Compare Audible and Spotify audiobooks to find the perfect platform for your listening pleasure.

Audible vs. Spotify Audiobooks

In the evolving landscape of digital audiobook consumption, two giants stand prominently: Audible and Spotify. Both platforms are vying for the ears of listeners worldwide, but how do they stack up against one another? In this comparison, we will delve deep into the features and pricing models of both platforms, providing insights to help you decide which audiobook provider is the better choice for your audiobook listening needs.

Audible history

Audible, founded by Donald Katz in 1995, pioneered the digital audio entertainment sector. Initially conceived as a way to provide more accessible spoken-word content for individuals, the company flourished with the rise of the internet and the emergence of digital devices, especially with its strategic alliance with Apple in 2003 to be the exclusive audiobook supplier for iTunes. This partnership propelled Audible to the forefront of the digital audiobook industry.

In 2008, the company was acquired by Amazon, further solidifying its position as the leading platform for audiobooks and spoken-word entertainment. Over the years, Audible has expanded its library to include hundreds of thousands of titles, spanning genres from fiction to non-fiction, and has launched in numerous countries, cementing its legacy as the premier destination for audiobook enthusiasts around the world.

Spotify history

Spotify, a brainchild of Daniel Ek and Martin Lorentzon, was birthed in 2006 in Stockholm, Sweden. Originally devised as a response to the growing piracy issues in the music industry, Spotify's innovative streaming model became a transformative force. Launched to the public in 2008, it offered users access to a vast library of music via an ad-supported free tier and a premium subscription model. This approach not only appealed to music enthusiasts but also created a sustainable revenue stream for artists and record labels.

Over the years, Spotify's influence grew exponentially, expanding its service to numerous countries and diversifying its content offerings to include podcasts, and, more recently, audiobooks. By constantly innovating and adapting to user needs, Spotify has secured its place as one of the most dominant music streaming platforms globally, with hundreds of millions of active users and a diverse library of audio content.

Audible pricing

Audible is subscription-based and offers two Audible memberships - Audible Plus and Audible Premium Plus. With Audible Plus, users get access to the Audible Plus Catalog, which is a rotating library of audiobooks, podcasts, and Audible Originals for $7.95 per month. However, since the library is rotating, users do not own this content outright, and it could rotate out and be replaced by different content at any time, even mid-reading. For the $14.95 per month Audible Premium Plus plan, users get access to the Audible Plus Catalog and one credit per month they can use to buy any premium title, which they then get to keep forever.

Spotify pricing

While some platforms, like Audible or Amazon, offer audiobook subscriptions, allowing you to enjoy a vast selection without the need to buy them separately, Spotify does not offer audiobook subscription plans and requires users to buy audiobooks one by one. Each book varies in pricing due to licensing agreements, but most audiobooks on Spotify can be purchased for between $5 and $35.

Audible free audiobooks

While Audible occasionally offers promotional deals or free trials for new users, it's important to note that the platform does not offer free audiobooks. Typically, users have to subscribe to a monthly plan or purchase individual titles. Despite this, the vast array of choices, high-quality narration, and ease of use make it a favorite among audiobook enthusiasts. Those seeking entirely free audiobook content may need to explore other platforms or local library offerings that might provide such services.

Spotify free audiobooks

Spotify, primarily known as a music streaming platform, has expanded its horizons by incorporating a selection of audiobooks into its vast library. Among these are public domain audiobooks—classic works whose copyrights have expired and are thus freely available to the public. This means that Spotify users can enjoy timeless classics narrated by various talents without any additional cost. This inclusion not only broadens the scope of content available on Spotify but also provides an accessible avenue for literature enthusiasts to delve into renowned works of the past. It's a commendable initiative that underscores the platform's commitment to diversifying its content and catering to a wider audience.

Audible mobile app

The Audible mobile app has positioned itself as a leading choice for audiobook enthusiasts around the world. Designed with user convenience in mind, the app is available across a myriad of devices, including iPads, Android phones, iPhones, and Google Pixels. Whether you're on the go or unwinding at home, the app's intuitive interface ensures seamless navigation and a comfortable listening experience. Features such as adjustable playback speed, bookmarks, and sleep timers cater to individual preferences.

Spotify mobile app

The Spotify mobile app has changed the way people access and enjoy music, podcasts, and audiobooks on the go. The app's personalized recommendation algorithms curate daily playlists tailored to individual tastes, ensuring a fresh listening experience every time. Due to a disagreement with the App Store, mobile IOS users cannot currently purchase audiobooks through the app, but users can browse audiobooks on mobile and purchase on the Spotify website. Once the audiobook title is downloaded from the website, it will then appear in user’s libraries for mobile listening.

