11 of The Best Audible Alternatives That You Cannot Ignore

Are you not much interested in reading books or even the digital form? Well, we have been there too. It can get way too boring and monotonous.

So, instead of reading ebooks, you can try listening to audiobooks. If you already have been, you may have heard about Audible, an app that is the biggest producer of audiobooks around the world. But it is not free and not many audiobook lovers have liked the app. So, you need Audible alternatives, which are cost-free and much better than the latter.

Using Audible can be a little too confusing at times since its UI is a little also over the top for some users. Even if you are okay with paying for an audiobook subscription, we have tons of options for that too. So, let us directly get on with the list of best Audible Alternatives and see which can suit you the best.

Best Audible Alternatives – Our Top Pick 👌

1. AudioBooks Now

AudioBook Now is one of the best Audible Alternatives and the most affordable option. It has excellent discounts and bargain prices for tons of audiobooks available on the site.

The site provides you with a club pricing plan that has exclusive discounts every time, or else you can opt for buying books separately. All the books are reduced-priced and can be browsed easily on any browser.

You can start with a free 30-day trial and in the end, it is recommended to take the subscription that costs only $4.99/month. There are over 100,000 audiobooks including all-time classics and some bestselling writers. 

To get hold of these audiobooks you can either stream or download them on your PC or laptop. Otherwise, you can also download their official app on your Android and Apple devices.

Indeed, the collection of books is not as much as compared to Audible, but they have been working on adding up more and more each day.

Pricing/Subscription:-

30-day Free Trial & $4.99/month

Compatible Platforms:-

iOS ( Download Here ), Android ( Download Here), and Kindle Fire ( Download Here)

Below is the summary of the main Pros and Cons of AudioBooks Now that earned it a spot in our list of the Best Audible Alternatives.

Pros:-

• Affordable and competitive price
• Excellent discounts and offers
• Over 100,000 titles available to explore
• Official app available for every platform
• Bestselling titles in both fiction and non-fiction

Cons:-

• The playback page is cluttered

2. Kobo Books

Kobo Books is another excellent alternative to Audible, and there are multiple reasons for choosing this application. As soon as you download the app on your smartphone, you will love the interface.

It is very interactive and at the same time very easy to use for everyone unfamiliar with how audiobooks work. The company started adding audiobooks in 2017 before which it had ebooks for its users.

Since then they have had an excellent collection of books in their library which they keep adding up with bestselling options each month.

Undoubtedly, it is much cheaper than Audible and you can also afford it. But if you are unsure, try out the 30-day free trial after which you can go for the $9.99/month subscription.

The best part about the Kobo app is that it is free to download and available on the store. You can adjust listening speed, set a sleep timer, and keep your collection of audiobooks and eBooks in one place. Furthermore, if at any time you wish to cancel, all the audiobooks you have purchased will be yours forever.

Pricing/Subscription:-

30-day Free Trial & $9.99/month

Compatible Platforms:-

iOS ( Download Here) and Android ( Download Here)

Below is the summary of the main Pros and Cons of the Kobo Books that earned it a spot in our list of the Best Audible Alternatives.

Pros:-

• Tons of features available on the application
• Highly affordable and genuine prices
• Good collections in multiple categories
• Compatible with both Android and iOS
• Great design and interface

Cons:-

• Does not work on computer systems
• Content isn’t as original as Audible

3. OverDrive

Well, if you have been looking for a rather free option to listen to audiobooks, OverDrive is one such application that offers free service. But here is a catch.

This app is only applicable to students or a valid member of your school or public library. It has a collection of over 30,000 audiobooks in multiple categories in selected libraries.

Libby is the name of their app compatible with Android, iOS, and Microsoft phones. All you need is a library card to access these free audiobooks.

You can easily download the application and borrow the ebooks and audiobooks of your choice instantly. As a student, you can download the books and save them offline to read anytime you need them.

If you are based in the US, Libby offers to send your books on your Kindle device to make it simple for you to listen to or read them.

