The Best Ways to Listen to Audiobooks in 2025: Free Apps & Paid Subscriptions

Are you a book lover who never seems to have enough time to read? Or maybe you want to make your commute, chores, or workout more enjoyable? Audiobooks are the perfect solution! But with so many services available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. This guide breaks down the best ways to listen to audiobooks, covering both free options through your library and paid subscriptions to fit any budget. Let’s dive into the best apps for audiobooks.

Free Ways to Listen to Audiobooks

1. Libby (by OverDrive) – The Digital Library Card

• How it works: Link your valid library card to the app to instantly borrow eBooks and audiobooks from your local library’s digital collection.
• Cost: Completely Free. All you need is a library card.
• Pros:
  • Entirely free access to a massive catalog.
  • User-friendly interface.
  • Syncs across devices.
• Cons:
  • Popular titles have waitlists (just like physical books).
  • Selection varies by library.
• Best for: Avid readers on a budget who don’t mind waiting for new releases.

2. Hoopla Digital – Your Library’s Instant Collection

• How it works: Another fantastic library service. With a library card, you get instant access to audiobooks, comics, eBooks, movies, and music.
• Cost: Completely Free.
• Pros:
  • No waitlists! If Hoopla has it, you can borrow it instantly.
  • Broader media selection beyond just books.
• Cons:
  • Your library sets a monthly borrow limit (e.g., 10 titles per month).
  • Catalog might be smaller than OverDrive’s in some regions.
• Best for: Readers who want instant gratification and enjoy a variety of media.

3. YouTube

• How it works: A surprising number of full-length audiobooks are uploaded to YouTube, especially for classic literature that is in the public domain.
• Cost: Mostly Free (ad-supported). Some creators may have paid channels.
• Pros:
  • Completely free access to thousands of classics.
  • No subscription or sign-up required.
• Cons:
  • Audio quality and narrator skill can be inconsistent.
  • Not a reliable source for new or popular modern titles.
  • Can be difficult to listen with the screen off without a YouTube Premium subscription.
• Best for: Students and listeners looking for free access to classic literature.

4. NetGalley – For Reviewers and Book Influencers

• How it works: This is a platform for book advocates (bloggers, reviewers, librarians, booksellers) to request and access Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs) of books, including audiobooks, before they are published.
• Cost: Free to join, but it’s a professional tool, not a consumer app.
• Pros:
  • Access to books months before their release date.
  • A great way to build relationships with publishers.
• Cons:
  • You are expected to provide a honest review in exchange for the book.
  • Not all requests are approved.
• Best for: Book bloggers, Bookstagrammers, BookTokers, and professional reviewers.
• Don’t have an audience? Try using BookSirens, which is open to any readers as long as you write a review.

Best Audiobooks Book Apps (Paid)

1. Audible (Amazon) – The Industry Giant

• How it works: Audible is the most well-known audiobook subscription. The flagship plan gives you 1 credit per month to redeem for any title in their vast catalog, which is yours to keep forever, even if you cancel.
• Cost: $14.95 per month for 1 credit, plus access to member-only sales and the Plus Catalog (a rotating selection of free-to-stream titles). Try an Audible Free Trial during Prime Day.
• Pros:
  • The largest and most comprehensive selection of audiobooks.
  • High production quality, often with famous narrators.
  • Keep your books forever.
• Cons:
  • The most expensive option per book if you only use the 1-credit plan.
• Best for: Dedicated audiobook enthusiasts who want the best selection and want to build a permanent library.

2. Spotify – Not Just for Music

• How it works: Many people don’t realize that Spotify’s massive catalog includes over 200,000 audiobook titles for Premium subscribers. You can find them by searching for a specific title or browsing the “Audiobooks” category.
• Cost: “Free” with a paid Premium subscription. You get 15 hours of audiobook listening per month as part of your plan.
• Pros:
  • Great value if you already pay for Spotify Premium for music.
  • Seamless switching between music, podcasts, and audiobooks in one app.
• Cons:
  • The 15-hour monthly limit might not be enough for heavy listeners.
  • Purchasing extra hours can get expensive.
• Best for: Casual audiobook listeners who are already Spotify Premium users.

3. Podium Audiobooks

What it is: A leading audiobook publisher specializing in high-quality, immersive productions, particularly known for WebNovels and serialized fiction.

Cost: Individual audiobook purchase or subscription through platforms like Audible.

The Verdict: The go-to source for listeners seeking cutting-edge, binge-worthy serialized fiction with professional narration and production value.

👉 Browse their titles: https://podiumentertainment.com/

4. Learning Ally (Learning Disabilities Aide)

How it works: Learning Ally is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting students with learning differences such as dyslexia, blindness, or visual impairments. They provide a massive library of human-narrated audiobooks, including textbooks and literature, specifically designed to support learning and comprehension.

• Cost: Requires an annual membership fee, which is often covered by schools, institutions, or scholarships.
• Best for: Students with diagnosed learning disabilities like dyslexia who need educational support and access to required reading materials.

How to Choose the Right Audiobook Service for You

Final Tip: Don’t be afraid to mix and match! Many audiophiles use Libby for most of their listening and have an Audible subscription for those must-listen titles with long waitlists.

What’s your favorite way to listen to audiobooks? Let us know in the comments below!

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