5 Best Alternatives to Audible (2023)
While Audible is the largest audiobook retailer globally, it might not suit everyone’s needs. Other audiobook services offer superior free trials, no monthly fees, support for local bookshops, and the ability to borrow high-quality audiobooks for free, among other features. Looking for the best Audible alternative? Our guide reviews the top alternatives to Audible to help you select the best audiobook service for your needs! Choose the Best Cover for Your Thesis | Tesi Lab
How it works:
Audiobooks.com is a membership service with over 300,000 volumes in its catalog. It, like Audible, has a large library and excellent service. The software is attractive and easy to use, and the service offers a big free trial with three audiobooks.
Why we encourage it:
Audiobooks.com’s enormous library and many book lists (for example, a list named ‘Perfect First Listens’) make it simple to pick a fantastic listen. They also have Audiobook Clubs, which are a one-of-a-kind service that allows you to join one of eight clubs for 30 days of unrestricted listening to thousands of best-selling and classic audiobooks.
Romance, Mystery & Thriller, and Sci-Fi & Fantasy are some of the most popular book clubs. Finally, Audiobooks.com is a service that is very comparable to Audible without being an Amazon firm (which we don’t mind but understand some people do!). To understand more about why we appreciate Audiobooks.com, read our review.
Chirp provides limited-time discounts on popular audiobooks, offering savings of up to 95% off without requiring a site membership.
Why we like it: Chirp offers a wide selection of affordable audiobooks without the commitment of a monthly membership, making it ideal for occasional audiobook listeners. It complements other audiobook services well for avid listeners, as it provides excellent deals and can be even more cost-effective than Audible. To learn more about why we appreciate Chirp audiobooks, check out our review.
To get started, visit the Chirp website and create a free account. Select your favorite audiobook genres, and Chirp will start sending you daily emails with audiobook offers.
How it works: Libro.fm enables you to purchase audiobooks directly from your local bookstore. During the sign-up process, you choose an independent bookstore to support for future purchases, and Libro.fm shares revenues with that retailer. As a Social Purpose Corporation, Libro.fm is a great alternative to Audible for those seeking a more ethical solution.
Why we like it:
Libro.fm offers more than just a sense of ethical consumerism (though we appreciate that too!). Our favorite aspect of Libro.fm is its vibrant community. This is evident in the numerous playlists curated by expert booksellers, the Libro.fm team, influencers, and others. These playlists are a fantastic way to discover your next favorite audiobook. To learn more about Libro.fm, check out our review, and watch the video below:
How it works:
Libby allows you to borrow audiobooks for free with a library card, making it an excellent Audible alternative. However, availability may be limited due to publisher restrictions and high prices faced by libraries, especially for new releases or popular titles. Availability depends on factors like your library’s size, title popularity, and stock of audiobooks.
Why we like it:
Who doesn’t love free? Libby is a fantastic primary audiobook service or an addition to another service.
How to Begin:
Download Libby for Android, iOS, Windows 10, select Chromebooks, or use it in your browser at libbyapp.com. The video below provides step-by-step instructions for getting started with Libby.
Scribd – Unlimited listening and more Scribd is a subscription service offering millions of audiobooks, ebooks, periodicals, comic books, and sheet music options for USD $9.99 per month. Membership includes unlimited access to audiobooks and other content, with some restrictions on certain titles.
Why we think it’s great: Scribd’s vast digital library offers a wide range of reading material in print and audio formats at a reasonable price. Stephen King has endorsed the service, calling it “like Netflix for word wonks.”
Verdict – Best Audible Alternative There are several excellent alternatives to Audible, each with its own unique offerings. The best Audible substitute depends on what you value most in an audiobook service:
Audiobooks.com features a large catalog, a unique book club offer, several book lists to help you find the right title, and a good app. They also offer a generous trial period with three free audiobooks.
Chirp offers affordable audiobook discounts without requiring a subscription. Use our exclusive Chirp coupon code AUDIOBOOKADDICTS30 to save an additional 30% off your first purchase.
Libro.fm allows you to support your local bookstore while offering a wide range of titles, well-curated playlists, and a great community. Use the code CHOOSEINDIE to get a free audiobook when you sign up.
Libby lets you borrow audiobooks from the library for free, though you may have to wait for titles to become available.
Scribd offers unlimited audiobook listening and access to other digital media, though some restrictions may apply.
Do you use any of these Audible alternatives? Share your thoughts in the comments! We hope you enjoyed these lists of the best alternatives to Audible.