Audible free trial

Audible offers a warm welcome to newcomers with its 30-day free trial. This trial period allows potential subscribers to experience the vast world of audiobooks, original series, and more without any upfront cost. During this period, users can sample the platform's extensive features, from its vast collection of titles to its user-friendly interface. For those curious about diving into the audiobook realm, this trial is an excellent opportunity to explore the content and understand its value. However, it's crucial for users to remember to cancel their subscription before the trial ends if they decide not to continue, as they will otherwise be automatically charged for the

Spotify free trial

Spotify, always keen on attracting new listeners to its platform, frequently extends a generous offer of a 3-month free trial for its premium service. This extended trial period enables new users to fully immerse themselves in the premium features, such as ad-free listening, the ability to skip songs without limitations, offline playback, and superior audio quality. It's a chance for potential subscribers to truly understand the enhanced experience that Spotify Premium offers compared to the free version. However, it’s important to note since audiobooks must be purchased à la carte, Spotify’s free trial does not include access to audiobooks.

Audible features

Audible offers a rich and immersive experience for audiobook aficionados. In this exploration of Audible's features, we will delve into the aspects that make it a top choice for those seeking audiobooks.

• Extensive library: Audible boasts a massive selection of titles, including bestsellers, classics, new releases, and more. Their library spans various genres, from fiction and romance to self-help and business.
• Audible Originals: Every month, members receive access to a selection of Audible Originals—exclusive titles produced specifically for Audible that aren't available anywhere else.
• Audiobook exchange: If you're dissatisfied with a purchase, Audible allows you to swap it for another title through their Great Listen Guarantee.
• Whispersync for voice: This feature allows users to switch seamlessly between reading a Kindle eBook and listening to its Audible counterpart without losing their place.
• Sleep timer: Users can set a timer for the audiobook to stop playing after a certain period, which is great for bedtime listening.
• Adjustable playback speed: Listeners can speed up or slow down the narration to their preference, usually ranging from 0.5x to 3x the normal speed.
• Offline listening: Titles can be downloaded onto your device, allowing you to listen without an internet connection.
• Chapter navigation: Easy navigation between chapters or sections is facilitated with clear labeling and controls.

Spotify features

Whether you're a casual listener or a dedicated audio aficionado, Spotify's features promise to reshape and elevate your listening experience, and this exploration will help you navigate its multifaceted landscape. As we venture into the various facets of Spotify's offerings, we'll uncover the tools and functionalities that cater to diverse tastes, moods, and listening habits.

• Diverse library: Spotify offers millions of tracks, from the latest hits to indie gems, spanning across genres and eras, as well as a large offering of audiobooks for users to purchase.
• Playlists: Users can create, share, and discover playlists for any mood or occasion. Spotify also curates playlists tailored to users' tastes.
• Discover weekly & release radar: Personalized playlists that are updated weekly. Discover Weekly suggests new tracks based on listening habits, while Release Radar showcases new releases from artists and authors you follow.
• Offline listening: Premium users can download tracks to their devices for offline playback, perfect for when there's no internet access.
• Adjustable playback quality: Users can adjust the streaming quality based on their preference or bandwidth constraints.
• Multi-device sync: Spotify Connect lets users easily switch playback between devices, from smartphones to smart speakers, without missing a beat.
• Sleep Timer: A feature to stop the music, podcast, or audiobook playback after a set period, especially useful for bedtime listening.

Speechify Audiobooks — The best audiobook provider

Speechify Audiobooks features a library of over 70,000+ titles across various genres, making it the perfect choice for people of all ages who love listening to their books. Whether you’re looking for a romance read, mysterious crime detective story, scary horror novel, light-hearted children’s book, sci-fi thriller, New York Times bestseller, or new release, Speechify’s audiobook service has high-quality content for everyone with thousands of the best books. Try Speechify Audiobooks today and get instant access to thousands of public domain audiobooks and your first premium audiobook for free when you sign up.

FAQ

Who is the head of Spotify audiobooks?

Nir Zicherman is the VP and Global Head of Spotify audiobooks.

What is Findaway Voices?

Findaway Voices is a platform that connects authors and publishers with voice actors to produce and distribute audiobooks to a wide range of retail and library partners.

How much is a Spotify Premium account?

Spotify Premium starts at $10.99/month.

Is Speechify Audiobooks available on mobile?

Yes, Speechify Audiobooks can be accessed on Microsoft, Mac, Windows, IOS, and Android devices.