Are you a fan of audiobooks but on a tight budget? Look no further! This article will discuss the best free audible book apps that offer a wide range of options for listeners without breaking the bank.
From classic literature to the latest best-sellers, these apps have it all. So, let's dive in and explore the world of free audiobooks.
Discover the World of Free Audiobooks: The Best Free Audible Book Apps
Audible book apps are software that allows you to listen to audiobooks on your mobile device. These apps offer an easy and convenient way to enjoy your favorite books on the go during your commute, workout, or simply when you want to relax at home.
Some apps may require a subscription or purchase to access their content, but free audible book apps are also available.
We will explore the best free audible book apps that will give listeners a wide range of options without costing them a dime. We will look at the best free audible book apps, like Audible. Keep reading to discover the world of free audiobooks.
The 8 Hottest Free Audiobook Apps Everyone Should Try
Loyal Books
Free audiobooks, such as those offered by Loyal Books, are a convenient and accessible way to listen to classic literature. In addition, the platform boasts extensive public domain titles, including well-known works such as The Origin of Species, Dracula, and Frankenstein.
Users can access the audiobooks through the website or mobile apps (Android and iOS) and play them on their preferred audiobook player. In addition, the service supports multiple formats, including integrating the Apple podcast app, traditional MP3 files, and streaming through dedicated RSS feeds.
Loyal Books also supports up to 28 international languages, making it a versatile platform for listeners worldwide. Additionally, the audiobooks are of outstanding quality, having been digitized by either Gutenberg.org or LibriVox and featuring professional narration.
However, Loyal Books has its drawbacks as well. The catalog is more modest than rivals, the user interface includes ads, and the title and genre diversity is limited. Also, the e-reading experience is less interactive and does not provide a lot of engagement.
- Pros:
- Variety of download or streaming options;
- Audiobooks are available in multiple formats;
- No DRM requirement for audiobook downloads.
- Cons:
- Limited catalog of titles compared to rivals;
- Ad-filled user interface;
- Poor title and genre diversity;
- Lack of interaction during the e-reading experience.
Hoopla
Hoopla Audiobooks is a revolutionary service allowing users to freely access many digital media offerings. By connecting with local public libraries through members' cards, Hoopla enables effortless borrowing of movies, music, audiobooks, ebooks, comics, and TV shows, among other forms of media.
The major drawback of Hoopla is its dependence on public library catalogs. While the app is free, users still need a valid public library subscription to access the audiobooks.
Furthermore, specific public libraries may impose restrictions on the number of books that can be borrowed per month, limiting the number of audiobooks that can be listened to. The app is available for download on both Android and iOS devices.
- Pros:
- Multi-metric tracking;
- Borrow audiobooks easily;
- Mobile and web are compatible.
- Cons:
- Customization is limited;
- There is no multilingual support.
LibriVox
LibriVox is a volunteer-run website that offers a collection of free audiobooks that volunteers have recorded. These audiobooks are in the public domain, meaning they are no longer under copyright and can be freely distributed.
The website offers a wide variety of books, including classic literature, children's books, and non-fiction. Audiobooks can be downloaded in MP3 format and played on a computer or mobile device. The website also has a user-friendly interface, which allows users to easily search for and download the audiobooks they want to listen to.
These audiobooks are then available to the public for free via the LibriVox website and mobile apps (Android and iOS).
- Pros:
- Free to use
- Multi-format audiobooks
- Easily access classics
- Cons:
- Titles are limited
- Audiobooks with expired copyrights
Audible
Audible may not be a free audiobook service, but its try-before-you-buy model comes with a standard 30-day free trial that packs as many perks as a free app.
Users can access Audible's massive library of audiobook titles during the free trial, but with a catch. The standard plan includes a cap on how many audiobooks users can listen to per month. However, the free trial on Audible is still quite generous, especially for those trying out audiobooks for the first time or those who are light listeners.
Users can also download one free audiobook title and two Audible Originals at no cost. And the best part is that even if you decide not to buy a paid plan, you get to keep all the titles you have downloaded. Available from both Android and iOS.
- Pros:
- Get full access to the library for free;
- Multi-device friendly;
- Titles from all genres;
- Bookmarks made easy.
- Cons:
- Three titles only;
- Membership credits expire;
- Audiobooks take up a lot of space.
Spotify
Spotify Audiobooks is a new feature that is free for all users of other Spotify products, regardless of whether they are paying or non-paying subscribers. However, unlike other Spotify products, users can enjoy a premium experience for free with the audiobook hosting feature.