Audiobooks related to some bestselling collections to everything you would for your education have been provided on this application. The interface is excellent as well, and a lot easier to navigate through the books.

Pricing/Subscription:-

FREE

Compatible Platforms:-

iOS ( Download Here ), Android ( Download Here ), Windows, macOS, Chromebook, Kindle Fire HD, and Chrome Web Store.

Below is the summary of the main Pros and Cons of the OverDrive that earned it a spot in our list of the Best Audible Alternatives.

Pros:-

• Free of cost
• Tons of collections on academics
• Can create a wishlist
• Over 30,000 collections of ebooks and audiobooks
• User-friendly interface

Cons:-

• Only for students with a genuine library card

4. Google Play Books – Ebooks, Audiobooks, and Comics

Google has everything you would need and the same goes for accessing AudioBooks. They have an extensive collection of different categories, fiction, non-fiction, educational, etc.

It has been listing down ebooks for quite some time now and a few years back they released a huge collection of audiobooks as well.

The app is very popular as it provides recommendations for your interests and browsing history. This makes it very easy for you to select among the best options to listen to without having to browse every single time.

Also, each audiobook has different prices and there isn’t any subscription; you can simply buy each of them and start listening.

Furthermore, you can collaborate with Google Drive and take notes while listening to your favorite Audiobook similar to Audible.

We cannot say the total number of Audiobooks they currently have but most probably you will find what you are looking for easily. In fact, to connect with you, Google audiobooks are available in multiple languages as well.

Pricing/Subscription:-

No price for a subscription (Buy books independently)

Compatible Platforms:

iOS ( Download Here ), Android ( Download Here), and Web

Below is the summary of the main Pros and Cons of the Google Play Books that earned it a spot in our list of the Best Audible Alternatives.

Pros:-

• No subscription fee
• User-friendly Interface
• Great discounts and offers are available
• Easy to navigate and browse
• Safe and secure

Cons:-

• The interface could be a lot better
• The design is a bit clunky

5. Scribd

Scribd is one of the best audiobook apps in the market currently. There are over a million ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, etc available on the app for its users.

As compared to Audible, tons of features make it a viable alternative and the perfect choice if you want to switch. There are tons of popular and bestselling audiobooks related to science fiction, non-fiction, academics, etc.

Now, speaking of the plans, it costs about $8.99 per month for a subscription which you can try out for 30-days for free before buying it. Also, you already know the subscription cost of Audible and it is super cheap overall.

Scribd has an indeed very interesting user interface and superb design. You can easily customize the app at your convenience and also adjust the speed of narration.

On the app itself, you can take notes and create annotations. Furthermore, you can also download audiobooks and listen to them offline.

It is very safe to use and user-friendly as well. Also, you can customize the font size of the texts while taking notes and make the necessary changes to make things interesting.

Pricing/Subscription:-

30-day Free Trial & $8.99/month

Compatible Platforms:-

iOS ( Download Here ), Android ( Download Here), and Web

Below is the summary of the main Pros and Cons of Scribd that earned it a spot in our list of the Best Audible Alternatives.

Pros:-

• Cheap and Affordable
• Great options for customizations
• Popular and bestselling audiobooks available
• Over a million collections
• Customize narration speed

Cons:-

• Issues with customer service
• Only a limited can be accessed for a month

6. DownPour

Downpour has been in business for many decades. They started with scrolls, codex, paperback, and finally the Audiobooks. Since then, they have had over 80,000 titles of audiobooks in their library.

You can find some old classics, new releases every month, famous bestsellers, and much more to look forward to. The app takes proper care of your needs and allows you to make the best out of this.

The interface is highly intuitive and user-friendly. You can easily set up the narration speed for the audiobooks and also set up a sleep timer so that you do not miss out on anything. Downpour allows you to easily create a wishlist to buy them whenever you need them easily.

You can also take notes on this application while listening to any audiobook. The cost for subscribing to Downpour is $12.99 per month which is not as cheap as the other options above but still cheaper than Audible.

The most important aspect of this app is that it is DRM-free meaning you can download audiobooks anytime and anywhere.

