Top 12 Best Audible Alternative 2024

Comparing the decline of reading ebooks and printed books, listening to audiobooks has become the new trend for passing time. According to surveys, an increasing number of people prefer listening to audiobooks for pleasure rather than reading eBooks. Audible.com, as one of the largest audiobook producers and retailers, is loved by most audiobook listeners.

However, just because Audible is the most popular dedicated audiobook provider doesn't mean it's the only option. While it's hard to argue with their overall set of features and the convenience of the Audible listening ecosystem, there are excellent Audible alternatives for listening to audiobooks. You can alway  find audiobooks at a cheaper price or with better service elsewhere.

Here, I have selected the top 10 Audible alternatives for your consideration.

Audible Audiobooks

Do you really want to give up Audible? I have to say, Audible is truly the best. Let me show you its basic features first.

Title: Audible offers an extensive collection of over 200,000 audiobooks, including many classics and bestsellers.

Subscription Plans:

Audible Plus (Price $7.95 a month)--includes unlimited listening from the Audible Plus Catalog of select audiobooks and podcasts. There are about 11,000 audio files in the Plus catalog.

Audible Premium Plus (Price $14.95 a month)-- includes unlimited listening from the Audible Plus Catalog + premium selection credits.

Available on: Windows|Mac|iOS|Android

Part 1 Free Alternatives to Audible

You can find free Audible books on Audible.com. Are there any ways to access free audiobooks from other websites? If you're seeking alternatives to listen to audiobooks for free, allow me to introduce two fre  alternatives to Audible where you can enjoy audiobooks without spending a penny.

1. OverDrive/Libby

OverDrive/Libby allows you to borrow thousands of ebooks and audiobooks from your local library and listen for free on any device. With support from over 30,000 libraries, all you need is your library card and a community library that supports this service. OverDrive/Libby provides two different apps for downloading and listening to audiobooks: OverDrive and Libby. Libby, with its modern design, is aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly. If you want to listen to audiobooks from OverDrive, I recommend using Libby. Libby automatically downloads your rented audiobooks, remembers where you left off, retains your bookmarks, and even allows you to sync between different devices. While OverDrive libraries offer an extensive collection of over 2 million ebooks, audiobooks, and videos, you can only view and borrow audiobooks that are available in your local library. They both are best audible free alternatives.

Available on: iOS|Android|Windows 10(Libby)

Pros:
1. All audiobooks can be rented for free;
2. The Libby app is flexible and user-friendly;
3. Easy to access the latest release or even best sellers.

Cons:
Limited to the library that you own the library card.

If you are looking for ways to borrow free audiobooks from OverDrive, you can read the complete guide on How to Borrow and Listen to OverDrive Audiobooks.

2. Librivox

Librivox provides free public domain audiobooks to listeners worldwide. You can either be a listener, enjoying free audiobooks on the website, or a volunteer, contributing by recording public domain books. While Librivox boasts a large collection of free audiobooks in various languages, the quality may vary as they are recorded by volunteers globally. Nevertheless, all audiobooks on Librivox are completely free. If you're in search of free audiobooks, Librivox is an excellent free alternative to Audible.

Pros:
1. All books are totally free;
2. Be able to access the classic works;
3. Easy to find audiobooks in different languages.

Cons:
1. Audiobooks are very old;
2. The quality of the audiobooks are not as good as Audible.com.

Available on: No apps, listen and download audiobooks from website directly

Part 2 Cheaper Alternative to Audible

Beyond the free audiobook service, there are some Audiobook services that are with very low subscription fee. That is Audiobooksnow.com.

3. audiobooksnow

audiobooksnow can be considered the most affordable Audible alternative. The Club Pricing Plan offers the best deal on digital audiobooks available. In contrast to Audible's subscription fee of $14.99 per month, the Club Pricing Plan is priced at $4.99. Additionally, the Club Pricing Plan provides a 50% discount on your first audiobook each month and 35-40% off on all other purchases. With a library featuring over 80,000 titles, including classics and bestsellers, AudiobooksNow caters to a diverse audience. The app is compatible with both iOS and Android devices, allowing you to download audiobooks for offline listening. Moreover, you can also stream your purchases to your computer through your web browser without the need for any additional apps. If you are looking for  a cheaper alternative to audible, tryAudiobooksnow.

Pros:
1. The subscription plan is much cheaper than Audible's;
2. Some audiobooks are not protected by DRM.

Cons:
Some DRM-protected audiobooks are not downloadable.

Available on: iOS|Android|web browser

Part 3 DRM-free Audible Alternative

It is universal known that all Audible books are protected with DRM and only can be played at Audible compatible devices and apps. Another Audible competitor -- Downpour, which offers the DRM-free audiobooks.

4. Downpour

The standout feature of Downpour is its commitment to offering DRM-free audiobooks. Downpour believes that listeners should have the freedom to enjoy audiobooks whenever, wherever, and on any device. With no DRM protection, you can seamlessly listen to your audiobooks on any software or device. The monthly fee is $12.99, making it a more budget-friendly option compared to Audible Premium Plus. On this platform, you have the flexibility to rent or purchase audiobooks according to your preferences. As a direct competitor to Audible, Downpour boasts a library of around 70,000 titles available for download. It's worth noting that while you can purchase extra credits for exchanging audiobooks, some titles may cost two credits, which is higher than Audible's pricing.

