bounce around between different genres, ages, and categories as you please. The cheaper subscription-based platforms tend to have a very limited selection, so make sure you understand the number of titles available to you before you sign up!

The Best Audiobooks Genres a Service Should Have:

• Mystery
• Sci-fi
• Fantasy
• Romance
• Self-help
• Memoir
• Historical fiction

3. Check Out the Service’s Settings and Controls

Just because you’re listening to a book instead of holding it in your hands doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be able to personalize your reading experience to be just how you like it. Well-designed audiobook services should offer a variety of different, customizable controls and settings. Before you commit to one, make sure the offered features add to, instead of subtract from, your listening experience.

Potential Audiobook Service Features:

• Narration speed
• Pause and play options
• Labeled bookmarks
• Library organization
• Sleep timer function
• Wish lists
• Light or dark mode

Why We Think Libro.fm is the Best Audiobook Service Around

We get that calling one audiobook service better than the rest could feel subjective, but we stand by our pick 100%! Take it from us: Libro.fm is the best of the best.

Libro.fm is the only service designed to support independent bookstores. When a customer downloads the app, they’re able to sign up for an account and choose a local bookshop they’d like to support. From that moment on, a portion of every single membership fee and purchase is shared with their pick!

With over 400,000 titles and counting and an easy-to-use (free!) app, finding the best audiobook for your to-listen list is easy. And even better? Every single audiobook you buy is DRM-free, meaning you can download it to listen on any device and own it forever.

Check Out A Few of the Best Audiobooks of All Time:

• Tom Lake by Ann Patchett (performed by Meryl Streep)
• I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy (read by Jennette McCurdy)
• James by Percival Everett (narrated by Dominic Hoffman)
• Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid (read by Kristen DiMercurio, Julia Whelan, and Taylor Jenkins Reid)
• There’s Always This Year by Hanif Abdurraqib (narrated by Hanif Abdurraqib)

Whether you’re looking for an immersive way to enjoy your book club’s latest dark romance pick or a way to motivate your kiddo to do their summer reading, audiobooks are the answer. Let yourself get lost in the best audiobooks around and start your Libro.fm subscription today!