If you’re an avid reader or writer, chances are you’re looking for the best audiobook apps you can find. After all, just because you’re on a roadtrip doesn’t mean you have to leave yourself on a cliffhanger in your favorite book!
Audiobooks are a great way to continue devouring your favorite books, whether fiction or nonfiction, and some of the best audiobook apps act as mentors for writers.
Whether you’re looking for the best horror audiobooks for your next read, or want to learn from writers you love, this article is for you. I cover the five best audiobook apps so you can get right into listening. Let’s dive in!
Best audiobook apps: What’s covered
Which app is the best for audiobooks?
There are many great apps that allow you to listen to your favorite books, but the best one depends on your specific needs. To help you quickly make the best choice, below is an overview of the top best audiobook apps.
1. Libby
First up on our list of best audiobook apps is Libby.
Why it’s great:
Libby is a fantastic option for readers and writers who have a library card and don’t mind treating the app like an actual library.
Best features for listeners:
Just like a library, Libby lets listeners check out books. This means you may need to wait to listen to a book. However, one of Libby’s great features is that you can see your place in line. Additionally, Libby provides handpicked titles just for you.
Best features for authors:
Whether you have a library card or need to get one, Libby allows you to sample as much as 10% of a book. This is a great feature for authors who want to get the feel for various authors’ tones, openers, and characters.
Best books:
Some of the most borrowed books on Libby include:
- Fourth Wing, Rebecca Yarros
- Atomic Habits, James Clear
- The Guest List, Lucy Foley
- The Four Winds, Kristin Hannah
Download link:
Cost:
Just like a library, Libby is free to use. All you need is a library card.
Who it’s for:
Anyone with a library card!
2. Chirp
Next is Chirp.
Why it’s great:
Chirp is one of the best audiobook apps because it allows you to keep every book you purchase! For more information, read our Chirp audiobooks review.
Best features for listeners:
One of the best features for listeners is the emails curated specifically for your tastes. These emails keep you up to date on what books have great deals.
Best features for authors:
Putting your book on Chirp is a low risk way to get more readers listening to your work, and therefore, build your platform.
Best books:
Some of the most popular books include:
- The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires, Grady Hendrix
- Elemental Thief, Rachel Morgan
- The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America’s Shining Women, Kate Moore
Download link:
Sign up for Chirp here!
Cost:
No monthly subscription fees. You simply purchase discounted books you want to read.
Who it’s for:
Great for readers, publishers, and authors.
3. Audiobooks
Not to be mistaken with Audible, Audiobooks is third on our list.
Why it’s great:
Audiobooks was created for both iOS and Android. Plus, you can get a free, 30-day trial. Because of this, Audiobooks may be one of the best audiobook apps for iPhone.
Best features for listeners:
Audioboks has over 450,000 premium audiobooks as well as curated booklists.
Best features for authors:
Their constantly updated booklists, “Cover buzz-worthy books, topical listens, niche topics, and everything in between”
Best books:
Some of the most popular books include:
- Fourth Wing, Rebecca Yarros
- I’m Glad My Mom Died, Jennette Mccurdy
- The Spanish edition of Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
Download link:
Sign up or login for this best audiobook app here.
Cost:
One audiobook and one additional bonus VIP book for $14.95, monthly.
Who it’s for:
Audiobooks are for Android and iOS users, writers, and readers.
4. Everand
Coming in at number four…Everand!
Why it’s great:
Everand is one of the best audiobook apps because it allows readers and writers to listen to a plethora of written material every month.
Best features for listeners:
Everand allows users access to audiobooks and also eBooks and magazines.
Best features for authors:
Whether you write books, eBooks, or hope to start a magazine, learn from other authors who have gone before you.
Best books:
Some of the current most popular books on Everand include:
- Iron Flame, Rebecca Yarros
- A Court of Thorns and Roses, Sarah J. Maas
- The Woman in Me, Britney Spears
Download link:
Start using Everand for free (for 30 days!) at this link.
Cost:
Just $11.99 per month, after you get your first 30 days free.
Who it’s for:
Avid readers of multiple forms of content.
5. Libro.fm
Libro.fm brings our list to a solid completion.
Why it’s great:
Libro.fm partners with over 2,500 bookstores, and every time a user chooses an audiobook, Libro shares the profits with a bookstore of your choice.
Best features for listeners:
If you buy an audiobook through Libro.fm, you don’t need to use the Libro app to listen to it. If you want, simply download the MP3 to your device. Bonus: you get to keep the book forever.
Best features for authors:
Libro’s bestselling audiobooks are updated hourly. This means authors can see, in real time, what types of books readers most gravitate to.
Best books:
Some of the most popular books include:
- The Woman, Kristin Hannah
- Tom Lake, Ann Patchett (performed by Meryl Streep!)
- Fourth Wing, Rebecca Yarros
Download link:
Create your account and start your membership here.
Cost:
At $14.99 per month, you have one credit, but can purchase additional books as well.
Who it’s for:
Readers and writers who want to support bookstores while enjoying trending books.
Related:
Best audiobook apps: FAQs
Before wrapping up, here are a few frequently asked questions.
Which audiobook app is the best?
This entirely depends on your needs and wants, but if you have a library card, you may want to start a free account with Libby.
What is the most popular audiobook site?
Audible still stands as the most popular audiobook site. However, these five best audiobook apps are fantastic options as well.
Is there an alternative to Audible?
As you can see, there are at least five of the best audiobook apps, all alternatives to Audible, in this post alone. Many authors use dictation software to create their book for an audiobook platform. If you’re an author, you may want to consider putting your book on these platforms.
(If you are considering creating an audiobook, read our Speechify review and Findaway Voices review for guidance.)
Now that you have an overview of the five best audiobook apps, it’s time to get back to your own author journey. Choose which audio book app is best for you, then take the 2 minute quiz below to help increase your book sales!
