Audiobook

Platforms for listening to narrated books and stories.

Rankings

  1. 1. Audible (Audible Premium Plus)

    Largest library of audiobooks with monthly credits and exclusive content

    Audible is the global leader in spoken‑word audio, offering a massive catalog of audiobooks, podcasts, and Audible Originals. The Premium Plus plan includes one monthly credit to redeem for premium titles plus access to the Audible Plus catalog for unlimited streaming. Audible’s ecosystem spans apps, browsers, Kindle, and Alexa, enabling seamless cross‑device listening and reading experiences. In 2025, the base Premium Plus price is around $14.95/month with occasional promos (e.g., Prime Day, holidays) that reduce upfront costs for new members. Audible is widely accessible worldwide and is known for exclusive content and high‑quality narration, giving it the strongest brand recognition in the space. However, some top titles require credits, and costs can add up for heavy listeners. ([pricetimeline.com](https://pricetimeline.com/data/price/audible?utm_source=openai))

    Rated 4.7

  2. 2. Libby, by OverDrive

    Borrow from public libraries for free with a single app

    Libby is the library lending app from OverDrive that lets you borrow ebooks, magazines, and audiobooks from participating libraries. You sign in with a library card and can read or listen offline, sync progress across devices, and even send items to Kindle in the U.S. Libby has become the go‑to free option for many readers worldwide, though the exact catalog depends on your local library and licensing agreements. Since its launch in 2017, Libby has grown to serve libraries globally as part of OverDrive’s ecosystem. ([libby.help](https://libby.help/?utm_source=openai))

    Rated 4.6

  3. 3. Storytel

    Global audiobook & e‑book streaming in many languages

    Storytel is a leading global platform for audiobooks and e‑books with millions of titles across dozens of languages. Founded in Sweden in 2005 and headquartered in Stockholm, Storytel operates in many markets and emphasizes a multilingual catalog, locally relevant titles, and Storytel Originals. In 2025, Storytel continues to expand its catalog and international footprint, including partnerships that extend access to the U.S. market through Audiobooks.com in some regions. The service is best for multilingual listeners and readers who want broad regional content. ([storytelgroup.com](https://www.storytelgroup.com/en/about-us/history/?utm_source=openai))

    Rated 4.5

  4. 4. Scribd (Everand, Scribd, SlideShare)

    Everand: books, magazines, podcasts, and more under one subscription

    Scribd restructured in 2023 into three products: Everand, Scribd, and SlideShare. Everand focuses on books, magazines, and audio content, with a tiered unlock system in the US (Standard 1 unlock/month, Plus 3, Deluxe 5). Globally, Scribd/Everand offers a broad library across languages and genres, plus ad‑free access to SlideShare documents. Everand is positioned as an affordable, all‑in‑one reading/listening option, with pricing commonly around $11.99/month in the US and regional variations elsewhere. ([support.scribd.com](https://support.scribd.com/hc/en-us/articles/210134106-Subscriptions?utm_source=openai))

    Rated 4.2

  5. 5. Kobo Plus

    Kobo Plus: read and/or listen with multi-tier subscriptions

    Kobo Plus is Rakuten Kobo’s all‑you‑can‑read and/or listen subscription. It offers separate Read (ebooks), Listen (audiobooks), or Read & Listen tiers. In the U.S. and other markets, initial pricing has commonly been around $7.99 for a single content type or $9.99 for both; Kobo Plus has expanded across multiple regions, including Canada, the UK, Australia, and parts of Asia. The service emphasizes integration with Kobo devices and apps and is part of Kobo’s broader ecosystem of ebooks and audiobooks. ([techcrunch.com](https://techcrunch.com/2023/04/04/kobo-plus-subscription-plans-are-now-available-in-the-u-s/?utm_source=openai))

    Rated 4.0

  6. 6. Libro.fm

    Audiobooks that support indie bookstores

    Libro.fm partners with independent bookstores to offer a monthly audiobook subscription. For $14.99 per month, listeners receive one audiobook credit and can buy additional titles at a 30% discount. The first month is often offered for $0.99. Libro.fm emphasizes DRM‑free playback and connects buyers with local bookstores, expanding access beyond major retailers. The service is widely available in multiple regions and provides Android/iOS apps and a web player. ([blog.libro.fm](https://blog.libro.fm/choose-indie-every-month/?utm_source=openai))

    Rated 4.5

  7. 7. Google Play Books

    Google Play Books: buy audiobooks individually in the Google ecosystem

    Google Play Books offers a storefront for audiobooks where titles are purchased individually rather than via a subscription. The catalog is large and integrated with Google Play across Android, web, and various Google services. Listeners can preview samples and download purchased titles for offline listening. This model is ideal for casual listeners who don’t want a recurring subscription and prefer to pay per book. ([play.google.com](https://play.google.com/store/books/category/audiobooks?utm_source=openai))

    Rated 4.4

  8. 8. Apple Books

    Apple’s own store for audiobooks and ebooks

    Apple Books is Apple’s storefront for ebooks and audiobooks with no required subscription. Titles are purchased individually, with samples available before buying. The app works across iPhone, iPad, Mac, CarPlay and Apple Watch, syncing progress and purchases across the Apple ecosystem. In 2024–2025 Apple highlighted curated price collections like The $9.99 Collection and other editor picks, underscoring a premium retail approach rather than a flat‑rate model. This makes it ideal for customers who prefer paying only for what they want and who are deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem. ([apple.com](https://www.apple.com/apple-books/?utm_source=openai))

    Rated 4.6

  9. 9. BookBeat

    Nordic‑led audiobook & e‑book streaming

    BookBeat is Bonnier Books’ streaming service offering audiobooks and e‑books across Europe, with a focus on Nordic markets. Since its 2015 launch, BookBeat has expanded to multiple European markets and grown its catalog to hundreds of thousands of hours of listening. Plans are tiered by monthly hours (Basic, Standard, Premium), with a 30‑day free trial and ongoing regional pricing. The service integrates mobile apps on iOS/Android and supports offline listening, with a strong emphasis on local language catalogs and curated recommendations. ([mynewsdesk.com](https://www.mynewsdesk.com/bookbeat/pressreleases/bookbeat-grew-by-28-percent-in-2023-surpassing-sek-one-billion-in-revenues-and-900-000-users-3305801?utm_source=openai))

    Rated 4.3

  10. 10. Downpour

    Flexible credits, discounts, and rentals

    Downpour offers a credit‑based subscription plus a robust rental option. For $12.99 per month, members receive one download credit, with additional credits available for purchase. Rentals provide significant savings on popular titles, typically at $3.95–$5.95 per title, with 30–60 day listening windows. Downpour emphasizes value for listeners who want a mix of new releases and backlist titles without a strict all‑you‑can‑listen model. Availability and catalog can vary by licensing and region, and some features may depend on platform or device. ([downpour.com](https://www.downpour.com/audiobook-savings?utm_source=openai))

    Rated 3.9