Purists may disagree, but listening to an audiobook is indeed the same as reading a print book. Books are books! Isn’t it supposed to be about the content and not the medium? We all have grown up listening to grandma’s stories. The first form of audiobooks for us. Studies too have shown that there is not much of a significant difference in comprehension between reading and listening.
Have you been planning to experiment with audiobooks but don’t know where to start? Do the number of apps available overwhelm you? Read on as I share the whys along with the tried and tested app recommendations to get you started.
Why Audiobooks
Lately, audiobooks have found more acceptance among readers. There is indeed a charm in holding a print book in your hands. But digital reading deserves some love too. If you are still undecided, here are a few reasons why you should check out audiobooks.
- Convenience: Give your eyes an occasional break with audiobooks. Much like ebooks, they are convenient and perfect for long commutes. Most of the apps offer offline modes that make it easier for air travel too.
- An immersive experience: Each reading medium has its own charm. A lot many may disagree, but audiobooks have a more immersive experience. They are all the more fun when they include music and sound effects.
- Multi-tasking: Audiobooks are great for multi-tasking. I often listen to audiobooks while working out or doing the chores. There is never a dull moment.
- Exclusive content: It is indeed an experience to listen to the audiobook narrated by the author. I am currently reading A Promised Land narrated by Barak Obama himself. Highly recommended.
My favorite audiobook apps
Choosing the right app is extremely important before you embark on the extraordinary journey of audiobook reading. It can make or break the experience. Although there are numerous apps out there including Google Books, Kobo, and Libby, here are my top favorites to get you started.
Scribd
Scribd is by far my favorite audiobook app. Termed Netflix for books by Forbes, it has a curated collection of books that are generally not available elsewhere. Not limited to audiobooks, it also features a selection of ebooks by both Indian and international authors. What’s more, it also offers a wide variety of magazines including Time’s magazine, Harper’s Bazaar, New York Magazine, and Lonely Planet.
What I love about the app
I love the selection of books Scribs offers. Although the library is not as vast as Audible, it is a curated collection more than makes up for it. The range of magazines and periodicals on offer makes it the app of choice for me.
What could improve
Scribd limits access to books by geo-locations. That is, not all books are available everywhere. There is also a limitation on the number of books you can borrow. But if you are a genuine user not trying to hack the system, that is not an issue at all.
Subscription cost
$8.99/month plus taxes. Get 60 days free using this link (and I get 30 days free).
Storytel
I discovered Storytel app in 2019 and there has been no looking back. It has a wide selection of audiobooks in English and regional languages (Hindi, Bengali, and Marathi among others). It also includes ebooks and curated works. If you enjoy fantasy fiction, then Storytel is the best app for you.
What I love about the app
The app provides unlimited access with no limitations. That is a boon for voracious readers. The narration quality is at par with Audible. What I absolutely love is that some of the books are available as soon as they are published.
What could improve
Much like a Kindle Unlimited subscription, you do not own the books. You lose access when the subscription expires. The library and genres are not as extensive as Audible.
Subscription cost
Rs 299/month. Leave a message in the comments if you want to a free trial with the book of your choice.
Amazon Audible
I’m sure you would have already have heard of the Amazon Audible app. The most popular audiobook app out there. Exclusive audiobooks and high-quality narration are what Audible is famous (and often infamous) for.
What I love about the app
What sets Audible apart from the rest is that you own the books. You get to keep the book even when the subscription expires. As a part of Amazon, the books can be synced between the Audible and Kindle apps. You can also swap any audiobook you don’t like for free.
What could improve
Just one credit a month is a deal-breaker. Sure, you can purchase new audiobooks, but they are pretty expensive. Audible is also notorious for “Only for Audible” audiobooks that do not allow any other services and apps to sell the book.
Subscription cost
Rs 199/month. 30 days free trial, Prime members get 90 days free trial
LibriVox
If classics are your thing, then Librivox is the audiobook app for you. It provides free and unlimited access to public domain audiobooks narrated by volunteers. There are books for adults and kids alike. From Aesop’s Fables to Alice in Wonderland to Little Women.
What I love about the app
LibriVox is a free access app with thousands of classics. Consider it the Project Gutenberg of audiobooks. The books are also free to download and transfer. Not just limited to books, it also includes poetry, short stories, and dramatic works in different languages.
What could improve
The app design is outdated and does leave a lot to be desired. The narration also may not always be the best quality. That said, it does include some excellent audiobooks.
Subscription cost
Free
Whether you are just experimenting with audiobooks or a seasoned reader, I hope you found the post useful. Stay tuned as I would soon be sharing tips on how to get the best from them and tips for beginners.
If you are looking for recommendations, here are my favorite audiobooks that can help you get started.
Do you read audiobooks? What are your favorite apps? Do share about them in the comments below.