Pros:
1. Subscription fee is cheaper than Audible's;
2. Audiobooks are available for renting;
3. Audiobooks are DRM-free.

Cons:
The Downpour app is very simple and can not let you browse for new titles.

Available on: iOS|Android|web browser

Part 4 Audible Alternative with Unlimited listening

Different from other Audible alternatives, some websites similar to Audible but offers the unlimited listening service, like Scrid-Everand.

5. Scribd/Everand

Scribd/Everand's unlimited service was launched on February 6, 2018, with a primary focus on ebooks rather than audiobooks. I attempted to ascertain the number of audiobook titles it contains, but precise data is not available. However, Scribd mentions in its FAQ that it offers hundreds of thousands of ebooks, audiobooks, and News & Magazines from over hundreds of publishers. With a premium membership priced at $11.99/month, users have unlimited access to the premium collection. It's important to note that not all titles are consistently available, and if you only encounter a preview of a specific title, a notification will indicate when the full access will be granted. Since the November of 2023, the Scribd moves its ebooks and audibooks to its branch: Everand. If you are a subscriber to Scribd, your subscription provides you access to all three of our products: Everand, Scribd, and SlideShare. Learn how to download Everand Audiobooks to AAC.

Pros:
1. Unlimited access to both ebooks and audiobooks, but not for all books;
2. Provide access to Everand, Scribd, and SlideShare.

Cons:
1.  Restrictions on some titles may apply.

Available on: iOS|Android|web browser

Part 5 Best Audible Competitors--Alternative for Audible

Talking about audiobooks, almost all websites have their membership plans, but there are some websites that enable you to purchase audiobooks without a subscription service requirement. They are often the best Audible competitors. Just as Google Play, Nook, and Kobo are competitors for Amazon in the eBook market, they are also strong competitors for Amazon Audible in the audiobook market.

6. Google Play Audiobooks

As a competitor to Amazon, Google Play Audiobooks entered the audiobook market at the beginning of 2018. A significant distinction from Audible's audiobooks is that Google Play does not offer a subscription plan. This means there is no mandatory monthly membership fee that provides one audiobook per month. Instead, users can choose to purchase Google Play audiobooks at any time, often with special discounts offered by Google.

Google Play audiobooks are accessible on various platforms, including Android, iOS, web, home speakers, and devices that use Google Assistant. Despite the absence of an official report from Google detailing the exact number of titles in its audiobook collection, it is assumed to have fewer titles than Audible, given its relatively recent entry into the audiobook industry.

For individuals who do not plan to listen to one audiobook every month, Google Play audiobooks offer flexibility. Additionally, every audiobook purchased remains securely stored in your account for as long as you desire.

Pros:
1. No subscription requirement;
2. Audiobooks can be listened at multiple devices.

Cons:
1.  The titles are much less than Audible.

Available on: iOS|Android|web browser

7. Nook Audiobooks

Differing from the recent entrant Google Play, Nook has been selling audiobooks for a few years. Nook distinguishes itself by not having an audiobook membership plan, eliminating the need for a monthly fee. As an alternative to Audible, Nook offers a collection of around 60,000 titles, which is relatively smaller compared to other Audible alternatives. Adopting a pay-as-you-go model, Nook allows users to make individual purchases without being tied to a subscription service. Nook Audiobook proves to be a favorable choice, particularly for individuals who infrequently listen to audiobooks, as it provides flexibility without the commitment of a subscription. Learn how to convert Nook audiobooks to mp3.

Pros:
1. No monthly fee.
2. Decent selection of audiobooks.

Cons:
1. Nook audiobooks can only be listened with Nook app for Android, iOS.
2. Nook audiobooks cannot be returned and are non-refundable once they have been downloaded to your device. 

Available on: iOS|Android

8. Chirp

Chirp is dedicated to helping you discover new books and audiobooks at affordable prices. Different from other audiobooks service, it doesn't charge a monthly subscription fee. To access the Chirp audiobooks, you just simply buy your books and get access to them via the Chirp audiobooks app. If you have signed up for their email, you'll receive the daily emails which has pointed out the best deals for you. 

Learn how to convert chirp audiobooks to mp3.

Pros:
1. No subscription fees, credits, or waitlists.
2. It offers a lot of really Low prices on popular audiobooks, but the deals are changing constantly.

Cons:
1. The titles are much less than Audible.
2. It is only available in US and Canada only for now.
3. You are not able to view the audiobooks on the Chirp app before purchasing them which is a little bit inconvenience.

Available on: iOS|Android|Web browser

9. Kobo Audiobooks

Kobo can be assumed as the most Audible-like alternative. It added audiobooks to its offering from 2017 and already has a large collection of over 5 million of the world's best eBooks and audiobooks. Like Audible, it also has audiobook subscription service which costs $9.9 per month. You can get 1 credit which can be redeemed for one audiobook. A big drawback of Kobo audiobook is that the audiobooks only can be listened with Kobo app for Android and iOS which means you can not listen to audiobooks on your computer.