Pricing/Subscription:-

$12.99/month

Compatible Platforms:-

iOS, Android, and Web

Below is the summary of the main Pros and Cons of the DownPour that earned it a spot in our list of the Best Audible Alternatives.

Pros:-

• DRM-free website and app
• Over 80,000 titles in the library
• Add and take quick notes easily
• Set sleep timer
• Adjust narration speed for any audiobooks

Cons:-

• No free trial is available
• Some books cost more than 1 credit

7. AudioBooks

AudioBooks.com is one such app that focuses on providing its users with all kinds of audiobooks and nothing more than that.

Well, in all the other apps we have mentioned that are perfect Audible Alternative, only this site has listed audiobooks and no ebooks. They currently have over 150,000 titles in their collection. In fact, you can also find over 700,000 podcasts as well.

If you have kids looking for something to learn, you can visit the site or download the free app to get your hands on the audiobooks.

It is compatible with iOS and Android devices and is easy to download and use whenever needed. They offer a free trial for everyone where you can choose any book to read from the premium collection and any 2 books from the VIP collection.

The subscription cost after this costs around $14.95 (USD) per month where you can enjoy the choice of 1 premium + 1 VIP book every month, as well as access to special member deals and discounts. Apart from just the library, the app allows you to set the speed of narration and also a sleep timer.

Pricing/Subscription:-

Free Trial & $14.95/month

Compatible Platforms:-

Android ( Download Here) and iOS ( Download Here)

Below is the summary of the main Pros and Cons of the AudioBooks that earned it a spot in our list of the Best Audible Alternatives.

Pros:-

• Collection of kids and family-friendly audiobooks
• Compatible with iOS and Android
• The free version provides a good deal to start with
• Sleep timer set-up option
• Over 700,000 podcasts are also available

Cons:-

• Costly subscription

8. eStories

eStories is one of the best Audible Alternative especially when it comes to listing down the best books in the Fiction category. If you love fiction novels or ebooks, you can try out the audiobooks from this application.

There are over 110,000 titles from multiple categories that include fiction, non-fiction, education, etc. From Stephen King’s novel to Star Wars, you have everything you would need.

Similar to what we have seen in one of the apps, eStories is also DRM-free i.e. you can easily download audiobooks and play them anywhere you feel comfortable. There are daily offers and discounts on the site which can be highly beneficial for you.

You can also choose from the suggestions under multiple categories such as editor’s pick, features, new releases, etc.

The subscription or plans have been categorized under basic, plus, and premium. It starts from around $11.99/month and can extend to around $49.99/month depending on which plan you opt for.

It can be a little expensive but worth spending every penny on. To get your audiobooks, you will have to download the app on your iOS and Android phones for free.

Pricing/Subscription: 

$11.99/month – $49.99/month

Compatible Platforms:-

Android ( Download Here) and iOS ( Download Here)

Below is the summary of the main Pros and Cons of the eStories that earned it a spot in our list of the Best Audible Alternatives.

Pros:-

• DRM-free Audiobooks
• Over 110,00 titles are available
• New releases are provided weekly
• Multiple discounts and offers are available
• Unlimited free audiobook cloud storage

Cons:-

• The Interface lacks creativity
• The app is a bit chunky

9. LibriVox Audio Books

LibriVox is one of the best apps to access free audiobooks making it an excellent alternative to Audible.

One of the most exquisite features of this application is that the audiobooks are created by thousands of volunteers worldwide. Some sound excellent while some may not be at par. But the site has over 50,000 titles from multiple categories in over 40 languages worldwide.

You can stream it on your computer, download it for free anywhere you feel like, download the apps on your iOS or Android smartphones, or burn it on a CD.

Every option is available for you to access all the audiobooks simply. It may not have the best collection with the latest releases, but being free you can check it out with ease.

They add tons of new audiobooks each year created by volunteers who read the books and record them in their voices. Leaving out all the bad stuff about it, you can surely give it a try. If you are a newbie, it is easier to start at a place where you can get products for free.

