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Audible – an unmatched selection
Audible is the world’s largest provider of audiobooks and other spoken-word entertainment.
With over 200,000 titles to choose from, Audible has something for everyone.
Audible’s selection is unrivaled in the audiobook services industry. They offer bestsellers, classics, new releases, and even exclusive content that you can’t find anywhere else.
Also, with their Audible Originals program, you can enjoy new and original audio shows that are only available on Audible.
How Audible works:
It is an audiobook streaming and download service that offers a wide range of audiobooks, podcasts, and other audio content. There are three plans available: Audible Plus, Audible Premium Plus, and Audible Platinum. Each plan has different features and pricing.
Get started with Audible:
Audible offers a 30-day free trial so you can try out the service before committing to a subscription.
After the trial period, you can choose from two different subscription plans.
- Audible Plus gives you access to a rotating selection of audiobooks, podcasts, and other audio content. You can stream or download this content to your devices for offline listening. This plan costs $7.95 per month.
- Audible Premium Plus gives you access to the Audible Plus library plus additional credits each month that you can use to purchase any audiobook in the Audible store. This plan costs $14.95 per month.
If you’re not sure which plan is right for you, don’t worry – you can always change your subscription at any time.
And if you cancel your subscription, you’ll still have access to all of the audiobooks that you’ve already purchased.
Audible pros:
- A free 30-day trial of Audible includes one premium title and access to Audible Plus.
- There are more than 400,000 titles in the catalog.
- Exclusives on Audible.
- Discounts and sales are available only to members.
- Returns are easy.
- Integration of Alexa and Kindle.
- Sites in other countries (e.g. Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom).
Audible cons:
- Cheaper options are available.
- Amazon ownership – for some it is not an option.
Audiobooks.com
Audiobooks.com has a wide range of booklists that have been curated by their team of experts. There is something for everyone, whether you’re looking for the latest bestsellers or classic literature.
You can browse by genre, age group, or theme, and each booklist comes with a description to help you choose the best audiobook for your needs. Audiobooks.com also offers a free 30-day trial so you can try out their service before committing to a subscription.
How Audiobooks.com works:
To get started, simply create an account and select the books you want to listen to. You can either buy them outright or rent them for a period of time. Once you’ve added them to your cart, you can check out and start listening immediately.
If you’re not sure what book you want to listen to next, Audiobooks.com has a great recommendation engine that will suggest similar titles based on your listening history. You can also browse by genre or author to find something new to try.
Get started with Audiobooks.com:
Audiobooks.com is one of the best audiobook subscription services available. With over 125,000 titles to choose from, there’s something for everyone. And, with new releases added every week, you’ll never get bored.
Getting started with Audiobooks.com is easy. Just create an account and start browsing the library. When you find a book you want to listen to, simply click “add to cart” and checkout. You can also add books to your wishlist for later.
Once you’ve checked out a book, it’s yours to keep forever. You can listen on any device, including your computer, smartphone, or tablet. And, if you ever lose your place, you can pick up right where you left off—no need to start all over again from the beginning.
Audiobooks.com pros:
- Audiobooks.com’s free 30-day trial includes 3 audiobooks (1 premium and 2 VIP).
- There are more than 300,000 titles in the catalog.
- Discounts and sales are available only to members.
- The app provides easy access to audio news, audio magazines, and sleep and meditation audio content.
- It’s easy to find a great book to listen to with curated book lists.
- Audiobook Clubs offer unlimited listening.
- Each month, members receive one VIP title.
Audiobooks.com cons:
- There may not always be anything of interest to you in VIP selection.
Audiobooks.com cost:
- Audiobooks.com cost: $14.95/month for one book.
- There is also a 30-day free trial available.
Blinkist – professional book summaries
If you’re always on the go and don’t have time to sit down and read an entire book, Blinkist is a professional book summarizing service that’s perfect for you. The best audiobook service if your goal is to get the most important information from audiobooks.
For a monthly or yearly fee, you can get access to summaries of over 2,000 best-selling nonfiction books that have been expertly condensed into 15-minute reads.
That way, you can learn the key takeaways and lessons from a book without having to commit the time to read it in its entirety.
Plus, with Blinkist’s app, you can listen to the summaries as audiobooks so you can multitask and learn while you’re on your commute or working out.