In addition to the free audiobooks, users have direct access to the rest of Spotify's offerings, such as music streaming and an extensive podcast universe. However, users must be registered Spotify customers to access the audiobooks feature. But, non-Spotify users can quickly sign up for a free account to gain instant access to an extensive library of audiobook titles. Both on Android and iOS, ready to download.
- Pros:
- Audiobooks galore;
- Multi-language support;
- You can download audiobooks to listen offline;
- Customizable app interface.
- Cons:
- Free audiobooks aren't great;
- There's no way to play audiobooks on other apps with DRM;
- No narration guides for the user app
- No free audiobooks to download;
- It's hard to use the search feature.
Overdrive
With Overdrive, users can access free audiobook offers from their local public library. The offers are shared through the official app, but users must sign up through their local library to access the audiobook titles available.
It's worth noting that while audiobooks are available to the public for free, they are not copyright-free. As a result, users borrow and return audiobooks rather than purchase them. Users can also use the Overdrive app to request their library to order any specific audiobook.
Due to the non-public domain nature of the audiobooks, the supply is limited, and the titles must be returned once you are done listening to them. Also, all Overdrive audiobooks are protected by DRM, which prevents the reproduction of the audiobooks. Users can only listen to their audiobooks using the official Overdrive app. Easy to download on iOS.
- Pros:
- Subscriptions are free;
- A wide selection of audiobooks;
- Multi-library access;
- Supports iOS, Android, and Windows;
- Try an audiobook for free.
- Cons:
- Audiobooks in a hurry;
- Before downloading, you have to convert the file;
- Works with some major platforms but not all.
Libby
The Libby audiobook app for mobile is unique compared to the usual industry leaders. The app is free to use, with no premium plans included. It is compatible with various mobile devices (Android and iOS) and operating systems, making it accessible to more users.
While entirely free, some users may find Libby's library of titles limited. As a result, users may experience frustration when their favorite audiobook is unavailable from their local library. Additionally, the app requires users to be members of their local libraries first, as the app connects to users' library cards to enable access to audiobooks.
- Pros:
- User-friendly;
- Multi-platform compatible;
- You can use it for free.
- Cons:
- Libby desktop client isn't available;
- Titles from local libraries only.
Storynory
Storynory is a fantastic free audiobook app for children's stories. The platform is mainly stocked with long-form children's stories. However, it is known for its collection of popular and classic children's audiobooks, with fairy tales particularly successful on the platform.
Storynory boasts the next world's entire collection of children's audiobooks, with over 10,000 unique titles. In addition, the mobile app integrates seamlessly with popular car stereo systems, and your downloads can be played on any significant audiobook reader.
While Storynory generates revenue through advertising, the platform does not place ads within its book narrations. Instead, it relies mainly on Google Adsense as its advertising network, which sets it apart from most free audiobook platforms. Compatible download on both Android and iOS.
- Pros
- You don't need a subscription to listen to audiobooks;
- It's easy to use;
- The best free app for audiobooks.
- Cons
- The library is smaller than its peers;
- More children's stories.
What's the Best Way to Choose Your Free Audiobook?
Choosing the right free audiobook for you can be a daunting task, but there are a few things to consider that can help you narrow down your options.
- Audience: Consider who the audiobook is intended for. Is it for children, adults, or a specific age group? Are you looking for fiction or non-fiction? Knowing your audience can help you find the right audiobook that suits your preferences.
- Genre: Consider the genre of the audiobook. Are you in the mood for a mystery, romance, or adventure? Knowing your genre can help you find the right audiobook that matches your interests.
- Length: Some audiobooks are longer than others. Are you looking for a short listen or something that will keep you occupied for hours? Knowing the audiobook size can help you find the right audiobook that suits your listening schedule.
- Quality: Some platforms or apps may have a better quality of narration or sound, and some may have a more extensive collection of audiobooks than others. Knowing the quality of the audiobook, the platform, or the app can help you to choose the right audiobook that suits your needs.
- Features: Some platforms or apps may have additional features such as speed control, easy navigation, and offline listening. Knowing the platform's features or the app can help you find the audiobook that suits your needs.
Considering these factors, you can narrow your options and find the right free audiobook.
Wrapping Up the Best Free Audible Book Apps
In conclusion, when looking for free audible book apps, it's essential to consider factors such as audience, genre, length, quality, and features. This will help you narrow your options and find the perfect app for your listening needs.
Whether you're using an Android or iPhone, many options are available, and it's essential to research and read reviews before committing to a particular app. With the proper research, you can find reliable and budget-friendly apps that suit your needs, whether you're looking for the best app to listen to audiobooks or the best audiobook reading app.
It's worth noting that the selection of audiobooks may be limited to free apps, so it may be worth exploring a few options before settling on one that fits your needs and preferences.
