The allure of audiobooks is unquestionable. They offer an engaging way to enjoy bestsellers, non-fiction, and other popular books while doing daily activities. But, getting your hands on cheap audiobooks can sometimes feel like looking for sheet music in a haystack. Don't fret; there are numerous ways to acquire audiobooks, either for free or at a discounted price. Here, we'll explore how to navigate the audiobook landscape for the best deals.
The Cheapest Ways to Get Audiobooks
Arguably, the cheapest way to get audiobooks is through free services like Librivox. This platform offers audiobooks from the public domain for free. Similarly, the OverDrive and Libby apps, linked to your local library, offer free audiobooks. All you need is a library card. They're available on both Android and iOS, and are a fantastic way to access a comprehensive audiobook library without spending a dime.
Another app, Hoopla, offers a similar service, giving card-holding library patrons free access to audiobooks. However, there might be a limit to the number of audiobooks you can borrow each month, so be sure to check the specifics for your local library's services.
Audible: A Subscription Service with Options
One of the most popular platforms for audiobooks is Amazon's Audible. The cheapest Audible book service comes in the form of an Audible subscription, where you pay a monthly fee for one or two audiobook credits. These credits can be used for any audiobook, regardless of its retail price. Audible subscribers also get access to Audible Originals, unique content not found anywhere else.
If you're wondering whether it's cheaper to buy the audiobooks or subscribe to Audible, the answer can depend on your reading habits. If you listen to several audiobooks a month, the subscription model may offer more value. For occasional listeners, buying individual audiobooks on sale might be more economical.
The Audiobook Perks of Amazon Prime
Many Amazon Prime members ask, "Is audiobook free with Prime?" The answer is yes, but with a caveat. Prime members have access to a rotating selection of audiobooks through Prime Reading. For unlimited access to the entire Audible catalog, however, a separate Audible subscription is required.
Audible Versus Kindle Unlimited
When comparing Audible and Kindle Unlimited, keep in mind that these are different services. Audible focuses solely on audiobooks and podcasts, while Kindle Unlimited is primarily for eBooks, but also includes some audiobooks. When it comes to price, Kindle Unlimited might be the cheaper option as it offers unlimited access to over a million titles for a flat monthly subscription fee. However, only a fraction of these are audiobooks.
Alternatives to Audible: Scribd, Audiobooks.com, Chirp, Kobo, and Libro.fm
If you're seeking more flexibility or cheaper alternatives, consider other audiobook services like Scribd, Audiobooks.com, Chirp, Kobo, and Libro.fm. Scribd offers unlimited access to a vast selection of audiobooks for a monthly subscription fee, similar to Netflix. You can add your wishlist, track your favorite audiobooks, and enjoy new releases.
Audiobooks.com, like Audible, operates on a credit system but also offers audiobook deals for discounted titles. Chirp, on the other hand, doesn't require a monthly subscription; instead, it offers heavily discounted audiobooks for purchase.
Kobo's audiobook subscription is slightly cheaper than Audible's, and its store features regular sales. Libro.fm supports local book stores and offers a similar subscription model to Audible, but with the unique selling point that you can choose a local bookstore to support with your purchases.
Other Free and Cheap Audiobook Resources
For Android and iOS users, Google Play Books and Apple's App Store have audiobooks available for purchase, and you can often find discounts on popular and bestseller titles. Also, Amazon often bundles Kindle books with their audiobook counterparts at a lower price, which could be beneficial if you enjoy both reading formats.
We can't forget about the wealth of free audiobooks available. Project Gutenberg, known for its catalog of free eBooks, also has some free audiobooks, primarily classics in the public domain.
To answer the question, "How can I get cheap audiobooks?" the answer depends on your needs, reading habits, and budget. You might find that a monthly subscription service like Audible, Scribd, or Libro.fm fits your consumption style best. Or, you might prefer to hunt for deals on individual titles through services like Chirp or your local library's digital lending program via OverDrive or Libby.
Regardless, there are plenty of options out there, so you don't need to pay full price to enjoy your favorite audiobooks or explore new titles on your reading list. So, grab a free 30-day trial, explore your options, and dive into the immersive world of audiobooks today.