Pricing/Subscription:-

FREE

Compatible Platforms:

Android (Download Here), iOS (Download Here), Web, and Windows

Below is the summary of the main Pros and Cons of the LibriVox Audio Books that earned it a spot in our list of the Best Audible Alternatives.

Pros:-

• Available in over 40 languages
• Audiobooks recorded by volunteers
• Everything is free to use
• Compatible on every platform
• Creates around 1000 items in a year

Cons:-

• The quality may not be the best
• A limited number of new releases

10. Hoopla – Free alternatives to audible

Hoopla is a free digital platform that offers movies, music, audiobooks, ebooks, comics, and TV shows from your public library.

You can immediately download or stream all the options as per your need and watch anytime you want. In fact, it is compatible with almost every platform including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Roku, etc.

The company has rigorously partnered with local libraries that provide them with digital parts of their collection to allow people from all over the world to get access to what they read.

From the education niche to non-fiction categories, there are tons of books available for you to listen to. Like a library, after you have added the audiobook to your library, it will be removed automatically once the time period ends.

Furthermore, you may have to reissue it just as the library works in real time. Some of the well-known categories of this app are movies, ebooks, magazines, etc.

The interface looks pretty basic and nothing fancy. Also, the app or the site is user-friendly, and everything is at par. Some latest releases may not be available but some best sellers and classics are present here.

Pricing/Subscription:-

FREE

Compatible Platforms:-

Android ( Download Now ), iOS (Download Now), Web, Windows, Apple TV, Android TV, Roku, Fire TV, etc

Below is the summary of the main Pros and Cons of the Hoopla that earned it a spot in our list of the Best Audible Alternatives.

Pros:-

• Free of cost
• Compatible with a wide range of gadgets
• Tons of audiobooks available
• Easy to navigate and use
• Simple and elegant design

Cons:-

• The interface could have been better

11. Storytel

If you are in India and have been looking for an app, especially for Indians, this could be it. Storytel has an exclusive collection of audiobooks in multiple languages such as Marathi, Hindi, English, Bengali, and Urdu.

There is a huge collection of not only audiobooks but also ebooks for every enthusiast. You will love some old classics such as Swami Vivekanand, Ikigai, etc. 

It may not have the latest releases which you will find in Audible but the collection is overall excellent. Storytel also has a special section where you will find some original content and post tons of these every year for every reader.

In fact, the site has cleanly arranged all the books based on the language such that you can browse accordingly.

You can easily download the app on your smartphone and choose your country for better suggestions on your language.

On the app, you can easily adjust the narration speed and also set up a sleep timer so that you do not lose even a word on the audiobook. They also have a category for book recommendations where you can select the books most read by people.

Pricing/Subscription:-

14-days Free Trial & INR 299/month

Compatible Platforms:-

Android (Download Here), iOS (Download Here), Web, and Windows

Below is the summary of the main Pros and Cons of Storytel that earned it a spot in our list of the Best Audible Alternatives.

Pros:-

• Audiobooks and ebooks available in multiple languages
• Kids mode for children
• Can be used offline
• Sleep timer
• Adjust Narration timer

Cons:-

• The design could have been better
• Lacks latest releases

✅FAQ

Final Words

Well, here we are with the list of best Audible Alternative with every little detail you need to get your hands on each of them.

Most of them have a free trial so it is better to try the apps first rather than buying the plan straight away. There were loads of other options as well, but too many of them will only confuse you and be of no good.

Having limited options at times is the best part. Your hunt ends here and it is your time to read each of the options above carefully and select the best one out for yourself. If you are not well versed in audiobooks it is better to try the free ones and then buy the plans mentioned above.

In terms of cost as well, there are some easy options on the list. Such as the first few options are very low in price that you can surely afford and take it for a trial run. You may find the perfect fit for yourself in there itself. If not, well there are other options at your disposal.

If at all you are still confused and feel there is no way out. We are here to assist you. Just leave a comment below and we will get back to you. For all others who are already using one such app and would like to share their reviews, we will be glad to hear it out so that others can benefit as well. Keep Listening!!