Getting Started with Audiobooks: Choosing the Right App @CindyAnnDSilva @nooranand @bugshieldcloths #BlogaberryDazzle #BohoPonderings Click To Tweet
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla, and generously SPONSORED BY Bugshield Clothing – Enjoy Outdoors More!
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February 3, 2021 @ 11:22 pm
You know, before I got into podcasting, I first started with listening Audio books on Audibles. And thats how I convinced myself about the convenience of listening to anything of my choice as per my routine. So, I would say audio books have a crucial role in my podcasting journey..
February 7, 2021 @ 5:15 pm
That is truly interesting, Alpana. Audiobooks are a great way to research what works.
February 4, 2021 @ 8:27 am
I’m not a great fan of listening to audiobooks. In fact recently wrote a post on why I don’t like them. Somehow, for me reading is an experience I give myself. I can’t give myself to hearing it from someone else. Moreover, the accent of reading matters which means in some cases unless you pay full attention, you cannot really understand.
February 7, 2021 @ 5:17 pm
I understand your point. It took me a while to get into audiobooks but now I cannot do without them.
February 7, 2021 @ 11:09 pm
I first started with listening Audio books on Audibles. And thats how I convinced myself about the convenience of listening to anything of my choice as per my routine. So, I would say audio books have a crucial role in my podcasting journey..
February 4, 2021 @ 6:10 pm
I listen to audiobooks when I don’t get time to read. The voice modulations are good. I also want to get into podcasting, and they encourage me!
February 7, 2021 @ 5:18 pm
That is why I switched to audiobooks, Monidipa. I wasn’t getting time to read and audiobooks are great for multi-tasking.
February 5, 2021 @ 7:20 am
Audio books are meditative. I love closing my eyes, listening to the book at bed time.. it’s an altogether different experience and Amazon audible is my go to partner… Thanks for sharing other recommendations.
February 7, 2021 @ 5:19 pm
I do avoid reading audiobooks in bed as I tend to doze off. They are indeed meditative.
February 5, 2021 @ 12:07 pm
I have always wanted to start on audiobooks in a big way – I had listened in a few on audible last year but I want to make this a bigger thing in my life. This is such a good list to keep track of
February 7, 2021 @ 5:21 pm
Thank you, Richa. You are really killing it with the reading challenge. 12 books already!
February 5, 2021 @ 2:12 pm
I tried Amazon audible. It’s mainly for my child. We didn’t like the voice of the narrator. So we gave up on it. Anyways, thanks for comparing various apps. I will try others sooner.
February 7, 2021 @ 5:22 pm
It takes a while to get the narrator and the speed right. I do hope you give it another try.
February 5, 2021 @ 6:27 pm
I agree….in fact audio books are more convenient can be read anywhere. I was looking for some good app…thanks a lot for sharing will try all and see what works for me best.
February 7, 2021 @ 5:23 pm
My pleasure Swati. I am sure you would be able to select one that works best for you.
February 5, 2021 @ 9:37 pm
I’m listening to my first ever audio book on audible and quite enjoying the experience.
February 7, 2021 @ 5:24 pm
I am so glad to read that Sonia. Thank you for stopping by 😀
February 5, 2021 @ 9:45 pm
I have been using Audible for a while, as you rightly pointed out it is convenient when you want to multitask. I use to listen to Judgment Detox Book by Gabrielle Bernstein when I would go cycling, that was my first audio listening experience. I prefer audiobooks over ebooks, paperback remains the first choice though 🙂
February 7, 2021 @ 5:26 pm
Paperbacks definitely, Priyanka. But with the number of books I read, ebooks and audiobooks are a lot more convenient. And I absolutely hate unhauling books to make space for new ones.
February 6, 2021 @ 12:23 am
Thanks for talking about the audio books and the platforms. its been on my mind for a long time
February 7, 2021 @ 5:26 pm
Thanks Arti. I am glad you found the post useful.
February 6, 2021 @ 4:32 am
As they say, to each his own! I agree that it is about the content and not the medium when you are looking to know about stuff. And your post details all the benefits of moving to this new audio-book medium, which is gaining popularity. I still love listening to stories from people – especially of the older generation who reminiscence about the times gone by. However, for a “book-lover” the joy of holding a physical copy, smelling the print on the pages cannot be matched by anything. After putting it off for a long time, I finally bought a Kindle….i HAVE to read everyday so this seemed an easier option than storing physical books. I agree that an electronic or audio medium is more convenient, but according to me the joy of snuggling down in the couch with a book cannot be matched. 🙂
February 7, 2021 @ 5:31 pm
Let’s agree to disagree Vasumathi. For me, it is always the content.
