12 Best Audiobook Apps

Best Audiobook Apps: 12 Must-Try Platforms for Every Listener (Detailed Guide)

Introduction: Why Audiobooks Are Booming Right Now

Audiobooks are now one of the most popular ways people learn, relax, and consume content—especially for busy people who want to learn on the go. Whether you want self-help, business books, novels, or podcasts, audiobook apps offer offline listening, bookmarks, speed control, and huge libraries.

But with so many apps available, which ones are actually worth your time?

Below is the full expanded guide to the current best audiobook apps you can use today.

1. Audible – Best Overall Audiobook App

Audible is widely considered the gold standard of audiobook apps because it delivers everything in one place: a massive library, world-class narration, daily deals, offline downloads, and exclusive Audible Originals you simply can’t get anywhere else. Whether you’re a casual listener exploring fiction or a lifelong learner diving into business, psychology, or self-help, Audible tailors recommendations based on your tastes and habits. Its library includes big-name authors, celebrity narrators, and publisher exclusives, making it the best platform for anyone who wants an all-in-one premium audiobook service.

• 200,000+ audiobooks

• Offline listening

• Credits to buy any book

• Audible Originals

• Sleep timer + speed control

2. Scribd – Best Unlimited Audiobook & Ebook Platform

Scribd is the best choice for people who want unlimited access to audiobooks, ebooks, magazines, documents, podcasts, and more—all for a single affordable monthly subscription. It’s built for heavy readers who hate paying for individual titles and prefer endless streaming instead. The platform feels like Netflix for books: open the app, pick anything, and start listening instantly. Scribd’s library includes bestsellers, indie books, educational documents, and niche publications, making it perfect for students, researchers, and knowledge lovers.

• Unlimited audiobooks

• Magazines + ebooks + PDFs

• Affordable monthly plan

• Clean, elegant interface

3. Spotify Audiobooks – Best for Music + Podcasts + Books in One App

Spotify has evolved from a music-streaming platform into a complete audio hub that now includes audiobooks alongside music and podcasts. This makes Spotify perfect for listeners who want everything in one familiar app. You don’t need to switch between platforms—your playlists, podcasts, and audiobooks live together. For Premium users, Spotify offers hours of free audiobook listening every month, plus high-quality narration for popular titles and bestsellers.

• Music + podcasts + audiobooks in one place

• High-quality narration

• Offline mode

4. Libby – Best Free Audiobook App (Library Card Required)

Libby is the best audiobook app for listeners who want a completely free and legal way to enjoy thousands of audiobooks. Powered by local libraries, Libby lets you borrow audiobooks the same way you would borrow physical books—but without the late fees. The app’s design is beautiful, clean, and easy to navigate, even for beginners. All you need is a library card from a participating library, and you instantly unlock access to thousands of audiobooks at zero cost.

• 100% free

• Offline listening

• Optional reading mode

• No subscription fees

5. Google Play Books – Best for Pay-As-You-Go Audiobook Buyers

Google Play Books is perfect for listeners who don’t want to commit to monthly subscriptions and prefer paying only for the audiobooks they need. Its marketplace-style system works well for occasional listeners who may only finish one or two books per month. Every purchase syncs across Android, iOS, and desktop, making it extremely convenient. The interface is simple, distraction-free, and designed for quick browsing and easy purchasing.

• No subscription

• One-time audiobook purchases

• Offline listening

6. Apple Books – Best for iPhone Users

Apple Books delivers one of the cleanest and most polished audiobook experiences for iOS users. If you’re deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem, Apple Books gives you premium narration, high-quality audio, and seamless syncing between iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch. You buy only what you want, so there’s no subscription pressure. The app also highlights curated lists and trending books, making discovery effortless.

• High-quality audiobooks

• Apple ecosystem sync

• Beautiful UI

7. Storytel – Best for International and Regional Audiobooks

Storytel is a global audiobook app designed for listeners who want to explore books in multiple languages and cultures. Its library includes thousands of regional titles from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East—making it ideal for multilingual audiences. With a simple interface and unlimited listening plan, Storytel gives you complete access to a wide range of fiction, non-fiction, self-help, and regional literature.

• Huge multi-language catalog

• Unlimited listening

• Works globally

8. Kobo Books – Best Budget Audiobook Subscription

Kobo is an excellent alternative to Audible with a cheaper monthly subscription and a flexible credit system. The platform is known for its simple interface, affordable pricing, and compatibility with Kobo eReaders. Kobo’s audiobook library is smaller compared to Audible, but still includes thousands of bestselling and trending titles.

• Monthly credits

• Budget-friendly

• Clean interface

9. Audiobooks.com – Best for Smart Recommendations

Audiobooks.com combines a massive audiobook library with one of the smartest recommendation engines. It analyzes your listening history and preferences, then suggests new titles that match your interests—making it easier to discover hidden gems. You get cloud syncing, offline listening, curated book lists, and themed audiobook channels.

• 350,000+ titles

• Personalized suggestions

• Offline listening

10. Downpour – Best DRM-Free Audiobook Store

Downpour is the best audiobook app for listeners who want full control over their audiobooks. Unlike most apps that restrict downloads with DRM (Digital Rights Management), Downpour allows you to buy and download DRM-free audiobooks that you can keep forever and play on any device. It’s especially popular among collectors and listeners who love archiving their content.

• DRM-free downloads

• Audiobook rentals

• Affordable pricing

11. Chirp – Best for Discount Audiobook Deals

Chirp is a dream platform for bargain hunters. Instead of subscriptions, Chirp offers daily and weekly deals on popular audiobooks with massive discounts—sometimes up to 80% off. You purchase titles at a sale price and keep them forever. It’s perfect for listeners who love bestsellers but don’t want expensive monthly plans.

• Huge discounts

• No subscription

• Permanent access

12. YouTube Audiobooks – Best Free and Ad-Supported Option

YouTube is a surprisingly strong choice for audiobook listeners because publishers and creators upload thousands of full-length audiobooks for free. You can listen to classics, educational content, self-help books, and even dramatized audiobooks. While it’s ad-supported, YouTube Premium removes ads and allows background playback—turning it into a basic audiobook platform.

• Free to listen

• Huge variety

• Background play with Premium

Hardeep Singh

Hardeep Singh is a tech and money-blogging enthusiast, sharing guides on earning apps, affiliate programs, online business tips, AI tools, SEO, and blogging tutorials on About Author.