Books on tape represent audio versions of physical books. The idea was to record audiobooks onto a cassette or tape and sell them to people who prefer listening to books. With the advances in technology, books on tape evolved into audiobooks.
These days, people can download audiobooks from numerous platforms. Here, we’ll outline where to find downloadable audiobooks.
Can you download audiobooks from the Books on Tape company?
Books on Tape was the pioneer in selling books on tape and unabridged audiobook recordings. It was an independent company until Penguin Random House acquired it in 2001.
At first, the company sold books on tape to consumers but moved on to selling them to libraries and schools. Due to this, consumers are unlikely to download audiobooks from Books on Tape directly.
Instead, they would have to go through one of its partners, such as Bibliotheca, EBSCO Audiobooks, and Odilo.
Where can you download audiobooks?
If downloading audiobooks from Books on Tape isn’t an option for you, you’ll be happy to know there are other ways to enjoy audio versions of books. Here’s a list of the best audiobook platforms:
The iBooks method
iBooks (now Apple Books) is an app that features thousands of e-books and audiobooks from different categories, including science fiction, fantasy, horror, romance, children’s books, and many others.
The audiobook section features exceptional titles read by authors, professional narrators, and other memorable voices.
One of the app’s drawbacks is that it’s available only for Apple and iOS mobile devices (iPhones and iPads).
The Amazon Audible method
Amazon’s Audible is an audiobook and podcast platform with the biggest library, offering over 200,000 titles.
The platform is subscription-based, but you can use a 30-day free trial to see whether it’s a good fit. Audible has everything, from bestsellers and short stories to classic literature and fairy tales.
With only a few clicks, you can download your favorite titles to your device and listen to them even when you don’t have an internet connection. Best of all, you get to keep your downloaded audiobooks even if you cancel your subscription.
If you use Apple devices, you’ll also be happy to know that Audible is compatible with iTunes.
LibriVox
LibriVox was created by volunteers who read and record public domain books and texts. They allow users worldwide to explore public domain audiobooks through the LibriVox website or other digital library hosting sites.
You can browse the platform’s catalog by author, title, genre, or language and download the desired title in a few clicks.
One of the best things about LibriVox is that it’s completely free.
LoyalBooks
LoyalBooks is home to over 7,000 public domain audiobooks and e-books.
The website’s intuitive interface ensures you find the desired title without difficulty, making it perfect even for those who aren’t tech-savvy.
Here, you can explore many classic audiobooks like Moby Dick, Sherlock Holmes, Pride and Prejudice, Aesop’s Fables, and others.
You can access the LoyalBooks website or download the app for iOS or Android devices.
Project Gutenberg
Project Gutenberg is another website created by volunteers in an effort to digitize cultural works. The platform offers over 70,000 e-books and audiobooks read by volunteers, and it’s completely free.
You don’t even have to register to access the platform’s impressive library. If you want to support the volunteers’ work, you can always make a small donation.
While Project Gutenberg mostly focuses on epub and Kindle e-books, you can still find and download exceptional audiobooks.
Lit2Go
Li2Go is a platform created by the Florida Center for Instructional Technology at the University of South Florida. It features poems and stories in audiobook format.
You can browse titles by authors, genres, collections, and readability level. The platform is free and doesn’t require you to register to explore the library.
When you select a title, you’ll see its readability level, total word count, publishing year, language, and genre. This can help you determine whether the title is suitable for you.
Libby OverDrive
OverDrive and its Libby app allow you to access your local library’s catalog using your computer or mobile device.
All you need to do is to sign up with your library card, explore your public library’s catalog, and borrow a title.
Your borrowed titles appear in the “Shelf” section and are automatically downloaded when you’re using a Wi-Fi connection. Unlike traditional libraries, OverDrive doesn’t have late fees. Your digital title will be returned automatically on its due date.
Scribl
Scribl is home to thousands of audiobooks, e-books, and podcasts. Some of the titles are free, while others require payment.
Scribl created CrowdPricing, a system that prices e-books and audiobooks fairly, ensuring everyone can find and enjoy the content they love. Thanks to the system’s modern algorithms, you can explore titles at excellent prices or for free.
If you decide to purchase an audiobook through Scribl, you’ll be happy to know you’ll get the e-book version for free.
Open Culture
Open Culture is a unique platform that offers free online courses, audiobooks, movies, e-books, and much more.
It features hundreds of free audiobooks, mostly focusing on classics and authors like Jane Austen, Honoré de Balzac, the Bronte sisters, Arthur Conan Doyle, Joseph Conrad, and others.
Speechify Audiobooks
Speechify Audiobooks is one of the best audiobook platforms on the market. It features an impressive collection of over 60,000 titles from different genres, so you never have to worry about running out of interesting content to enjoy.
The platform also offers convenient features like setting a sleep timer, adding bookmarks, and adjusting the playback speed. You can listen to a title through the platform or download it to your device and enjoy it while offline. Once you download the audio file, it’s yours to keep forever.
The platform works on computers and mobile devices. If you use multiple devices to listen to Speechify audiobooks, you’ll be happy to know your progress will be synced automatically.
Other popular platforms are ThoughtAudio, Hoopla, Audiobooks.com, Spotify, and Storynory.
Download audiobooks with Speechify Audiobooks
If you want to enjoy an exceptional selection of high-quality audiobooks, Speechify Audiobooks is the way to go.
FAQ
Is there an app for Books on Tape?
No, Books on Tape doesn’t have an official app.
What are the best audiobooks?
Some of the best and currently trending audiobooks are The Way of Kings, I’m Glad My Mom Died, and Starry Messenger.
What are the benefits of books on tape?
Books on tape allow you to multitask, improve your pronunciation, fluency, and comprehension, and enhance your focus.
Why are audiobooks better than regular books?
Many people agree that audiobooks are more immersive and convenient since we can do something else while listening to them.
What is a good time to listen to books on tape?
The answer depends on your lifestyle and preferences.
What is the best audiobook library?
Speechify is the best audiobook library.
