How to Choose the Best Audiobook Service For You

There’s nothing quite like immersing yourself in the magical world of a story. But sometimes, in the hustle and bustle of our modern world, finding time to sit down and read can be difficult. Luckily, there’s a convenient and accessible way to listen to books while living your day-to-day life. Introducing: audiobook apps.

Why Should You Switch Your Audiobook Subscription?

Girl in yellow listening to audiobook with tablet
Audiobooks have been popular for decades, whether you listened to them on tape during long road trips in the ‘70s or recently discovered them on an audiobook app. And, if you’ve been listening to books for a while, then there is a good chance you’ve been trapped under the Audible spell. But with better audiobook services out there, you don’t have to be!

 

We promise there’s a better and more small business-loving way to listen to books. If you want to own your own DRM-free downloads, experience amazing customer support, and find real bookseller’s recommendations, all while supporting your local bookshop, it’s time to make the switch and find the best audiobook service for you and your reading needs. And, with countless apps available, there is sure to be a better fit.

We Believe An Audiobook Subscription Should:

  • Be user-friendly
  • Offer many titles
  • Play on multiple devices
  • Not cost an arm and a leg
  • Be customizable
  • Benefit the authors (unlike Audible)
  • Support small businesses 

Why We Partner with Libro.fm

Libro.fm on phone with wood background

If you’re anything like us, you’re equally as passionate about buying from local bookstores as you are about reading. So why waste your money on big-brand audiobook apps that don’t care about authors or readers? That’s why, at Novel, we’re overjoyed to partner with the best audiobook service—Libro.fm.

When you sign up with Libro.fm, you can listen to books guilt-free, knowing the money spent on your monthly subscription and additional purchases is shared with the independent bookstore you select. While we await our grand opening, you can support us by downloading the audiobook app, Libro.fm, through our Novel link today! 

5 Factors to Consider When Choosing an Audiobook Subscription

Before downloading the first audiobook app advertised to you, it’s important to understand what it takes to make the best audiobook service, well, the best! Consider these five main factors to find the right one for you: 

1. Cost of an Audiobook Subscription Membership  

Whether you’re buying physical copies or downloading an audiobook app, there’s no reason why enjoying your favorite mystery novels and fantasy fairy tales should break the bank. Before you choose the first and most advertised audiobook subscription you see, do your due diligence and find out the membership cost.

Two phones with audiobook subscription

Most audiobook apps will have a monthly price equal to the cost of one book credit. After that, the best audiobook services often offer a certain percentage off any extra monthly purchases.

We love how affordable listening to books with Libro.fm is. A monthly membership at Libro.fm costs $14.99 a month (which equals one book credit), along with 30% off for books bought a la carte. You can also opt for no monthly membership and just buy books as you please. And, if you’re switching to this best audiobook service, make sure to use the code SWITCH for two additional bonus credits when signing up. 

What Does An Audiobook Cost A La Carte?

If you’d rather buy individual titles when you get the urge to listen to books than be tied down to a monthly credit, you’re in luck! A single audiobook can cost anywhere from $7 to over $25, depending on the length of the story. But, with the best audiobook services, there may be special deals and discounts on certain titles to bring that cost down.

2. Check Out the Selection of Titles

The best audiobook service will offer a seemingly endless range of book titles spanning different genres, ages, and categories. It doesn’t matter if you prefer non-fiction, self-help, or Victorian gothic tales—the audiobook app you choose should have a wide enough selection for you to bounce around between genres as you choose, keeping you entertained and engaged as you listen to books. Some audiobook subscriptions may even offer exclusive content or early releases, so pay attention to the fine print before signing up.

While there are a handful of audiobook apps that only cost a few dollars, these tend to have limited libraries. Before signing up, make sure you understand what titles are available to you. We love that Libro.fm offers over 400,000 (and counting) titles—there’s something for everyone!

3. Look at Audiobook Subscription’s Device Compatibility

Woman walks in city with audiobook

Are you looking for audiobook apps that connect with child-friendly devices, such as the Yoto Player? Perhaps you exclusively listen to books through your Apple Watch and AirPods at the gym. Before you claim one as the best audiobook service for you, make sure the titles can be played on your preferred listening devices. Keep a look out for audiobook subscriptions that allow you to listen offline for on-the-go use and read reviews to determine if the app works well on your phone. 

4. Search for the Audiobook App Customization Abilities  

Listening to books is just as personal as flipping through pages—so the best audiobook service will give you multiple ways to customize the app just to your liking. Before buying, take a look at the different personalization options to make sure the audiobook subscription will work for your reading style.

For instance, on Libro.fm you can:

  • Change the narration speed
  • Pause and play with ease
  • Add labeled bookmarks
  • Organize your digital library
  • Set sleep timer reminders
  • Create accessible wish lists
  • Pick a light or dark mode

5. Find Out About Cancellation Policies and Fees

Man holding phone with Libro.fm app

Certain “best” audiobook services try to hide extra fees and cancellation costs in the fine print, trapping you in their membership and costing you even more in the long run. Before you sign up for an audiobook subscription, make sure you understand any and all cancellation policies to avoid those pesky fees. With Libro.fm, you can always cancel anytime and avoid further charges—in fact, the book credits you own will never expire and remain in your account forever.  

Pro tip: take advantage of the free trial periods of a few apps to see which one you like best before making the jump to a full audiobook subscription. Just remember to cancel them before the trial is up!

If listening to books sounds like it’s right up your alley, an audiobook app is a must. Just take a look at the top deciding factors as you browse different options to find one that works for you!

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