Top Alternatives To Audible

When you are washing the dishes, walking the dog or doing the laundry, there is a good chance that you are listening to something. And it may not necessarily be music. Audiobooks and podcasts have changed the way that we consume real-life stories, new ideas and knowledge. In fact, we are listening more than ever before, and loving it.

While most of us would love to be able to sit down and read a book, there isn’t always time. Fortunately, audiobooks are turning the daily commutes into classrooms and giving us moments of escape during mundane chores.

 

The Rise Of Audiobooks And Podcasts

 

It’s definitely not to say that the popularity of audiobooks and podcasts are just another trend to follow because everyone else is doing it. In fact, its subtly showing how people are choosing to interact with information in new ways to keep up with the modern times.

There is no doubt that we are living in age of multitasking and time is probably one of our most precious resources that can’t be wasted. And with the daily grind of work, managing a household, spending time with family and running errands, it’s harder for us to actually sit down and read a book traditionally. At least, without constant interruptions like phone notifications and endless screen time.

At least with audiobooks, we can still learn while on the go without having to carve out some quiet reading time.

 

Top Alternatives To Audible

 

Audible has been a widely-used platform for years, however it may not be for everyone. If you want to explore some alternatives for budget-friendly options or those who don’t require a membership, here are a few great options to try for your next listening session. Happy listening!

 

1. Libro.fm

 

 

Libro.fm is an alternative to mainstream audiobook platforms, and a feel-good one at that. For every audiobook that you purchase, a percentage is donated to a local bookstore of your choosing. It has a similar model to Audible in that you can get credits every month and purchase audiobooks individually but with the added bonus of supporting small businesses.

Of course you can still access new releases and bestsellers but still help local bookshops in the process. So it’s great books, great listening and for a great cause!

 

2. Libby

 

 

For those who are on a tight budget, Libby is the go-to. The platform was created by OverDrive and connects directly to your local library. So, you can borrow e-books and audiobooks for free just by using your library card. Think of it as having an entire bookshelf in your pocket, but free of charge.

You can also choose to listen in the app or download your choice for offline use, with new releases being added all the time. However, because it is a shared system, you may need to wait in line for popular books. But there is always a hidden gem to find while you wait.

 

 

 

3. Scribd

 

 

You may hear Scribd nicknamed as the “Netflix of books” and it certainly lives up to the name. When you pay the single monthly fee, you get access to a gigantic range of audiobooks, e-books, podcasts and even magazines. While some platforms limit the amount that you can listen to in a month, Scribd offers unlimited access for most of its offerings.

Additionally, the platform will send you a curated list of recommendations to help you discover new authors. For those who want value for money and variety, it really is a no-brainer.

 

4. Chirp

 

 

Chirp’s approach is completely different to that of its competitors. Instead of charging a subscription amount, the platform offers audiobook deals for a limited time so you only pay for the books you want and they are yours to keep. You can get great deals on popular fiction, romance, thrillers and biographies with the deals being rotated continuously.

For those who like to shop around and grab a bargain without being tied into a monthly payment, this is definitely a platform worth considering.

 

5. Spotify Audiobooks

 

 

The popular music streaming platform Spotify has recently branched out into the audiobook world. If you already pay for Spotify Premium, you can access a certain number of audiobook hours each month without paying any additional fees. You can find these with your playlists and podcasts so it’s all in one place.

It may not have an exhaustive list yet but it’s growing quickly with a range of fiction, non-fiction and classics to choose from especially for those already part of the Spotify family.

 

6. Audiobooks.com

 

 

Audiobooks.com has a similar setup to Audible where you have a monthly subscription with one credit per month as well as access to other options for streaming at no additional cost. However, what sets it apart is the features available. Think curated book lists, personalised recommendations and a growing podcast variety.

If you aren’t ready to jump in with a subscription straight away, you can try the free trial to test the waters first before making the commitment.