Best Audiobook App 2023
Are you tired of wasting precious minutes, even hours, trying to find a decent book to read?
Do you feel like time is slipping through your fingers while you’re stuck deciding what to read next?
Well, my friend, it’s 2023 and the future is here. Let me introduce you to the world of audiobooks.
By the end of this post, I promise you’ll be hooked on the best audiobook app of the year. No more fumbling around, no more time-wasting. Just pure, unadulterated literary bliss.
Buckle up, because we’re about to embark on an auditory adventure.
TL:DR
- Audiobook apps offer various benefits including convenience, improved language skills, and potential health and wellbeing improvements.
- They allow you to enjoy literature while doing other tasks, exercise, or commute.
- Listening to audiobooks can improve pronunciation, fluency, comprehension, expand vocabulary, and improve reading speed.
- Some people find that listening to an audiobook before bed helps them fall asleep faster. The enjoyment and focus from listening to a well-narrated book can also be a great companion during downtime.
- The research process for finding the best product includes product exploration, pricing analysis, feature comparison, identifying negatives, reviewing support and refund policies, customer reviews and ratings, testing products (where possible), and finally ranking and recommendation.
- The author personally loves audiobooks because they can learn and complete some tasks at the same time, making them a perfect fit for a busy lifestyle.
- The recommendations provided are backed by careful analysis and first-hand experience, ensuring readers can trust the insights.
What Are the Best Audiobook Apps?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of each app, let’s take a moment to appreciate the sheer variety of audiobook apps available in 2023.
From dedicated platforms that cater only to book lovers, to multifunctional apps that include audiobooks as part of a larger media collection, there’s something for everyone. And the best part? Each application brings something unique to the table – be it a vast library, audiobook format, exclusive titles, user-friendly features, or budget-friendly pricing.
Let’s take a closer look at the top contenders:
Best Audiobook Apps
Audible – My Top Pick
Audiobooks – Best for Podcast Lovers
Scribe
Kobo – Best Audible Alternative
Now, let’s dive deeper into what each of these applications has to offer.
Audible by Amazon – The best App for every Type of Reader
Audible, an Amazon company, is often considered the gold standard in the world of audiobook apps.
With its vast library boasting over 200,000 titles, it’s a veritable paradise for book lovers. Audible offers a wide variety of books, from bestsellers and classics to new releases and podcasts. The app also features user-friendly tools like sleep timers and speed controls, ensuring a customizable listening experience.
It operates on a subscription-based model, providing members with monthly or yearly credits that can be used to purchase any audiobook, regardless of its standalone price.
Audible Key Benefits
- Expansive Library: With over 200,000 titles, Audible offers a vast selection of books, ensuring you’ll always find something to listen to.
- Exclusive Titles: Audible boasts a collection of exclusive audiobooks that can’t be found on any other platform.
- Easy-to-Use Features: The app includes user-friendly tools like sleep timers and speed controls for a personalized listening experience.
- Subscription Model: Audible operates on a subscription-based model, providing members with credits that can be used to purchase any audiobook.
- Offline Listening: You can download your audiobooks for offline listening, perfect for travel or areas with limited internet connection.
- Whispersync for Voice: This feature allows you to switch seamlessly between reading and listening when paired with Kindle eBooks.
Audible Pricing
Audible offers a tiered subscription model, catering to different listening habits.
Their basic plan, Audible Plus, is priced at $7.95 per month and gives unlimited access to select Audible Originals, audiobooks, and podcasts. The next tier, Audible Premium Plus, costs $14.95 per month and includes all the benefits of Audible Plus, but also provides one credit per month to purchase any audiobook, regardless of price. For heavy audiobook listeners, there’s the Audible Premium Plus Annual plan, priced at $149.50 per year, which grants 12 credits at once.
All plans include a 30-day free trial for first-time users. Please note that pricing may vary by region and is subject to change.
Audiobooks.com
audiobooks.com is a popular online platform that provides access to a wide range of audiobooks.
With over 150,000 titles spanning various genres, it caters to the diverse tastes of book lovers worldwide. The platform allows users to stream audiobooks of their favorite books online or download them for offline listening. It also offers a personalized recommendation feature to help users discover new books based on their preferences.
Audiobooks.com operates on a subscription model, where members receive credits each month that can be used to purchase any title in their premium library.
The platform also includes a selection of free audiobooks and podcasts, adding extra value to the subscription.
audiobooks.com Key Benefits
- Large Selection: With over 150,000 titles, Audiobooks.com offers a diverse array of books across various genres.
- Personalized Recommendations: The platform suggests titles based on your listening habits and preferences, helping you discover new books.
- Offline Listening: Audiobooks can be downloaded for offline use, making it convenient for travel or when you’re away from the internet.
