There are plenty of books out there that everyone should read, but the question remains: how do you find the time to read them all? With audiobooks, it’s easier than ever to catch up on your reading list when you don’t have time to sit down and read each book cover-to-cover. If you prefer hearing books instead of reading them or just want an alternative way to enjoy your favorite titles, these audiobook apps will help you make the most of your listening time. Here are some of the best audiobook apps around!
The Best AudioBook Apps
Smart AudioBook Player
Sometimes you want to hear an audiobook, but you’re in no position to pay full attention. Maybe you’re in a loud place or your eyes are busy. That’s where Smart AudioBook Player comes in. It automatically detects places where your focus can be divided and plays clips that correspond with what is going on around you.
For example, if someone comes into your office while you’re listening to an audiobook, it’ll automatically play short segments that correspond with being in a public place.
It’s also a great option if you’re in a situation where you can’t listen to your audiobook regularly, such as commuting or exercise. Its smart resume technology saves your place so that it picks up where you left off if you don’t have time to finish an entire book.
Plus, its white noise settings allow it to adjust playback volume based on background noise so that playback won’t be too disruptive when others are around. Plus, it even includes a night mode setting if you need more soothing sounds at bedtime.
So instead of playing music, just listen to your audiobooks — and enjoy not being distracted by people talking around you as much when commuting or running errands.
Download Smart AudioBook Player:
Android
iOS
Audible
If you’re a voracious reader, it might be hard to keep up with everything on your list at once. If you want to ensure that your queue is full of new books instead of old ones, try Audible. Audible app lets you download audiobooks directly onto your device and listen whenever it’s convenient for you — all without breaking your budget.
The audible is now integrated with amazon. That’s makes this app more useful. If you are an Amazon prime subscriber, then you can easy sign up for Audible and get free trial.
Audible also has a great selection of fiction and nonfiction audio titles that make great gifts, too!
Download Audible:
Android
iOS
Realm – Free Audiobook App
To listen to audiobooks, all you need is your device and some headphones or earbuds. But what if you’re out of headphones? Are you stuck? Not if you have Realm: a free app that works on iPhone and Android, lets you stream or download audiobooks to a phone or tablet so that they can be listened to offline.
Realm features a wide range of drama, sci-fi and genres. You can listen for free, but in free version of this app you will see ads and popup.
If you want to remove these ads, you need to buy their subscription which around $2.49 per month.
Download Real:
Android
iOS
Audiobooks.com
The nation’s largest audiobook store and library of over 2 million titles is available on Android and iOS. If you don’t have a membership, you can purchase books individually — just download each title you want to listen to or read.
If an account is required, it’s quick to set up. Search by category or browse by book cover or author, then click Add in your shopping cart to build your collection. You can even sync downloaded audiobooks across all your devices using a free Audiobooks app account.
Download AudioBook.com:
Android
iOS
Google Play Books & Audiobooks
Google’s audiobook service is straightforward — it offers one of the largest libraries out there, featuring more than 400,000 books. It has a reliable and easy-to-use interface, syncs with your account on other devices (like Android phones), and lets you easily navigate by author or title.
Plus, you can listen to samples before purchasing a book. Once you do buy a book on Google Play Books, it’ll sync across all your devices, making it super easy to pick up where you left off no matter what device you’re using. The only downside is that there are limited options in terms of format — all purchases must be MP3 files.
Download Google Play Books:
Android
iOS
Bookmobile Audiobook Player
If you want to try something different, take a trip on Bookmobile. This app delivers an audiobook straight to your smartphone—just like a physical bookmobile. You can also connect with other listeners and discuss what you’re reading.
The idea is still new and under-the-radar, but it has potential. You can download Bookmobile right now at no cost in the Apple App Store . It’s compatible with iPhone.
Download Bookmobile:
iOS
Kobo Books – eBooks & Audiobooks
Whether you’re into mystery, romance or a good memoir, there’s an audiobook on Kobo to fit your every mood. Their library of over one million titles is compatible with iOS and Android devices.
You can even listen to books while you shop — simply link up your smartphone to their in-store Wi-Fi network and away you go! The average listening time per book on Kobo is 16 hours — so all that’s left is finding a comfortable chair, picking out a book and getting ready to be transported.
Download Kobo:
Android
iOS
Listen Audiobook Player
If you’re looking to catch up on your reading, but don’t want to be tied down to your computer or e-reader, look no further than listen. While there are many options available on Android platforms, we like Listen because it’s a great way to listen to audiobooks, news updates and podcasts all in one place.
It also has a ton of features — bookmarking, jumping around within a book, listening in the background while doing other things — that make it easier than ever to find content you’ll love. If you prefer Kindle books over audiobooks or podcasts, though, you can purchase them through Listen at lower prices (sometimes free!) than what Amazon offers.
Android
Nook Audiobooks
You can use your Nook account to access a wide selection of audiobooks through Nook’s app. Once you’ve purchased a book and downloaded it, simply choose audiobook on an iOS or Android device to start listening.
You’ll be able to pick up where you left off by syncing your reading progress between devices. Plus, if you have multiple books in your library, you can create separate playlists based on subject matter (or mood).
This way, every time you want something new to listen to while working out or cleaning house, you’ll have it ready and waiting on hand. The only downside? For non-Nook users, there are fewer options available than with Amazon.
