It’s Time to Get Off Audible: Audiobook Apps for Real Book Lovers
Is Audible the app that introduced you to the big, wide world of listening to audiobooks? Plenty of avid readers have relied on Amazon’s popular app for years. But just because it was your first doesn’t mean it’s the best audiobook app out there! With our list of popular alternatives, you can finally make the switch.
Why Should You Try Listening to Audiobooks?
When it comes to enjoying a good read, there’s no right or wrong way to do so! Audiobooks have the power to bring the story to life in new and exciting ways. If you’re someone who loves feeling fully immersed in the world of a book, you’ll adore listening to talented voice actors narrate the tale to you.
Listening to audiobook apps can also increase your book intake on the go. It doesn’t matter if you’re lying in bed trying to fall asleep, perusing the grocery store on your weekly shop, or going for a run—audiobook apps allow you to multitask, wherever you are.
Why Don’t People Like Listening to Audiobooks on Audible?
As far as audiobook apps go, Audible is widely ranked as the most service-oriented—and with a vast selection, simple model, and big-brand name attached, it’s easy to see why. But when you peel back the layers of what’s really going on behind the closed doors of the app, Audible's flaws quickly become apparent. And we don’t like what we see.
The main reason more and more booklovers are cancelling their Audible accounts is that it’s owned by Amazon. If you don’t already understand the negatives to supporting Jeff Bezos’s company, this may come as a shock, but it’s true. From the poor treatment of warehouse workers to the massive carbon footprint caused by constant shipping to their monopolized power over independent retailers and beyond, there are countless reasons to want to spend your money elsewhere—it’s just a matter of finding a better audiobook app!
Additional Downsides to Having an Audible Subscription:
- Minimal in-app customization options
- Titles are easily gatekept due to their Audible Exclusive initiative
- Limited “free” catalog separate from credit purchases
- DRM restrictions limiting device use
- Unused monthly credits expire, wasting your money
- Changes to royalty rules mean authors earn less per listen than before
Which Alternative Audiobook Apps are Worth Your Time?
Feeling inspired to cancel your Audible account? Go for it! Whether you want to listen to the latest Emily Henry book or the sports romance novel everyone is talking about, these audiobook app alternatives make it easy to listen on the go and guilt-free. With new options emerging every day, finding a new way to listen to audiobooks is easy.
Our 5 Favorite Audiobook Apps:
- Libro.fm
- Spotify
- Libby
- Chirp
- Everand
1. Support Local Bookstores with Libro.fm
In terms of who you’re supporting, Libro.fm is the direct opposite of Amazon. With Libro.fm, when you buy an audiobook or pay your subscription fee, the money doesn’t go into the pockets of one of the world’s richest billionaires. Instead, every purchase benefits your favorite, independently owned bookshops, with about 30% of the revenue shared on each purchase, membership, or gift.
To create your Libro.fm account, start by choosing the store you’d like to support. Then, you can decide whether you’d prefer the monthly membership option, priced at $14.99 a month, that comes with one credit and an additional 30% discount, or the more low-key a la carte option, where you can buy books whenever you please with no regular fee. Listen to your audiobooks on your phone, computer, or smart watch.
The Main Benefits of Libro.fm:
- Membership can be paused or canceled whenever
- Credits do not expire
- DRM-free downloads
2. Listen to Audiobooks and Music on Spotify
As one of the largest music streaming platforms, it was only a matter of time until Spotify expanded into the audiobook scene—and we’re happy they did! While a premium membership caps your listening to 15 hours a month, a large portion of the audiobooks you can listen to on the app are already included in the subscription cost. As far as apps go, it’s very straightforward and easy to use, in a way that’s similar to Audible, making it the perfect app for newbies.
Inside scoop: Spotify has recently launched a new audiobook plan called “Audiobooks+.” For $11.99 a month, users will have access to 15 additional hours, bringing the grand listening time up to 30 hours a month. Think of all the audiobooks you could listen to in that time!
3. Rent from Your Local Library with Libby
If you have an e-reader, you may already be familiar with Libby—but did you know you can also use it to listen to audiobooks? It’s true! If you have a library card, you can gain access to your public library’s entire audiobook collection—and it’s completely free.
Since Libby is run like a library, you do not get to keep the titles you request. Think of it more like a renting system—once you’re done, you’ll return it and be able to place a hold on something else. There’s only one real downside: if it’s a more popular book, like Sarah J. Maas’s ACOTAR series, there may be a long wait time.
4. Find Unbeatable Deals on Chirp
If you love a deal, you’ll love listening to audiobooks with Chirp. Instead of operating on a subscription-based model, like many of its competitors, Chirp lets you buy books individually, typically at a deep discount.
While it may not have all of the hot new bestsellers, there are plenty of popular self-help books, YA romance novels, and more popular titles available for only a couple of dollars. Talk about a steal!
5. Enjoy a Cheaper Audible Alternative with Everand
Formerly known as Scribd, the Everand audiobook app is back and better than ever. Users choose one of three plans: Standard, with one “unlock,” also called a credit, at $11.99 a month, Plus, with three unlocks, at $16.99 a month, and Deluxe, with five unlocks, at $28.99 a month.
Each unlock grants the reader full access to premium titles. Once unlocked, the title stays yours as long as your subscription is active.
Have you been carrying on a love affair with Amazon’s audiobook app? Well, consider this your sign: take the leap, delete Audible from your phone, and start a membership at a popular alternative app today. Happy listening!