Let’s tackle the bookish world’s most persistent debate: Is listening to an audiobook really reading? If you’ve ever felt a twinge of guilt logging an audiobook on Goodreads or wondered if it “counts,” this article is for you. Put that doubt to rest, because science has a very clear answer. Spoiler alert: Yes, audiobooks are reading.

Let’s look at the evidence.

1. Your Brain Doesn’t See a Difference

The most compelling evidence comes from neuroscience. A landmark 2016 study from the University of California, Berkeley published in the Journal of Neuroscience put participants in an fMRI machine and had them listen to and read the same stories.

The researchers discovered that the brain’s semantic processing—the way it extracts meaning from language—was virtually identical. Whether the words came in through the eyes or the ears, the same cognitive and emotional regions of the brain lit up. The brain, it seems, is a master of story comprehension, regardless of the delivery method.

2. The “Core Experience” is the Same

Another key study, often cited from Harvard University, found that the psychological experience of a story is fundamentally the same. Participants were assigned to either read or listen to a narrative, and their levels of emotional engagement, comprehension, and subsequent recall were tested.

The result? The medium didn’t matter. Listeners understood the plot, connected with the characters, and were moved by the story just as deeply as readers. The core experience of getting lost in a narrative was preserved.

3. It’s an Age-Old Tradition

Let’s not forget that storytelling is an ancient, oral tradition. For millennia, knowledge, history, and culture were passed down through the spoken word. Our brains are evolutionarily wired to process information aurally. Reading a physical book is a relatively recent invention in the grand scheme of human history. Audiobooks are, in many ways, a return to our roots.

So, Why Does the Stigma Persist?

Often, the argument against audiobooks is that it’s “cheating” or that your mind wanders more. But here’s the truth:

• Is it “Easier”? It’s just different. Your brain is still doing the heavy lifting of constructing the narrative world. And yes, minds wander during both physical reading and listening—that’s normal! The “rewind 30 seconds” button is the audiobook equivalent of re-reading a paragraph.
• It’s Not a Competition: The goal is to experience and enjoy stories, not to win a purity test about how you consumed them.

A Game-Changer for Learning Disabilities

Perhaps the most important benefit of audiobooks is their role as a transformative tool for individuals with learning disabilities. For readers with dyslexia, ADHD, or visual impairments, traditional text can present a significant barrier.

Audiobooks unlock the world of literature by bypassing these challenges. They allow the listener to focus on comprehension and enjoyment without the struggle of decoding words. This is not just convenient; it’s empowering. It provides equal access to the curriculum, popular novels, and the joy of stories.

Organizations like Learning Ally are dedicated to this exact mission. They provide an extensive library of human-narrated audiobooks specifically designed for students and individuals with learning differences. 

Ready to “Read” More? Start with Audiobooks.

If the science has convinced you to give audiobooks a try, or if you’re simply looking for a way to fit more stories into a busy life, you’re in luck. Audiobooks are a fantastic gateway to achieving your reading goals.

They transform dead time—your commute, chores, daily walk, or workout—into immersive literary adventures. As we discussed in our previous article, 5 Simple Ways to Read More Books, embracing audiobooks is one of the most effective strategies to dramatically increase the number of books you consume each year.

And remember, if cost is a concern, your library card and free apps like Libby and Hoopla provide access to thousands of audiobooks at no cost. There’s never been a better time to press “play” on your next great read.

What was the first audiobook that truly captivated you? Share your recommendations—let’s celebrate all the ways we read! If you’d like to follow along on my library reading journey, check me (and my dog) out on BookTube.