Audible books are among some of the most popular monthly fee subscription models (including Audible Plus and Audible Premium Plus) because they are easy to download and can be accessed for listening virtually anywhere. However, these subscriptions and books can get pricey, which is why you might be looking for Audible alternatives. Fortunately, there are many services on the market today that are quick and easy to download.

We’ve put together a helpful list of eight alternatives to Audible that you can download or use to gain access to your favorite audiobooks. Some give you customization options making it easier to read eStories, short stories, or new books at the push of a button. Consider adding these resources to your bookmarks for easy access the next time you need a great listen.

1. Speechify

Whether you have an email file, PDF, or digital document of another kind, Speechify makes it easy to read the content at a speed that is right for you and in a voice that appeals to you. You can try Speechify for free to see if it’s the right fit for you.

2. Libro.fm

Libro.fm is one of the best Audible alternatives because it allows you to download audiobooks while supporting local bookstores in your community. You have two options to get access to this audiobook service: first, you can sign up for the monthly subscription service. Second, you could opt to download new books without the monthly subscription fee, paying a one-time fee instead.

It’s just $14.99 to get one audiobook credit along with 30% off additional books, or you can buy a book a la carte and listen on your own time with no monthly subscription required.

3. Scribd

Audiobook listeners might love Scribd, which is one of the best audiobook apps available on the market. It has all the most popular audiobooks, making it easy to read your favorite audiobooks on your Apple iOS or Android device. Of course, you can also log in with your desktop or laptop computer. No matter your preferred reading device, accessing great audio is a breeze thanks to this platform’s user-friendly functionality.

Scribd offers a monthly subscription of $11.99 per month. Subscribers get unlimited access to the latest bestsellers and all other books on the digital ecosystem.

4. Chirp

A list of Audible alternatives wouldn’t be complete without talking about Chirp audiobooks. It will send you emails with personalized recommendations that you can pay for and download for listening anywhere. This makes your favorite books available for listening whether you’re on a computer, a laptop, a phone, or a Kindle.

5. Your Local Library

Did you know that your local library might allow you to download free audiobooks with your library card? At the library, ask about any available podcasts, audiobooks in the public domain (to avoid restrictions resulting from digital rights management, or DRM), and other books that the library might have on a custom playlist.

Every library is different, but many carry non-fiction, science fiction, new releases, popular titles, and more (with unlimited access). What’s more, you might be able to download these books to your iPad, iPhone, or other devices so you can start listening right away. You might even find great free alternative content such as Kobo books or Nook audiobooks, if those platforms are part of your home library.

6. Physical Audiobook CDs

Among the most easily accessed Audible alternatives are physical CDs. Audiobook CDs can be purchased on Amazon, for example, making it easy to get physical CDs of the books you want to listen to. Some CD players even have a sleep timer, enabling you to schedule when your favorite new book should start playing next.

7. LibriVox and the Audiobooks App

Another good Audible alternative is LibriVox. With LibriVox and its catalog, you can download audiobooks read by volunteers from around the world. Seek out and place these books on your iPod, computer, or mobile device. You can even burn them to physical CDs. LibriVox also has its own Audiobooks app that you can use, making this a high-tech yet cool Audible alternative.

8. Spotify and Podcasts

If you want to listen to Spotify to hear some of the latest podcasts or audiobooks read to you, you should check out Spotify. 

FAQs

What is a good Audible alternative?

There are many good alternative programs other than Audible on the market today. Here is a list of 10 of the best alternatives.

1. Scribd
2. Speechify
3. Chirp
4. LibriVox
5. Libby and OverDrive
6. Hoopla
7. Audiobooks.com
8. Downpour
9. Apple Books
10. Google Play Books

Is Libby better than Audible?

Libby and Audible are comparable. Audible has lots of new releases and popular books, but Libby is better for people who don’t want to own books (and prefer only to listen to them). Libby is free with many public library accounts.

Is there a service like Audible for eBooks?

Another option like Audible is Scribd, which is one of the better eBook subscription services on the market. Libby is another option that works similarly and might help you do what you’re hoping to do with your eBook library.

What are the best audiobooks?

There are plenty of amazing audiobooks on the market today. Your definition of the best audiobooks might vary from another person‘s. Let your listening tastes be your guide, and consider checking out one or more of the top-rated audiobooks of all time. This list of hit audiobooks includes listener favorites such as:

1. “Dune” by Frank Herbert
2. “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens
3. “Circe” by Madeline Miller
4. “The Guest List” by Lucy Foley
5. “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer
6. “Untamed” by Glennon Doyle
7. “Becoming” by Michelle Obama
8. “White Fragility” by Robin DiAngelo
9. “How to Be an Antiracist” by Ibram X. Kendi
10. “A Promised Land” by Barack Obama 

What does Audible have that Libby doesn’t have?

Audible has all the latest bestsellers and new releases. Libby might have those current titles, but it depends on the library you’re using and the titles they have available for release. Not all libraries have Libby yet, which could make it difficult to use in your location.

What are some free Audible alternatives?

There are some free alternatives to Audible. Here are a few options to consider:

1. Librivox: Librivox offers a vast collection of free audiobooks, mainly consisting of public domain works. Volunteers narrate these audiobooks, making them accessible to the public for free.
2. Project Gutenberg: Project Gutenberg provides a large selection of free eBooks, and some of these texts have accompanying audiobooks that are available for free as well.
3. Loyal Books (formerly LibriVox Audio Books): Loyal Books also offers a collection of free audiobooks, many of which are classics and in the public domain.
4. Open Culture: Open Culture provides a list of free audiobooks available from various sources, including websites and online platforms.
5. OverDrive: OverDrive is a service offered by many public libraries, allowing you to borrow digital audiobooks for free with a library card.
6. Hoopla: Hoopla is another library service that allows you to borrow audiobooks, as well as other media like movies, music, and eBooks.

When using free audiobook services, you may find that their selection might not include the latest bestsellers or popular contemporary titles found on platforms like Audible. You may also encounter occasional ads or limitations on the number of books you can access simultaneously.