Download Nook Audiobooks:
Android
iOS
Voice Audiobook Player
This is my go-to audiobook app. With over 1 million titles to choose from, you’re bound to find something that appeals to you. I particularly like that it syncs up with Overdrive, a popular public library eBook service — but even if you don’t use it, that shouldn’t deter you; there are plenty of free audiobooks available on Voice.
You can also create custom playlists and select your preferred narration speed so listening time remains consistent regardless of what book you happen to be listening to. (There are a lot of people who hate speed reading.) If you want an app that just works and has a nice interface, Voice is hard to beat.
Download Voice Audiobook Player:
Android
Audiobooks Now Audio Books
Audio books are a great way to escape without doing anything. Whether you’re commuting or working out, audiobooks let you listen to your favorite novel, biography, or business how-to from start to finish without getting distracted by your smartphone.
One of our top picks is Audible, which is owned by Amazon and has thousands of book titles available on its website.
You can buy audiobooks online or use one of Audible’s free apps (like Audiobooks Now) to access over 2,000 titles via streaming on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device.
Download Audiobooks Now Audio Books:
Android
iOS
Downpour.com
If you listen to a lot of audiobooks, Downpour is a solid choice. It offers an impressive selection of about 2,000 audiobooks from publishers such as Hachette and HarperCollins.
The site also has an iOS app that lets you download books directly onto your device so you can start listening quickly. Just keep in mind that if you want to find some good deals on Kindle books, Audible might be your best bet instead since it’s owned by Amazon.
Download Downpour:
Android
iOS
Chirp Audiobooks
This is an app that works with your social networks to recommend books. If you follow a lot of book lovers on Twitter, Chirp will give you book recommendations based on what they’re reading. You can also look at lists other people have made (based on topics or genres) and read reviews from bloggers or fellow users.
It uses a bar code scanning feature to add titles to your wish list, which is handy if you’re in a bookstore or library and need to pick up something new quickly. I highly recommend it to broaden your horizons without spending money — just remember that when it comes time to buy a book, not all versions are created equal!
Download Chirp:
Android
iOS
Bound – Audiobook Player
Sign up for a free 30-day trial of Bound, which lets you download unlimited audiobooks from your favorite publishers and listen to them anytime, anywhere. You can listen through your browser on most devices or download apps to sync your books across all your mobile devices.
In addition to new releases, Bound also gives you access to bestsellers and classics like Harry Potter and Stephen King novels. If you want to keep listening after your trial period is over, it’s $15/month or $150/year (about $12/month).
Download Bound:
iOS
Scribd: Audiobooks & ebooks
If you’ve got an iPhone, you can use Scribd to download thousands of audiobooks from your library at no cost. Downloaded audiobooks are available even when you’re offline and will be automatically deleted if you stop subscribing (you can keep them if you like).
This is a great option if your library has many audiobooks that aren’t available in digital format — plus it’s great if you find a service like Audible too pricey. Audio books on Scribd cost between $0.99 and $15, but each month brings with it free listens so there are plenty of freebies to enjoy while they last.
Download Scribd:
Android
iOS
Libby, by OverDrive
If you’re looking to read a new book on your commute, Libby might be your best bet. It’s an audiobook app that syncs with your local library and has over half a million free titles available.
You can check out titles and listen to them straight away or download them so you can listen later. You can also use text-to-speech if you need a little help keeping track of everything — it reads to you as if someone is sitting next to you reading aloud (you can customize how fast or slow they read).
The audiobook app is ad-free and there are no in-app purchases available at all. Libby has one subscription plan: $4.99/month.
Download Libby:
Android
iOS
Audiobooks HQ
You can read over 200,000 free audiobooks with a monthly subscription of $14.99 (the price varies depending on your country). This is a small fee to pay for access to audiobooks from all over. Users can browse through popular books or search by genre, author, narrator, and language.
They also have full access to their digital library from any computer or device, making it incredibly easy to start listening when you’re away from home. Downloads are unlimited and there’s no limit on how many devices you can use. You can listen online or download books directly onto your mobile device, so you don’t need an internet connection to listen.
Download Audiobooks HQ:
iOS
Librivox
If you have a few minutes and want to listen to some of history’s greatest authors, Librivox has you covered. This mobile app is a library of audiobooks for any situation — whether you need to drown out your noisy office or just want something interesting to listen to on your commute.
The app offers books from all genres, and with little over 400 titles available, there’s something for everyone. You can browse by book title or category; classics like Pride and Prejudice are free while modern best-sellers like Ready Player One cost $3.99 each.
Be sure to check out Librivox if you’re looking for free and convenient audiobooks in any genre.
Download Librivox:
Android
iOS
Hoopla Digital
Want to listen to a book from your local library? Hoopla Digital (the app formerly known as Bibliocommons) lets you check out digital audiobooks and e-books from more than 14,000 libraries worldwide.
The free app is available on Android, iOS, and desktop platforms, making it easy to move seamlessly between devices. With titles ranging from recent bestsellers to classic literature, Hoopla can get you through anything from your morning commute to a long-haul flight. You can listen online or via your smartphone.
Hoopla’s easy-to-use search function helps you find exactly what you want quickly. You can then stream or download titles for offline listening. While there are several popular titles on Hoopla, you won’t always find exactly what you want, so a little extra browsing may be required. Still, if you love audiobooks and live near a library that participates in.
Download Hoopla Digital:
Android
iOS
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