One of the best things about audiobooks is that you can take them with you wherever you go. At your desk, in the kitchen, on the road, on a run, there's nowhere you can't listen to a work of fiction.
However, the places you listen to the most (and the devices you use to listen to audiobooks) can change which audiobook apps you should be using on a daily basis.
We've found six of the best audiobook apps available right now, all of which offer something different. Your job is to figure out which audiobook app is right for you.
Audible is the biggest player in the audiobook game, with the app giving you access to over 150,000 books. The service has almost all the audiobooks available, and the pricing system is very reasonable. $15 per month for a free audiobook and a discount on additional books purchased isn't bad at all, and the company's secret plan is perfect for less compulsive audiobook fans.
The app itself has some great features, too. There are the features you'd expect from a top-tier audition app, like variable playback speed, bookmarks, and offline listening. But it also syncs with your Kindle so you can keep listening to Kindle books. Read or listen:Amazon integrates Audible into Kindle Reader apps. Reading or Listening:Amazon Integrates Audible into Kindle Reader Apps Amazon has cleverly brought reading and listening together in the new Update to the Kindle app. With one touch, you can now go from reading to listening without losing your place in the book. Read More
Like the Kindle, you can also sync your notes and bookmarks between devices.
If you listen to audiobooks constantly, there is no better app than audible. The massive store, Amazon and Kindle integration, and easy-to-use interface are hard to beat.
Download Audible for iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Kindle, Alexa and more
Digital Rights Management (DRM) What is DRM and why does it exist if it is so bad? [MakeUseOf Explains] What is DRM and why does it exist if it's so bad? [MakeUseOf Explains] Digital Rights Management is the latest evolution of copy protection. It's the number one cause of user frustration today, but is it justified? Is DRM a necessary evil in this digital age, or is it the model? ... Read More Instead, you lease it indefinitely. And that comes with a few caveats, like only being able to listen on certain apps and the possibility that your lease could be revoked at any time.
Downpour is an audiobook app that allows you to download DRM-free audiobooks from the company's store. There they are some books with DRM, but if you're looking to own your books, Downpour is a great option.
You can also rent audiobooks, which could save you some money:
Downpour doesn't include as many features as Audible, but it does include the most important ones like bookmarks and variable playback speed. The fact that you can try the app in a free book (The Adventures of Tom Sawyer ) and without registering is a great advantage too!
Download Downpour for iOS
Download Downpour for Android
Librivox has over 24,000 free audiobooks. 18 of the best free audiobooks you need to listen to. 18 of the best free audiobooks you need to listen to. Even if you don't have time to sit down and read a book, audiobooks can help you experience some. The greatest literature in human history. And these are all free too! Read More There are some compromises you'll have to make, like having most of these books narrated by volunteers so you never know how good the narration will be.
All books are in the public domain, so you won't get the latest bestsellers. If you can deal with both of those things, Librivox is a great way to do it. There are tons of great public domain books available, especially if you like the classics, and some of the narration is pretty good.
The listening interface is not the best, as it lacks some of the best options present in other applications. But since the books are DRM-free, you can upload them to another app if you want. No matter what app you use, the fact that you can download thousands of free books is a huge plus.
Download Librivox for iOS Download Librivox for Android
Most audiobook apps aren't that exciting to look at. They allow you to browse the books, play them and modify the playback settings. The creators of Audiobooked wanted to create an app that not only works well, but also offers you a great interface. And they have been successful..
Unfortunately, Audiobooked is currently only available for Windows 10 Mobile. Why you should upgrade to Windows 10 Mobile and How to do it. Why you should upgrade to Windows 10 Mobile and How to do it. Windows 10 Mobile has finally been released to the public. As long as your phone is compatible, you should update. Here's everything you need to know about upgrading from Windows Phone 8.1 to Windows 10 Mobile. Read more . But if you're using this operating system, you have access to one of the best audiobook apps available.
With the ability to handle tons of bookmarks, adjust playback speed from 0.5x to 3.0x, plenty of import options, and a customizable library, Audiobooked was clearly designed for fans of audiobooks who are also fans of great design. /P>
We hope it will be available on other platforms in the future. Especially since Microsoft has abandoned Windows 10 Mobile Microsoft admits that Windows 10 Mobile is dead Microsoft admits that Windows 10 Mobile is dead Microsoft has put Windows 10 Mobile on life support, managing the bare minimum to keep it alive. But in reality, Microsoft's dream of making an impact in the mobile market is over. Read more.
Download Audiobooked for Windows 10 Mobile
Amazon may have all the books, but local, independent bookstores are still a joy to visit. With Libro.fm, you don't have to buy audiobooks on CD to support your local bookstore. Open an account, select your local bookstore and buy the audiobooks they have made available to their users.
Every book you buy is DRM-free, so you own it. Listen to the Libro.fm app on your phone, on your computer, or import the file into your favorite listening app. No matter what you do, you'll be supporting your favorite local bookstore!
You get bookmarks, variable playback speed, and a variety of methods for sorting your library. Which is great. But the main plus point with this app is that you will be supporting local bookstores by buying audiobooks .
Download Book.fm on iOS
Download Book.fm on Android
Did you know you can check out audiobooks from your local library? (This is my favorite way to get through a long road trip.) The OverDrive app is very common for libraries and connects to your library's website to give you instant access to your audiobook.
You can access your library and browse audiobooks from within the app, download them instantly, and play them wherever you are. You can also use the OverDrive app for eBooks as well.
Like most other listening apps, you can add bookmarks, adjust playback speed, pick up where you left off, and make notes and highlights. OverDrive saves your bookmarks, notes, and highlights so they'll show up if you check the book again, which is great if you can't finish a book before you return it.
Download OverDrive for iOS
Download Over Drive for Android
Download OverDrive for Windows Mobile
Download OverDrive for Windows
These six audiobook apps are sure to appeal to all kinds of audiobook listeners. But there is much more out there, and everyone has their own preferences. Perhaps you prefer a wider range of playback speeds. Or a more intuitive interface. Maybe you don't mind having access to a store all the time.
No matter your preferences, we want to hear about your favorite audiobook apps. What audiobook apps do you use? Why do you like them? Which is the best on our list? Please let us know in the comments below!
