Do Audiobooks Count as Reading? The Answer You’ve Been Searching For!
In the literary world, there’s one question that has book lovers fighting tooth and nail for their stance: Does listening to an audiobook actually count as reading? Some view it as cheating; others swear by it. So, what’s the truth? We’re here give an official answer, once and for all.
Why Do People Believe Audiobooks Shouldn’t Count as Reading?
According to a recent NPR-Ipsos poll, 40% of American adults in 2025 stated that listening to audiobooks is not a form of reading. While that may not be the majority, it’s a pretty significant portion of the population! When asked to explain their opinion, those who agree often chalk it up to the fact that reading feels active, while listening feels passive. It’s almost like they view Audible memberships as a shortcut, while traditional reading is the real deal.
Let’s be clear: everyone is entitled to their own opinion—but that doesn’t mean we can’t push back! If you process the same amount of information and enjoy the story, are listening to audiobooks and reading a physical book really that different? Is it fact, opinion, or a stubborn aversion to admit they may be wrong? If those who oppose listening to books got a Libro.fm subscription, would they change their mind? Consider these questions the next time you find yourself arguing against the legitimacy of apps like Audible.
Why We Believe Audiobooks Definitely Count as Reading
Don’t let the naysayers get you down! Audiobooks count as reading in our opinion. They have proven to engage the same processing networks in our brains as physical books. If you’re actively engaged in a story and able to discuss it with others, why wouldn’t it be equal to the experience of reading a hard copy?
While the methods may differ, the goal remains the same. After all, you’re still consuming an author’s work!
If listening to the latest romance novels on Libro.fm makes you happy, it should count towards your reading aspirations. Once you understand the myriad reasons to love audiobooks, it’s pretty impossible to negate their value.
5 Reasons We Love Listening to Books:
- Increase story engagement
- Elevate comprehension
- Widespread accessibility
- Work with any schedule
- Foster an age-old tradition
1. Audiobooks Bring the Story to Life
Audiobooks, whether they’re enjoyed through Audible or Libro.fm, bring a unique perspective to stories. Instead of sitting in your cozy reading nook with the latest fantasy hardback weighing your hands down, these apps let you lie back, relax, and listen to the most powerful storytelling element there is: the voice.
Narrators, whether they’re the author, a celebrity, or a trained voice actor, have the ability to put dramatic emphasis in unique spots, differentiate characters with fun voices, and use pregnant pauses to grab your attention. If you crave a more immersive reading experience, tuning into your books on an Audible alternative is the way to go.
2. Audiobooks Can Enhance Comprehension
One of the biggest arguments against audio-style books counting as reading is that people believe you can’t reach the same level of literary comprehension by listening to the story. That couldn’t be further from the truth!
In actuality, an audiobook subscription can help you become a better reader. If someone struggles with bigger words or understanding tone in a novel, hearing a trained professional read the story aloud is far easier than struggling to comprehend the information solo.
3. Audiobooks Are Accessible to Readers of All Levels
Audible alternatives, like Libro.fm, make reading more accessible for booklovers of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Whether you’re looking for a way to introduce a love of literature to your kiddos or are sick of letting dyslexia or a visual impairment prevent you from enjoying the same stories as everyone else, audiobooks offer a less-than-traditional alternative to the hobby. You might go so far as to say that believing that listening to books isn’t reading is ableist!
4. Audiobooks Can Be Enjoyed On the Go
Just because you don’t have the ability to dedicate hours every day to finishing your TBR list doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get to read! Apps, like Audible and Libro.fm, give you a hands-free way to tune into your current read, wherever you go and wherever you want. Just pop in your headphones on a run, while running errands, or driving, and get the page count up!
5. Audiobooks Satisfy the Human Need for Oral Storytelling
There’s one very important reason we shouldn’t be so harsh on audiobook users. Listening to stories harkens back to powerful oral storytelling traditions that have been around since the beginning of time. It may not be exactly the same thing as gathering around the firepit, hanging onto every word of a traditional folk tale spun by your elders, but it’s the closest some of us have.
What’s the Best Audiobook App?
In previous years, audiobook lovers would probably have pointed you to Audible as their preferred app, but those days are long gone. As more and more people turn against Amazon and its billionaire CEO, Jeff Bezos, the demand for different audiobook services is increasing. If that sounds like you, Libro.fm is the Audible alternative for you!
The seemingly endless selection of book titles is only one of the many draws to this Audible alternative! With portions of every purchase supporting the indie bookstore of your choice, Libro.fm lets you enjoy your audiobook habits, guilt-free. Whether you’re looking for self-help books or cozy mystery novels, Libro.fm has something for every kind of reader. Sign up for an account, choose which bookshop to support (or find their shop affiliate link), and listen away!
What You Get With a Libro.fm Membership:
- Ability to pause or cancel membership at any time
- 30% off additional titles
- Choice between a monthly subscription fee ($14.99) or à la carte shopping
- Credits that never expire
- Professional recommendations for new reads
- DRM-free downloads
We could never discount the magical experience of holding a brand-new book in your hands, but we also believe that listening to a book can be just as amazing! If you’re looking for a less-than-traditional way to accomplish your reading goals, avoid the temptation to join Audible. Start a membership with Libro.fm today and support local booksellers the next time you want to indulge in one of life’s greatest pastimes.