Learn How to convert Kobo audiobooks to MP3. 

Pros:
1. Membership is cheaper than Audible's.

Cons:
1.  Audiobook titles are fewer than Audible.
2. Kobo audiobooks can only be listened with Kobo app for Android, iOS.
3. Special discount for students.

Available on: iOS|Android

10. Audiobooks.com

Audiobooks.com is focusing only on audiobooks, and has over 100,000 audiobook titles available now. The price of Audiobook.com membership is the same as Audible's which is $14.95. But Audiobooks.com enables you to purchase additional credits at the this price for treating additional audiobooks. You can purchase as many credits as you like without any limitation. I know this price is extremely high when compared with Playster or other audible alternatives, but if you want to keep your audiobooks for ever and build your own library, Audiobooks.com is a good alternative to Audible.

Pros:
1. Gift plan enables you to surprise your loved one.

Cons:
1.  Audiobook titles are fewer than Audible.
2. The price is extremely high due to the credit system.

Available on: iOS|Android

11. Storytel Audiobooks

Storytel is another European-based subscription ebook and audiobook service provider. It has excellent multilingual support covering over 150 languages, including English, Dutch, Swedish, Hindi, German, Korean, and many more. While similar to Audible, Storytel offers its fair share of exclusives, often focusing on local talent and unique storytelling. If you are interested in region-specific stories, Storytel Audiobooks is a good option for you.

Learn How to Convert Storytel Audiobook to MP3. 

Pros:
1. You'll get Unlimited access to ebooks and audiobooks.
2. You can listen to the region-specific stories.

Cons:
1.  The Storytel collection is still smaller than Audible’s library.
2. It is not available for users in many English-speaking countries like the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

Available on: iOS|Android

12. Libro.fm

Founded in 2014, Libro.fm partners with more than 2500 books stores around the world to sell audiobooks and has members in 60 countries. Although Libro.fm is an audiobook service that very similar to Audible, they enable you to allocate a portion of your audiobook sales to support an independent bookstore of your choosing! How does it work? You have the option to purchase books individually from Libro.fm at their listed price, or you can opt for their monthly subscription service, which provides credits redeemable for any audiobook in their extensive catalog. Additionally, audiobooks are available for purchase in their sale section. If you want to start a membership, and the price is $14.99 per month for 1 credit.

Pros:
1. Your payment will go to the independent bookstore of your choice.
2. You can buy the audiobook with or without the membership.
3. Your can download your purchased audiobooks as mp3 format and listen to them on any of your favorite device.

Cons:
1.  Its subscription fee is higher than Audible's.
2. It only has over 400000 audiobooks.
3. It doesn't offer the free trial.

Available on: iOS|Android

Audible Alternative Comparison Table

I have write down the most important features in the following sheet. You can browse the following table and select the one you like most.

	Price	Titles	Supported system
Audible	Audible Plus ($7.95/month) Audible Premium Plus ( $14.95 /month)	Over 11000 ebooks, audiobooks and video's for unlimited listening( Audible Plus Over 200,000 audiobooks	iOS, Android(Libby), web
OverDrive	Free	Over 2 000,000 ebooks, audiobooks and videos	iOS, Android, Windows 10(Libby)
Librivox	Free	Over 15,000	No apps, listen and download audiobooks from website directly
audiobooksnow	$4.99/Month+50% off for every purchase	Over 80,000	iOS, Android, web browser
Downpour	$12.99/Month for 1credit+buy or rent audiobooks	Around 70,000	Android, iOS, Web browser
Scribd	$11.99/month for unlimited access to ebooks and audiobooks, which include access to Everand, Scribd, and SlideShare	Around 70,000	Android, iOS, Web browser
Google play Audiobooks	No subscription required	no data from Google	Android, iOS, web, home speakers and devices that use google assistant
Nook Audiobooks	No subscription required	Not clear	Android, iOS
Chirp	No subscription required	60,000	Android, iOS, Web browser
Kobo Audiobooks	$9.99/Month for 1 credit+buy audiobooks with credits or money	over 5000,000 of audiobooks and ebooks	Android, iOS
Audiobooks.com	$14.95/month for 1 credit+purchase additional credits any time	over 1,000,000	Android, iOS
Storytel	€6.49 per month (varies by region)+unlimited access to ebooks and audiobooks	over 400,000	Android, iOS
Libro.fm	$14.99/month for 1 credit	over 400,000	Android, iOS

After checking so many Audible alternatives, which Audible competitor will catch your attention? If your choice is still Audible.com, but you may feel frustrated sometime because the Audible audiobooks are protected by Audible DRM and only can be played on limited MP3 players or devices. If you are also in this dilemma, it's time to introduce a very powerful tool to help you break through the DRM restriction and enjoy Audible on any device. Please meet Epubor Audible converter which can help you convert audible to DRM-free MP3 file with original quality. Splitting audible into chapter is also supported. Just download the free trial today to liberate your Audible books today!

   

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