Audible vs. Storytel audiobooks: What you need to know

Audible and Storytel are two audiobook options. Read on to learn more about the two platforms.

Audiobooks have surged in popularity for numerous reasons. They allow users to learn pronunciation, improve their reading and listening skills, practice comprehension, and expand their vocabulary. Plus, audiobooks are practical and enable users to multitask while listening. The field of audiobook providers and retailers is growing by the day. The list of leading audiobook platforms includes Audible and Storytel. Although they provide similar services, these two platforms differ in several aspects. Here, we’ll compare Audible and Storytel and discuss their notable features.

What is Audible?

Audible is an audiobook service founded by Amazon. The service allows users to enjoy audiobooks, podcasts, and other forms of audio content. Audible has one of the largest selections of titles, ranging from non-fiction books and bestsellers to titles published in regional languages and thrillers. The platform operates on a subscription basis. Once you purchase a subscription, you get access to the entire collection (with some caveats). Many users decide to purchase the Audible monthly subscription to enjoy Audible Originals, i.e., titles that can’t be found on other platforms. Users can enjoy Audible audiobooks on Windows and Mac computers. Moreover, they can install the Audible app on Android and iOS (iPhone and iPad) devices and listen to audiobooks and podcasts on the go. Audible is an audiobook service for anyone who enjoys listening to books. It offers titles for people of all ages, backgrounds, and education levels.

What is Storytel?

Storytel is a Swedish subscription-based digital library that offers thousands of ebooks, audiobooks, and podcasts. Similarly to Audible, the service requires a monthly subscription which gives users unlimited access to the entire collection. Storytel allows its users to listen to and read some of the best books of all time. The platform stands out from the rest due to its focus on Indian authors and published titles in Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, and other languages. Many users love Storytel because of its convenient option. For example, the Storytel app allows users to set a sleep timer, read and listen to books even when they’re offline, set listening goals, etc. Storytel is available only as a mobile app. Android users can download the app from Google Play, while Apple users can get it on the App Store. At the time of writing, Storytel doesn’t offer a desktop version. The platform recently acquired audiobooks.com, thus expanding its reach to the English-speaking market.

Audible vs. Storytel – The comparison

Let’s compare Audible and Storytel.

Language availability

Both Audible and Storytel offer audiobooks in numerous languages and can be excellent platforms for foreign language learning. Audible supports more languages than Storytel, but the latter focuses more on Indian authors, who can reach a significant audience.

Ease of use

Both platforms are fairly easy to use. However, people who have tried both state Audible is more intuitive. If you haven’t used a similar platform before and care about ease of use, Audible is probably a better option.

Bookmarking features

Both Audible and Storytel offer numerous convenient features, including bookmarking. While reading or listening to a book, you can mark a specific place and add your notes. One of the perks of Storytel is that a bookmark on an ebook can be transferred to its audiobook version seamlessly. On Audible, this is only possible if you own both, which can sometimes be costly since Kindle and Audible have separate subscriptions.

Platform availability

Audible is available on Windows and Mac computers and mobile devices. On the other hand, Storytel is available only as a mobile app.