How Blinkist works:
Blinkist is an app that allows you to listen to audiobooks at 1.5x speed. This means that you can finish a book in about half the time it would normally take you. And since Blinkist has a huge library of books, there’s sure to be something for everyone.
Plus, with a monthly subscription, you’ll have access to new books as they’re added to the Blinkist library. So whether you’re looking for your next great read or just want an easy way to catch up on your reading, Blinkist is the perfect solution among all the audiobook services.
Blinkist pros:
There are many reasons to love Blinkist.
- First, it’s one of the most affordable audiobook subscription services out there. For just $14.99/month, you can get unlimited access to over 2,000 audiobooks and podcasts. That’s a great deal!
- Second, Blinkist has a great selection of audiobooks. You can find bestsellers, classics, and new releases on the platform. There’s something for everyone!
- Third, Blinkist is very user-friendly. The app is available on all major platforms (iOS, Android – Google play books, web), and it’s very easy to use. You can start listening to an audiobook within seconds!
- Fourth, Blinkist offers a great listening experience. The audio quality is excellent, and the narration is top-notch. You won’t be disappointed!
- Finally, Blinkist has an amazing team of people working behind the scenes. They’re always quick to help if you have any questions or problems. Overall, they provide an excellent service!
Blinkist cons:
- Blinkist doesn’t offer a ton of titles compared to some other best audiobook services. Additionally, some of their titles are only available in audio format and not as e-books.
- The quality of the audio recordings can be hit or miss. Sometimes the narrators have accents that are difficult to understand, or there are background noises that make it hard to hear the words clearly.
- Since Blinkist is a summary service, you don’t get the full experience of the original book. This can be both a pro and a con, depending on what you’re looking for in an audiobook service.
Blinkist cost:
If you’re looking for a low-cost option for audiobook subscriptions, Blinkist is a great choice. For just $14.99 per month, you can access an unlimited number of audiobooks and listen to them on any device.
Chirp Books – discounted audiobooks
If you’re looking for discounted audiobooks, Chirp Books is the best audiobook service for that. With over 150,000 titles to choose from, there’s sure to be something for everyone. And best of all, you can save up to 80% off the retail price.
How Chirp works:
Chirp offers two subscription tiers: a basic plan that provides access to a limited selection of audiobooks, and a premium plan that gives users access to the entire Chirp catalog.
- To get started with Chirp, simply sign up for an account and choose which plan you would like to subscribe to.
- Once you have an account, you can browse the Chirp catalog and select the audiobooks you want to listen to.
- When you’re ready to start listening, just click on the “play” button next to the book’s title.
- Chirp makes it easy to keep track of your progress in each book – there is a built-in bookmarking feature that allows you to pick up where you left off, even if you switch devices.
- And if you ever need help using the service, Chirp offers excellent customer support via email or live chat.
Chirp pros:
- Save up to 95% on audiobooks.
- You will be alerted to titles and deals you would otherwise miss.
- There are no monthly subscription fees for this audiobook service.
Chirp cons:
- There are limited pricing options – if you want a specific title that isn’t on sale, another service may be cheaper.
- Only available in the United States and Canada at this time.
Downpour – DRM-free audiobooks
If you’re looking for a great audiobook experience that doesn’t require any DRM (Digital Rights Management), then Downpour is the best audiobook service for that. With over 80,000 titles to choose from, there’s something for everyone. And since there’s no DRM, you can listen on any device you want.
How Downpour works:
Once you create an account, you can browse the Downpour catalog and choose the audiobooks you want to listen to. You can buy audiobooks individually or sign up for a monthly subscription plan. With the subscription plan, you get unlimited listening to all the Downpour books in the catalog.
The audio files are downloaded directly to your device, so you can listen even if you’re not connected to the internet. And if you ever need to stop listening for a while, your place will be saved automatically.
Downpour pros:
- One free credit (one free audiobook) is included in the 30-day free trial.
- The monthly subscription price is lower than most competitors.
- Sales and deals regularly.
- Audiobooks without DRM.
- Audiobooks can be rented at a reduced rate.
Downpour cons:
- Some titles cost two credits.
- Some titles do not offer a rental option.
