Whether you’re logging miles on your morning walk, hitting the treadmill, hiking a scenic trail, or commuting to work, audiobooks can make every step more enjoyable. They turn ordinary routines into opportunities to learn, laugh, or get lost in a story. From motivation during a run to mindfulness on a hike—or simply a better way to pass time at your desk—the right listening app can transform your day.
That’s why we’ve rounded up the best audiobook apps available today. These platforms make it easy to carry your favorite stories wherever your shoes take you—without missing a beat. Below, we’ve highlighted our top picks for the best audiobook apps and a helpful buying guide to find the one that best fits your pace, preferences, and lifestyle.
What we looked for
In selecting the best audiobook apps, we considered features such as:
- Library size and variety (how many titles and across what genres)
- Ease of use: download/stream, offline listening, bookmarking, speed controls
- Value: subscription cost, free trial, credit vs unlimited models
- Platform support: Android/iOS, sync across devices
- Bonus perks: exclusive content, integration with other services
All in all, we asked: which apps make it easiest to listen, enjoy, and keep reading via audio?
Our Top Picks for the Best Audiobook Apps
With so many listening platforms available today, finding the best audiobook apps can feel overwhelming. Whether you want unlimited streaming, credit-based ownership, or free access through your local library, there’s an option for every type of listener. Below, we’ve rounded up our top picks for the best audiobook apps — each offering unique features, libraries, and pricing models to help you find the perfect fit for your listening habits and budget.
1. Audible — Top pick overall
Why it leads the pack:
Audible offers one of the largest libraries of audiobooks in the industry—including best-sellers, classics, and Audible Originals. It remains the powerhouse among the best audiobook apps, with an estimated 800,000+ audio titles available.
Standout features:
- Credits-based subscription: you earn/monthly credits then keep the title you pick.
- A massive “Plus” catalogue of titles you can stream without using credits.
- Reliable playback controls (speed, bookmarking, offline).
- Seamless device sync (especially for Amazon/Kindle users).
Considerations:
- The cost is higher than budget alternatives.
- If you cancel the subscription, you can keep titles you purchased with credits—but streaming catalog access may end.
- If you listen less frequently, you might not get full value from the monthly credit model.
Bottom line:
If you’re serious about audio reading, want the biggest selection and strong features, Audible sits at the top of the list of best audiobook apps.
2. Audiobooks.com — Strong contender
Audiobooks.com is a solid second choice in the landscape of best audiobook apps. It offers a large catalog (300,000+ titles) and an easy-to-use interface.
Why use it:
- Typically slightly cheaper or more flexible than some high-tier services.
- Includes features like sleep timer, cloud-sync across devices.
- Good library of new titles and genres.
Trade-offs:
- Slightly smaller library than Audible.
- Some features (like advanced integrations) may be less polished.
- The “keep” model differs: you keep books purchased with credits, but some bonus/ “VIP” titles might be lease-style.
Best for:
Listeners who want a premium audiobook experience but are open to alternatives to Audible and perhaps want a better value.
3. Scribd — Unlimited-style for diverse format lovers
Scribd isn’t solely an audiobook app—it offers e-books, magazines, audiobooks and more. That makes it one of the best audiobook apps for listeners who also read ebooks and want variety.
Highlights:
- One monthly fee gives wide access (depending on catalog licensing) to a broad content library.
- Great if you don’t need to “own” titles but want freedom to browse and explore.
Things to know:
- Catalog may not include every hot new release compared to credit-based services.
- The model is “stream as long as subscription alive,” so you lose access if you cancel.
- For heavy audiobook obsessives, you might bump into limits.
Best for:
Readers/listeners who mix formats (ebooks + audiobooks), want flexibility and value, and don’t care about permanent ownership of every title.
4. Libby (via libraries) — Best free/low-cost access
If you have a library card, Libby (from OverDrive) is among the best audiobook apps to get free or low-cost access. It’s consistently ranked among the best audiobook apps because you borrow direct from your library’s digital collection.
Why it stands out:
- Zero or very low cost (just your library membership).
- Great for infrequent listeners or those who just want to sample.
- Works well for commuting, casual listening.
Limitations:
- Catalog depends entirely on your library’s offerings—may be limited.
- You don’t “keep” titles permanently; you borrow for a set period.
- Waitlists may apply for popular titles.
- App interface and flexibility may be slightly less robust than premium services.
Best for:
Budget-conscious listeners, students, or anyone who wants to dip into audiobooks without monthly fees.
5. Kobo Books — A niche pick with strong value
Kobo Books is sometimes overlooked but has earned mention in many round-ups of the best audiobook apps thanks to its mix of a la carte purchases and subscription access (e.g., Kobo Plus).
Why you might pick it:
- If you already read with Kobo, you might enjoy the ecosystem.
- Flexible pricing: you can purchase individual audiobooks without a heavy subscription if you prefer.
- Good cross-device support and international reach.
Things to keep in mind:
- Feature set and library size may lag the frontrunners.
- Subscription/unlimited tiers may have smaller “active” catalog restrictions.
- If you’re in the U.S./Canada you may still prefer the bigger players unless you have a specific reason.
Best for:
Listeners who already use Kobo ebooks, or who prefer buying title-by-title rather than a subscription, and want a credible alternative among the best audiobook apps.
Buying Guide: How to choose among the best audiobook apps
Here are some key questions to ask yourself when selecting one of the best audiobook apps:
1. How often do you listen?
If you listen daily or several books per month, a credit-based service with ownership (like Audible) may yield the best value. If you listen occasionally, a library-based app like Libby might suffice.
2. Do you care about owning audiobooks or just accessing them?
Some services let you keep the audiobooks forever (after purchase/credit) while others operate on “access while subscribed”. If building a long-term audio library means something to you, that may steer your choice.
3. What kind of content do you prefer?
Fiction? Non-fiction? Summaries? Classics? Some apps (e.g., Scribd) offer more variety of formats (magazines, essays) while others focus heavily on audiobook content. Check the catalogue breadth.
4. Platform/device support & usability
Make sure the app runs well on your devices (phone, tablet, desktop), supports offline listening, allows speed controls, bookmarks, and device-sync. The best audiobook apps excel in user experience.
5. Budget & pricing model
Subscription cost, credit vs unlimited vs free borrow, hidden fees. Some services bundle other media (ebooks, magazines), which may enhance value. Also check: are there free trials? Can you cancel anytime?
6. Extra perks
Exclusive content, partner integrations (smart speakers, ebook sync), quality of narration. These may tip the balance if you’re on the fence.
Final Thoughts
Choosing among the best audiobook apps doesn’t need to be complicated. If you want the top-tier all-rounder, Audible is hard to beat. But if you’re looking for value, variety, or even free access, the other four options offer realistic, strong alternatives.
Here’s how to pick:
- Go with Audible if you listen regularly, love owning your audio library and want the biggest selection.
- Consider Audiobooks.com for a premium experience at perhaps slightly lower cost.
- Try Scribd if you read/listen across formats and want flexibility.
- Use Libby if you have a library card and want free or low-cost access.
- Explore Kobo Books if you prefer buying individually or already use the Kobo ecosystem.
Whatever your choice, jumping into the world of audio is one of the most convenient and enjoyable ways to consume books. With any of the services above—among the best audiobook apps—you can turn commute time, chores, or quiet evenings into immersive listening adventures. Happy listening!
