A complete review of Chirp audiobooks

Check out the Chirp audiobooks ultimate guide and reviews that can help you decide if it’s the right audiobook provider for you.

Chirp audiobooks ultimate guide and reviews

Listening to audiobooks the same way for too long can get dull. It always seems like two or three audiobook providers account for the entire market. But audiobook lovers are always on the prowl for better deals, new players, and more satisfying user experiences. When looking for alternative platforms, Chirp is one of the more recent names to make a splash in the industry. This detailed Chirp audiobook review and guide will show you what makes it different and perhaps better for some avid readers and listeners.

What is Chirp?

Chirp is a marketplace for audiobook listeners. It offers featured deals all the time, and—unlike similar audiobook services like Amazon Audible, Scribd, Audiobooks.com, and others—Chirp doesn’t charge subscription fees. To find a great deal on popular audiobooks, this audiobook provider offers frequent updates on the Chirp website. Alternatively, you can subscribe to the newsletter for notifications and promo codes. The most important aspect is that Chirp functions as a traditional marketplace. It doesn’t charge a monthly subscription fee or make you exchange Audible credits for the books you want. You pay as you go and own every book and audiobook you buy forever.

How does Chirp audiobooks work?

Chirp Audiobooks works by partnering with publishers and authors to offer discounted audiobooks for sale to customers. Chirp sets the pricing for the audiobooks and offers these deals to its users. Users can browse and purchase audiobooks directly from the Chirp website or app. Chirp also offers a Wish List feature where users can keep track of the books they want to read and receive notifications when they are on sale.

How to use Chirp audiobooks

Using Chirp Audiobooks is easy. Users can sign up for an account on the Chirp website or app for iOS and Android. Once signed up, users can search for titles they want, add them to their cart, and check out using a credit card or Paypal. Chirp also offers a mobile app that allows users to listen to their purchased audiobooks on-the-go. Chirp Audiobooks offers a wide selection of titles, including bestsellers, classics, and new releases. Users can browse by genre, author, or narrator to find the perfect audiobook for their interests and preferences. Chirp also frequently offers discounts and promotions on popular titles, making it an affordable option for avid audiobook listeners. In addition to purchasing audiobooks, Chirp also offers a selection of free audiobooks that users can download and listen to at no cost. These titles are often lesser-known works or samples of popular titles, giving users the opportunity to discover new authors and genres without any financial commitment.

Process of submitting audiobooks to Chirp Audiobooks

If you are an author or publisher and you would like to submit your audiobook to Chirp, the process is straightforward. You can submit your audiobook through the Chirp website by clicking on the "Submit Audiobooks" button. Chirp only accepts audiobooks that have not been previously discounted and that have a retail price of $3.99 or higher. Once your audiobook has been approved, Chirp will set a discounted price for your title and notify you via email. Chirp pays royalties on a monthly basis for any sales made on their platform. It is important to note that Chirp does not require exclusivity for audiobooks submitted to their platform. This means that you can still sell your audiobook on other platforms while also having it available on Chirp. However, Chirp does recommend that authors and publishers offer their audiobooks exclusively on their platform for a period of time in order to maximize sales and exposure. In addition, Chirp offers promotional opportunities for audiobooks that are submitted to their platform. This includes featuring audiobooks in their daily deals and email newsletters, as well as offering audiobooks for free to their subscribers. These promotional opportunities can help increase the visibility and sales of your audiobook on the Chirp platform.

Chirp - The key features

Naturally, Chirp has a couple more things going for it. In fact, there are four key features that make Chirp a household name in the audiobook industry and one of the top providers for audiences, publishers, and self-publishing authors looking for exposure and sales.

Access to great deals

Audiobook deals are available on all major audiobook service platforms, but that doesn’t mean users get great deals on bestsellers or even indie titles. For example, Audible credits are often worth more due to the membership cost than the price of a book you may want to get and listen to on your Kindle. On the other hand, Chirp focuses on giving users audiobook deals. The provider they partner with must offer discounts and solid pricing to readers. Chirp can’t afford to overprice its audiobooks—thus, they partner with many publishers to offer amazing audiobook deals to its users. That’s why Chirp books make for cheap audiobooks because everything aligns just right.

Chirp app has a user-friendly design

Many users appreciate Chirp for its minimalist app design. You can access three core sections, settings, activity, and the library, and personalize your Chirp experience. Naturally, the app has a useful search function and simple visual elements. It’s less distracting than what you get from other audiobook players. Furthermore, the design is mobile-friendly, making it great for road trips, commuting, etc.

The book library

Spending money on audiobooks outside Amazon’s marketplace doesn’t mean you have to deprive yourself of great books. Chirp works with some of the top publishers in the industry. There’s no shortage of New York Times bestsellers, famous authors, and award-winning narrators in the Chirp library. In addition, you can create a wish list and receive timely notifications of when a new audiobook comes in. The retailer gets new releases consistently, highlights trending book club novels, and offers hundreds of new deals monthly.

Gift cards

Another way Chirp stands out from similar platforms is its gift cards. For instance, Audible lets you gift individual audiobooks or memberships that give the recipient credits. Yet, for a comparable price, Chirp can also help you gift multiple audiobooks to a loved one or fellow book enthusiast.

