8 Best Audio Book Subscriptions 2023 – Maximize Your Reading Time

Audiobooks have revolutionized the way we consume literature, making it easier than ever to enjoy a great story or learn new information on the go. With the rise in popularity of audiobooks, subscription services have emerged to cater to this growing demand, offering a vast selection of titles to suit all tastes and interests.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best audiobook subscriptions available today. We’ll dive into their features, pricing, pros and cons and help you determine which one is the perfect fit for your listening needs.

1. Audible

As the industry leader and a household name, Audible is the go-to choice for many audiobook enthusiasts.

Features:

• Over 500,000 titles
• Audible Originals, exclusive content produced by Audible
• Audible Sleep, a selection of soothing bedtime stories and soundscapes
• Audible Plus Catalog, offering unlimited access to select titles
• Integration with Amazon Echo devices
• Offline listening

Pricing:

• Audible Plus: $7.95/month (access to the Plus Catalog)
• Audible Premium Plus: $14.95/month (1 credit/month, access to the Plus Catalog)
• Audible Premium Plus Annual: $149.50/year (12 credits/year, access to the Plus Catalog)

 

2. Libro.fm

Support your local independent bookstore while enjoying a vast array of audiobooks with Libro.fm.

Features:

• Over 150,000 titles
• ALC (Advanced Listening Copy) program for reviewers and influencers
• 30% off additional purchases
• Offline listening
• DRM-free content

Pricing:

• Monthly membership: $14.99/month (1 credit/month)
• À la carte purchases

 

3. Scribd

Scribd offers more than just audiobooks, providing access to e-books, magazines, and documents as well.

Features:

• Over 70,000 audiobooks
• Unlimited access to e-books, magazines, and documents
• Personalized recommendations
• Offline listening

Pricing:

• Monthly membership: $9.99/month

 

4. Audiobooks.com

Audiobooks.com is a user-friendly platform with a respectable library and multiple pricing options.

Features:

• Over 250,000 titles
• VIP Rewards program, offering a free monthly audiobook
• Bookmarks and customizable playback speed
• Offline listening
• Integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Pricing:

• Monthly membership: $14.95/month (1 credit/month)
• À la carte purchases

 

5. Downpour

Downpour is perfect for audiobook purists who want DRM-free content and flexible rental options.

Features:

• Over 80,000 titles
• DRM-free content
• Audiobook rental options
• Offline listening
• No proprietary app required

Pricing:

Monthly membership: $12.99/month (1 credit/month)

À la carte purchases

Audiobook rentals: $2.95 – $7.95 per title (based on rental duration)

 

6. Chirp

Chirp offers a unique approach to audiobook subscriptions with its daily deals and no recurring monthly fees.

Features:

• Curated daily deals on bestselling audiobooks
• No monthly subscription fees
• Offline listening
• Personalized recommendations

Pricing:

• No monthly subscription fees
• Pay per audiobook (prices vary based on daily deals)

 

7. Apple Books

Apple users can access a vast selection of audiobooks through the Apple Books app, which comes pre-installed on iOS devices.

Features:

• Over 200,000 titles
• Integration with Siri and Apple CarPlay
• Offline listening
• No monthly subscription fees

Pricing:

• À la carte purchases

 

8. Google Play Books

Android users can enjoy a seamless audiobook experience with Google Play Books, the default e-book and audiobook platform for Android devices.

Features:

• Over 100,000 titles
• Integration with Google Assistant and Android Auto
• Offline listening
• No monthly subscription fees

Pricing:

• À la carte purchases

How to Choose an Ideal Audiobook Subscription

Library Size and Selection

A vast and diverse library is one of the most crucial aspects to consider when choosing an audiobook subscription. The more extensive the selection, the higher the likelihood of finding titles that pique your interest. Investigate each service’s library size and check if they offer the genres and authors you enjoy.

Remember, some platforms may have exclusive content or focus more on specific genres, so it’s essential to find one that caters to your preferences.

Pricing and Subscription Models

When it comes to audiobook subscriptions, pricing can vary significantly. Some services offer flat-rate pricing with unlimited access, while others use a credit system or require à la carte purchases.

Consider your listening habits and budget when comparing pricing models. If you’re an occasional listener, a pay-per-title service might be more cost-effective. On the other hand, if you consume multiple audiobooks per month, a subscription with unlimited access or a credit system may be more suitable.

Device Compatibility and Ease of Use

The platform you choose should be compatible with your preferred listening devices, whether that’s a smartphone, tablet, or in-car entertainment system.

Check if the service offers a dedicated app or can be used with your device’s native e-book or audiobook app. The app’s user interface and ease of use are also important factors to consider. Look for features such as customizable playback speed, bookmarking, and offline listening capabilities.

Supporting Local and Independent Businesses

For some, supporting local and independent businesses is a priority when choosing an audiobook subscription. Services like Libro.fm allow you to enjoy a vast array of audiobooks while also supporting your local independent bookstore. If this is important to you, consider this factor when comparing different services.

DRM-Free Content

Digital Rights Management (DRM) can limit how and where you can listen to your audiobooks. If you prefer DRM-free content, look for a platform like Downpour that allows you more flexibility with your audiobook files. This way, you can listen to your audiobooks on any device without restrictions.

Exclusive Content and Additional Perks

Many audiobook subscription services offer exclusive content or additional perks as part of their membership. For example, Audible produces exclusive Audible Originals, and Audiobooks.com offers a VIP Rewards program. Consider these added benefits when making your decision, as they can enhance your overall listening experience.

Free Trials and Introductory Offers

Finally, don’t forget to take advantage of free trials or introductory offers when testing out different audiobook subscriptions. A free trial allows you to explore a platform’s features and library without committing financially. Use this opportunity to find the perfect fit for your listening habits and preferences.

Final Words

Choosing the best audiobook subscription ultimately depends on your personal preferences, listening habits, and budget. If you’re an avid listener, services like Audible, Scribd, or Audiobooks.com might suit your needs. However, if you’re an occasional listener or prefer not to commit to a monthly subscription, Chirp, Apple Books, or Google Play Books could be a better fit.

Keep in mind that some services offer unique features like supporting independent bookstores (Libro.fm) or DRM-free content (Downpour). Carefully consider what matters most to you and take advantage of free trials or introductory offers to find the perfect audiobook subscription to elevate your listening experience in 2023.