- Free Content: In addition to audiobooks, the platform provides access to a collection of free podcasts.
- User-Friendly App: The Audiobooks.com app is intuitive and easy-to-use, with features like customizable playback speed and sleep timer.
- Subscription Model: The subscription-based model gives members credits each month to exchange for any title in their premium library.
- Gift Memberships: Audiobooks.com also offers gift memberships, perfect for sharing the love of reading with friends and family.
audiobooks.com Pricing
audiobooks.com operates on a subscription-based model, priced at $14.95 per month (plus applicable taxes).
The subscription includes one credit per month that can be exchanged for any audiobook in their premium library. The platform also offers a 30-day free trial for new users, allowing them to experience the service before committing to a paid plan. The cost of individual audiobooks outside of the subscription varies.
Members also have access to regular 2-for-1 deals, adding extra value to their subscription. Please note that pricing may vary by region and is subject to change.
3. Scribe
Scribe, formerly known as Book in a Box, is a comprehensive author services company that assists individuals in writing, publishing, and marketing their books.
Targeted at busy professionals, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders who have valuable ideas but lack the time or expertise to write a book, Scribe offers a structured process that transforms their ideas into a professionally published book. The Scribe method involves a series of interviews and collaborative sessions between the author and a team of Scribe professionals. This team includes a scribe who conducts the interviews and writes the initial manuscript, an editor who refines the content, a publishing manager who oversees the publication process, and a book marketer who helps promote the book.
Scribe offers different packages based on the level of involvement and support an author requires, ranging from guided authorship, where the author does most of the writing with Scribe’s guidance, to professional ghostwriting, where Scribe’s team handles the entire writing process.
Scribe Key Benefits
- Time-Efficient: Scribe’s process allows busy professionals to publish a book without having to devote large amounts of time to writing.
- Professionally Managed: Each author works with a team of professionals, including a scribe, an editor, a publishing manager, and a book marketer.
- Comprehensive Service: Scribe handles all aspects of the book creation process, from initial interviews to writing, editing, publishing, and marketing.
- Personalized Approach: Scribe tailors its methodology to each author and their unique needs and ideas.
- Ownership Rights: Authors maintain complete ownership and control over their content and book, including all royalties.
- High Quality Publication: The end result is a professionally published book that meets industry standards.
- Flexible Packages: Scribe offers different packages to fit various budgets and levels of author involvement.
Scribe Pricing
Scribe offers a variety of packages to suit different needs and budgets. Here’s a quick summary:
- Guided Author Program: This program costs $15,000 and is designed for authors who want to write their own book with professional guidance.
- Professional Ghostwriting: This service starts at $36,000 and is intended for those who want a book professionally written for them.
- Scribe Elite: This premium service starts at $100,000 and includes everything in the Professional Ghostwriting package, plus additional marketing and promotional services.
Kobo – Best Affordable Audiobook App
Kobo is a global leader in eReading, offering a world-class platform for passionate readers to access a vast library of eBooks, audiobooks, and eMagazines.
With millions of titles across 77 languages, Kobo provides a rich reading experience for users around the globe. Kobo’s range of eReaders, including the Kobo Clara HD, Kobo Libra H2O, and Kobo Forma, are designed with the reader in mind. They come equipped with features like ComfortLight PRO and waterproof design, allowing users to read comfortably in different environments and lighting conditions.
In addition to free titles to eReaders, Kobo also offers a free app that turns smartphones and tablets into eReaders, making it even easier for users to enjoy their favorite books anytime, anywhere.
Beyond hardware, app features, and software, Kobo stands out with its strong commitment to an open reading ecosystem. Unlike some competitors, Kobo supports popular open formats like EPUB, allowing users to read any eBook, whether it’s from Kobo’s store or elsewhere.
Kobo Key Benefits
- Extensive Library: Kobo offers millions of titles across 77 languages, providing a rich selection for readers of all interests and backgrounds.
- High-Quality eReaders: Kobo’s range of eReaders are designed with the reader in mind, featuring ComfortLight PRO and waterproof design for a comfortable reading experience in any environment.
- Free Reading App: With Kobo’s free app, users can turn their smartphones and tablets into eReaders, allowing them to read anytime, anywhere.
- Open Reading Ecosystem: Unlike some competitors, Kobo supports popular open formats like EPUB, giving users the freedom to read any eBook, whether it’s from Kobo’s store or elsewhere.
- Customizable Reading Experience: Users can adjust font size and style, margins, and more to suit their personal reading preferences.
- Integrated Store: The Kobo store is integrated into its devices and apps, making it easy for users to discover and purchase new books.