February 6, 2021 @ 10:21 am
Wow..i never knew there were so many Audible apps. I am surely going to try Amazon or Librivox. Thanks for the recommendations Ritu. I am not reading much at least I can listen to some good ones. Would love to listen to Obama for sure.
February 7, 2021 @ 5:34 pm
There are quite a few more, Harjeet. But these are the ones I recommend. Do pick up Obama’s audiobook. It is a treat to hear the man himself.
February 6, 2021 @ 5:12 pm
Amazing recommendations. I love reading and now, as a mother of two, I can only manage time to blog. Reading is something I wish to do but hardly get time. This is such a useful post, I can use it multitasking..
February 7, 2021 @ 5:35 pm
Thank you Sadvika. I hope you check them out.
February 6, 2021 @ 11:33 pm
I have tried audio books in the past but wasn’t able to set a routine to listen to it so it was kind of a miss for me. I have been wanting to try audible for a while now….good time to start
February 7, 2021 @ 5:47 pm
Any time is a good time, Raunica 🙂
February 8, 2021 @ 2:39 am
Wow..i never knew there were so many Audible apps. I am not much of a reader but
i can listen to some good books i guess may be.
February 7, 2021 @ 1:20 am
I really wanted to check Audio Books and was thinking how to go about it, this is just the information and help I needed, thanks so much.
February 7, 2021 @ 5:35 pm
My pleasure, Manisha. I am glad you found the post useful.
February 7, 2021 @ 10:14 am
Although I have heard a lot about audio books but never thought of giving them a try. Now I am tempted to give it a shot. I will start with storytel. Thanks for recommendations.
February 7, 2021 @ 5:36 pm
Do try them out, Priyanka. They are quite a different experience.
February 7, 2021 @ 12:12 pm
OO! I love this post and your blog and everything books! So I too fell in love with audiobooks last year and I have finished a few books that way! Elizabeth Gilberts The Big Magic was the first audiobook I listened and loved it.
I use the Libby/Overdrive app> it is free subscription from my local library so I get to read all the newly published books too and I am a happy bird that way haha
February 7, 2021 @ 5:46 pm
Thank you so much for your kind words, Shahira. I am so disappointed that Libby does not work in India. Most libraries are not linked to it.
February 7, 2021 @ 12:29 pm
You have got me hooked to audiobooks. They are great for oldies like me :D. It takes time to find a good narrator and the right speed to listen at.
February 7, 2021 @ 5:37 pm
Thank you, mother dear 😀
February 7, 2021 @ 12:51 pm
Wow! You spoke my mind Ritu, I was looking for the best audiobook options, and here your post has come. Though I was so reluctant about audiobooks, sometimes due to some busy days, I started thinking of opting for the audiobook option but totally confused, which app to chose. Thank you for sharing so much in details with the respective prices. I am sorted now!
February 7, 2021 @ 5:38 pm
My pleasure, Archana. I am so glad to read that.
February 7, 2021 @ 4:00 pm
Well each to its own! I never have tried audio books and never felt like it for me the feel book in hand the turn of each page and the smell of the books pages is equally enthralling as the content.
February 7, 2021 @ 5:39 pm
Like you said, to each its own. 🙂
February 7, 2021 @ 4:54 pm
Very useful post I must say. I wanted to try audiobook for a long time. Thanks for sharing app list with details. I agree sometimes listening is more convenient than reading. And with music and sound effects it’s an another level of experience.
February 7, 2021 @ 5:40 pm
Thank you Abha. I am so glad you found the post useful.
February 7, 2021 @ 10:27 pm
I’d definitely wanted to get started with audiobook but yes as you’ve written confused about numerous apps. I now know which to use. Thank you for sharing this
February 14, 2021 @ 9:13 pm
Thank you, Sindhu. I am glad you found it useful.
February 7, 2021 @ 10:44 pm
I have not yet read, but this saves your time, and you can enjoy the book without reading it, just by using the other sense organ. Thanks for sharing.
February 14, 2021 @ 9:14 pm
That is quite true, Bhawna. And in some cases, audiobooks are all the more fun.
February 7, 2021 @ 11:00 pm
Audio books are the best way to read and to give break to your eyes. They are especially helpful, if you want to multitask and read a book. If you have motion sickness then audio books are your best companions, while travelling
March 3, 2021 @ 5:57 pm
Exactly Aishwarya
February 8, 2021 @ 11:24 pm
Wow, Ritu, I love audio books and listen to it when I cook or go alone for a walk. While I have heard of Scribd, Storytel, Audible and used the trail versions, I am yet to try LibriVox, which I shall do now after reading your post. As a classic fan, I am looking forward to it.
Also, the books suggested are all fab and few of them are already in my TBR list.
February 14, 2021 @ 9:16 pm
That is great Amritha. Hope LibriVox works for you too.