What are the best audiobooks on Spotify?
With its origins dating back to 2006, Spotify has grown into one of the most popular music streaming platforms globally. However, in recent years, Spotify has expanded its offerings beyond music and ventured into the world of podcasts and audiobooks. In this article, we will explore the best audiobooks available on Spotify, but first, let's delve into the history and workings of this streaming giant.
Spotify history and how it works
Spotify was founded in Stockholm, Sweden, and launched to the public in October 2008. Originally a music streaming service, Spotify quickly gained traction and changed the way people consume music. Users can access a vast library of songs, create personalized playlists, and discover new artists. In addition to music, Spotify recognized the growing popularity of podcasts and audiobooks. As a result, it expanded its content offerings to include podcasts from various genres and began partnering with publishers to bring audiobooks to its platform.
Spotify memberships
For music enthusiasts, Spotify provides various membership options. You can opt for the complimentary version with ads or elevate your experience with Spotify Premium. The Premium version comes with perks such as no advertisements, enhanced sound quality, the convenience of offline play, track skipping, and more. There are several Premium plans to choose from, including the following. However, it’s worth mentioning that Spotify audiobooks are not part of the Spotify membership subscription packages and must be purchased à la carte.
- Individual plan (1 user) – $9.99/month
- Student plan (1 user) – $4.99/month
- Duo plan ( 2 users) – $12.99/month
- Family plan (6 users) – $15.99/month
Spotify audiobook pricing and availability
While Spotify’s free audiobooks from the public domain can be accessed via its free streaming service, premium audiobooks range from $5 to $35 per title and must be purchased à la carte through Spotify’s Android app or website. Audiobooks cannot currently be purchased through Spotify’s mobile app due to an ongoing dispute with Apple beginning last year. However, once you log in and purchase audiobooks from the Spotify website, the audiobooks will appear in your Spotify account, and you can enjoy them on mobile.
The best audiobooks on Spotify
To discover audiobooks on Spotify, you can use the search bar within the Spotify app or explore curated playlists and recommendations. Spotify offers a user-friendly interface, making it easy to navigate and find audiobooks based on your interests. In fact, Spotify boasts an extensive collection of audiobooks across various genres, including classics, bestsellers, non-fiction, sci-fi, and more. Here are summary breakdowns of some of the best audiobooks you can find on Spotify:
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Set in the dystopian nation of Panem, Katniss Everdeen volunteers to participate in the deadly Hunger Games to save her younger sister from being chosen. She and her male counterpart, Peeta Mellark, are pitted against children from 11 other districts. As they navigate the deadly arena, alliances form, betrayals occur, and the two form a complex bond.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
This novel chronicles the lives of the March sisters – Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy – as they navigate the challenges of adolescence, love, and ambitions in post-Civil War America. Their close-knit bond, individual aspirations, and the impact of societal expectations form the heart of the story.
The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
Blue Sargent, who's been warned she will cause her true love's death, becomes involved with a group of boys from the local private school, known as the Raven Boys. Led by Gansey, they're on a quest to find a lost Welsh king, and together, they unravel magical and dark mysteries.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Nick Carraway narrates the tragic tale of Jay Gatsby, a mysterious millionaire obsessed with the elusive Daisy Buchanan. Set in the Roaring Twenties, the novel delves into themes of the American Dream, love, and societal decadence.
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Dr. Victor Frankenstein creates life, stitching together body parts, but is horrified by his creation. The Creature, rejected by society and his creator, seeks vengeance, leading to tragic consequences.
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
Orphaned and mistreated as a child, Jane Eyre becomes a governess at Thornfield Hall, where she falls for the brooding Mr. Rochester. Their love is tested by secrets, societal norms, and personal traumas.
Dracula by Bram Stoker
Count Dracula attempts to move from Transylvania to England to spread the undead curse. A group of individuals, including Jonathan Harker and Professor Van Helsing, work together to confront and combat the ancient vampire.
How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
Kendi explores the concept of racism and proposes that the opposite of "racist" isn't "not racist," but "antiracist." The book dissects various forms of racism, its origins, and offers insights into active steps individuals can take toward building an antiracist society.
Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut
Billy Pilgrim becomes unstuck in time after surviving the Dresden bombing in WWII. The narrative switches between different phases of his life, including his time on the planet Tralfamadore, revealing a satirical and deeply anti-war sentiment.
You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson
Liz Lighty, a black, queer teen, runs for prom queen in a bid to win a scholarship to her dream college. As she navigates the challenges of high school politics, she finds love and learns to embrace her true self.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy navigate societal expectations, family pressures, and personal prejudices in Regency-era England. Their evolving relationship showcases themes of class, love, and reputation.
Beauty Queens by Libba Bray
A plane carrying teen beauty pageant contestants crashes on a deserted island. As the survivors navigate the wild, they confront societal stereotypes, corporate conspiracies, and personal revelations.
Me: Elton John Official Autobiography by Elton John
The iconic musician chronicles his life, from his early days in music, his rise to superstardom, struggles with addiction and personal identity, to finding love and fatherhood. It's a candid, emotional, and inspiring account of his journey.
A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin
Set in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos, noble houses vie for control of the Iron Throne and the Seven Kingdoms. Themes of power, betrayal, honor, and the supernatural intertwine in this intricate epic.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling
Harry, an orphan, learns on his 11th birthday that he is a wizard. He attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, makes friends and enemies, and discovers that he is destined to confront Lord Voldemort, the dark wizard who killed his parents.
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FAQ
Do Spotify audiobooks come with an Audible plan?
Spotify audiobooks do not come with an Audible plan, as they are separate platforms with distinct offerings.
Can Spotify audiobooks be accessed on a Kindle?
Spotify audiobooks cannot be directly accessed on a Kindle, but Spotify can be used on various devices with internet capabilities.
Do Spotify audiobooks come with an Amazon subscription?
No, Spotify audiobooks do not come with an Amazon subscription.