Kobo Pricing
Kobo’s pricing varies depending on the specific eReader model and the content you wish to purchase. Here’s a general idea:
- Kobo Nia: This basic model retails for around $99.99.
- Kobo Clara HD: A step up in terms of features, this model is priced at approximately $119.99.
- Kobo Libra H2O: This mid-range, waterproof model costs around $169.99.
- Kobo Forma: The premium model with the largest screen size and most features, it retails for about $249.99.
As for the content, eBook prices can range from free (for public domain works) to upwards of $20 for new releases and popular titles. Audiobooks also vary in price, but many are in the $10-$30 range.
Please note that prices may vary depending on the retailer and region, and this information is subject to change.
How Can Audiobook Apps Benefit You
Audiobook apps offer a wealth of benefits that can enhance your reading and learning experience.
One of the most significant advantages is their convenience and ease of use. You can listen to your favorite books while doing repetitive tasks, exercising, or commuting, making it possible to enjoy literature without setting aside separate time for reading. These apps can also contribute to your language skills, as listening to audiobooks can improve pronunciation, fluency, and comprehension.
Audiobooks can increase reading accuracy by 52% and comprehension by 76%, according to a report by Western Downs Libraries.
They say audible app can also expand your vocabulary and improve reading speed. Another noteworthy benefit is the potential health and wellbeing improvements. Some people find that listening to an audiobook before bed helps them fall asleep faster.
Additionally, the meditative quality of listening to a story can provide a relaxing break from the constant visual input of screens.
The enjoyment and focus that come from listening to a well-narrated book can also be a great companion during downtime.
Choosing The Right App For You
Now that we’ve looked at some of the different types of apps available, it’s time to choose the right one for you.
The best way to do that is to think about what you want from your app and then find an option that fits those needs.
Here are some things to look for in a good audiobook app:
- A large selection of audiobooks: The app should have a large selection of audiobooks so that you can find something to suit your interests.
- Good prices: The app should offer competitive prices on its books so that you’re getting a good deal. Also keep in mind that most providers offer a free audiobook to encourage your reading goals.
- User-friendly interface: The app should be easy to use and navigate so that you can start listening to your book as soon as.
- A smart audiobook player will be available in Mac and Android devices
- A free trial: The app should offer a free trial so that you can try out the service before you commit to it.
My Final Thoughts
Audiobook apps are a game-changer for book lovers and learners alike.
They offer an incredible level of convenience, allowing you to dive into your favorite books while multitasking, commuting, or simply relaxing. The benefits of these apps extend far beyond convenience though, enhancing language skills and potentially contributing to mental well-being. Being an avid user of audiobooks, I can personally vouch for their value.
I love audio books and how I can learn and complete some tasks at the same time, making them a perfect fit for my busy lifestyle.
Through our rigorous research process, we have strived to provide you with a comprehensive guide to choosing the best audiobook app that suits your needs and preferences. Our recommendations are backed by careful analysis and first-hand audiobook experience, ensuring you can trust our insights. So, whether you’re new to the world of audiobooks or a seasoned listener looking to switch up your app, we hope this guide has been helpful.
Here’s to many hours of enjoyable listening ahead!
Have Questions? We Have Answers.
How do I listen to audiobooks?
The most popular way is to download the audiobook to your computer or portable device and then listen to it that way. However, you can also listen to audiobooks streaming online or on the radio.
What is an audiobook subscription?
An audiobook subscription is a type of subscription plan or digital media service that allows you to listen to audiobooks for a fixed monthly fee. Usually, the first month is free so that you can try out the service. After that, the monthly fee will be automatically charged to your bank account or debit card. Most audiobook subscriptions allow you to listen to an unlimited number of books each month
How does an audiobook subscription work?
Audiobooks subscriptions typically work one of three ways: monthly, annually, or unlimited access. With a monthly subscription, you’re typically given a limited number of credits each month that you can use to download audiobooks. Once you’ve used up your monthly credits, you need to purchase more if you want to continue listening. Annual subscriptions generally give you unlimited access to the audiobook library for the year. You can download and listen to as many books as you want during that time period. And finally, some services offer an app purchase option where you can download the free app and have access to the free audiobook app library without having to subscribe.
What are the benefits of an audiobook subscription?
Audiobooks can be a great way to improve your productivity, learn a new skill, or just relax and unwind. With an audiobook subscription, you have unlimited access to thousands of titles, so you can find the perfect one for every situation.
How much does an audiobook subscription cost?
Subscription costs vary depending on the service you use, but most start at around $10 per month. Some of the best apps offer a 30-day free trial so that you can test out the service before you buy.
What is the difference in app purchases, between eBooks and audiobooks?
An audio book is a recording of someone reading a book aloud, whereas an e-book is a digital version of a printed book.