Pros of Chirp audiobooks

Chirp Audiobooks offer titles across various categories, including fiction, non-fiction, romance, mystery, and thriller. Users can browse titles by genre or by top-selling and new releases. What sets Chirp Audiobooks apart from other audiobook services is its unique discounted pricing model. Chirp offers discounts ranging from 50% to 95% off the regular price of books. This makes it an affordable platform for both avid readers and occasional listeners. Another benefit of using Chirp is that it offers a straightforward and user-friendly interface, making it easy to browse and buy books. The platform also offers a Wish List feature where users can keep track of the books they want to read and receive notifications when they go on sale. In addition to its discounted pricing and user-friendly interface, Chirp Audiobooks also offers a wide selection of narrators for its titles. Users can choose from a variety of voices and accents, making the listening experience more enjoyable and immersive. Chirp also provides a sample of the narrator's voice for each title, allowing users to preview the narration before making a purchase. Furthermore, Chirp Audiobooks has a mobile app that allows users to download and listen to books offline. This is especially convenient for users who want to listen to books while traveling or in areas with limited internet access. The app also has a sleep timer feature, which automatically stops playback after a set amount of time, making it easier for users to fall asleep while listening to a book.

Cons of Chirp audiobooks

One of the main disadvantages of Chirp Audiobooks is that it does not offer a subscription service. Users have to purchase books individually, which can add up if you are an avid reader or listener. Chirp also has a limited selection of audiobooks compared to other audiobook services, such as Audible or Scribd. Another potential downside of Chirp Audiobooks is that it does not have a mobile app. This means that users can only listen to their purchased audiobooks on a computer or through the Chirp website. This can be inconvenient for those who prefer to listen to audiobooks on-the-go or while commuting. Additionally, Chirp does not offer any social features, such as the ability to share books or connect with other users, which may be a drawback for some readers.

A quick Chirp review

Chirp is one of the best alternatives to traditional audiobook lovers’ subscription services. Whether you’re an occasional or avid audiobook listener, you can get some of the best limited-time deals on new books and bestsellers as a Chirp user. The app is easy to use, doesn’t have aggressive audiobook marketing, and has a customizable player with all the necessary features. So, how do Chirp’s features stack up against other platform offerings? Chirp isn’t perfect by any means. You can find the best audiobook on your favorite book list, but that doesn’t mean you won’t pay the full price. Deals pop up occasionally and go through rotations. On one hand, Chirp doesn’t lock users into memberships. While on the other hand, that also means the platform can’t offer many free audiobooks. Still, Chirp offers are great, and the lack of a membership fee makes it an affordable alternative to bigger audiobook platforms. However, Chirp lacks podcasts and similar content you may find in the Audible Originals catalog. Furthermore, Chirp only works in Canada and the U.S., meaning you can’t rely on it when traveling. It’s also not the best choice for international audiobook enthusiasts. Perhaps the most significant downside is the absence of a download button. Chirp audiobooks are only available in the Chirp app. Yet the platform keeps improving. For example, users can make in-app purchases after buying their first book on the website. The first transaction unlocks the app’s buying feature. Create a small review covering the pros and cons of Chirp. For example, a major con is that it’s not available outside the United States and Canada.

Alternatives to Chirp audiobooks

Although Chirp Audiobooks offers great discounted prices, other audiobook services offer more extensive selections and subscription options. Audible, for example, offers a monthly subscription service that includes one credit per month to be used to purchase any audiobook on the site, as well as access to exclusive audio content. Scribd also offers a monthly subscription service that includes access to unlimited audiobooks and e-books for a flat fee. Another alternative to Chirp Audiobooks is Audiobooks.com, which offers a similar subscription service to Audible, but also includes a free trial period and a rewards program for frequent users. Additionally, Libro.fm is a great option for those who want to support independent bookstores, as they partner with local bookstores to offer audiobooks through their platform. It's important to consider your personal preferences and needs when choosing an audiobook service. Some services may offer better prices or selections for certain genres or authors, while others may have more user-friendly interfaces or better customer service. It's worth exploring different options and reading reviews before committing to a subscription.

Speechify—The text-to-speech app that transforms text

If you love audiobooks and want to turn any text into audio, we have a solution. Speechify is an app that uses two key technologies—text-to-speech (TTS) and optical character recognition (OCR)—to make enjoying both print and digital text easier. Speechify processes and transforms text into natural-sounding speech. People with reading difficulties can follow the highlighted text in the app while listening to an unabridged narration. Speechify is compatible with Android and iOS mobile devices, Windows and Mac operating systems, as well as web browsers, converting anything from text files to illustrations into speech. And don’t worry about Alexa-type voices. Artificial intelligence and deep learning algorithms help Speechify generate natural-sounding voices for realistic narrations. Whether you want to listen to daily emails, read complex or advanced books, or proofread your work before self-publishing, Speechify can be your guide. Try Speechify today to enhance your reading experience on multiple levels.

FAQ

How does Chirp make money?

Chirp makes money from selling audiobooks and promoting authors and publishers.

Is Chirp owned by Amazon?

No. BookClub, a subsidiary of Pubmark Inc. owns Chirp.