- Kobo is a cheaper alternative for a monthly subscription.
Downpour cost:
The average price for an audiobook on Downpour is $12.99. However, prices can range from $4.99 to $19.99. There are also some free audiobooks available on the site so we can call that Downpour is also a free audiobook service.
Graphic Audio – full cast dramatized audiobooks
If you’re looking for a truly immersive audiobook experience, Graphic Audio is the way to go. With their full cast of dramatized audiobooks, you’ll feel like you’re right in the middle of the action.
From classics like The Call of the Wild to modern hits like Ready Player One, they have something for everyone. And with new releases coming out every week, you’ll never run out of something new to listen to.
How Graphic Audio works:
Graphic Audio is an audiobook subscription service that offers users unlimited listening to an extensive library of audiobooks for a monthly fee. The service works by allowing users to download and listen to audiobooks on their computer or mobile device.
Graphic Audio offers a variety of features that make it a great choice for audiobook lovers.
- First, the service offers unlimited listening to a large audiobook library. This means that you can always find something new to listen to, whether you’re in the mood for a classic novel or a contemporary bestseller.
- Second, Graphic Audio makes it easy to keep track of your progress in each book. The app automatically keeps track of your place, so you never have to worry about losing your place or forgetting where you left off.
- Finally, Graphic Audio’s monthly fee is very reasonable, especially considering the amount of content you get access to. Overall, Graphic Audio is an excellent choice for anyone who loves audiobooks and wants an affordable way to enjoy them.
Graphic Audio pros:
- There are over 1,600 titles and 180 different series in the catalog.
- Dramatizations with cinematic music and immersive sound effects starring a full cast.
- It is possible to purchase audiobooks that are DRM-free if you are willing to pay a few extra dollars per title.
- Deals and sales on a regular basis.
- Use your Loyalty Reward Points toward Graphic Audio titles or redeem them for future purchases.
Graphic Audio cons:
- There is a hit-and-miss quality (read the reviews first!).
Graphic Audio cost:
GraphicAudio offers a monthly subscription service that allows users to download and listen to audiobooks for a set price. There is no limit on the number of books that can be downloaded, and the service includes a wide selection of titles. The cost of the GraphicAudio subscription is $14.99 per month.
Kobo – a cheap monthly subscription
Kobo is a Canadian company that offers a cheap monthly audiobook subscription service. For $9.99 per month, you get access to over 1 million audiobooks, including bestsellers and new releases. You can also buy audiobooks individually if you prefer.
How Kobo works:
Kobo is a Canadian company that offers e-books, audiobooks, and other digital content. The company has a wide selection of titles and offers a variety of features to its users.
The Kobo app allows users to access their accounts on various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers. Users can also read or listen to their books offline.
Kobo also offers a feature called “Kobo Plus,” which gives unlimited access to certain titles for a monthly fee. This feature is currently only available in the Netherlands.
Kobo pros:
- One audiobook is included in the 30-day free trial.
- Among the major best audiobook services, this is the cheapest subscription price.
- Audiobook integration with Kobo Readers (see devices that support audiobooks).
- Kobo Super Points are earned by members.
Kobo cons:
- There are other services with a larger catalog.
- There are only audiobooks available to customers in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand.
Kobo cost:
If you’re looking for a low-cost option for audiobooks, Kobo is a great choice. With plans starting at just $9.99 per month, you can get access to thousands of titles. Plus, if you sign up for a longer plan, you’ll get a discount on the monthly price. And if you’re not satisfied with your first month, you can cancel anytime and get a full refund.
Libby – free audiobooks from the library
With Libby, you can connect to your local library’s OverDrive collection and borrow audiobooks (as well as ebooks and magazines) for free. You can also put holds on titles that are currently checked out by other patrons.
Libby is available for iOS, Android, and Windows devices, and you can sign in with your library card number and PIN. Once you’ve borrowed a title, it will appear in your Libby bookshelf until it’s due back (you can also return titles early if you finish them before the due date). When it’s time to return a book, simply remove it from your device and it will be automatically returned to the library.
Libby pros:
- Free audiobook service with plenty of books.
Libby cons:
- There may be a waiting period for audiobook titles (especially if the title is a new release or a recent bestseller).
