One of the greatest advantages of audiobooks is their portability—you can enjoy them anywhere: at your desk, in the kitchen, on the road, or during a run. No location is off-limits for diving into your favorite fiction or nonfiction.
That said, your preferred listening spots and devices often determine the ideal audiobook app for your routine. After testing dozens of options, we've curated six standout audiobook apps, each excelling in unique ways. Our goal is to help you choose the perfect one based on your needs.
Audible dominates the audiobook market, boasting over 150,000 titles. It offers nearly every major audiobook available, with a straightforward subscription: $15 per month gets you one free credit for any book, plus discounts on extras. It's ideal for heavy users, while its secret deals suit casual listeners too.
The app delivers essential features like adjustable playback speed, bookmarks, and offline mode. It uniquely syncs with Kindle, letting you switch seamlessly between reading and listening. Notes and bookmarks also sync across devices.
For nonstop listeners, Audible's vast library, Amazon and Kindle integration, and intuitive interface make it unbeatable.
Download Audible for iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Kindle, Alexa, and more.
Digital Rights Management (DRM) often feels restrictive—you don't truly own the content; you lease it with limits on apps and revocation risks. Downpour changes that by offering DRM-free downloads from its store. A few titles have DRM, but most let you own your audiobooks outright.
You can even rent for savings. While lighter on features than Audible, it includes bookmarks and variable speed. Try it free with The Adventures of Tom Sawyer—no signup needed.
Download Downpour for iOS
Download Downpour for Android
LibriVox provides over 24,000 free public-domain audiobooks, narrated by volunteers. Quality varies, and no new bestsellers here, but classics abound with some excellent readings.
The interface is basic, lacking advanced options, but DRM-free files let you import elsewhere. Thousands of free downloads make it a treasure trove.
Download LibriVox for iOS
Download LibriVox for Android
Many audiobook apps prioritize function over form. Audiobooked bucks the trend with a stunning, user-friendly interface that enhances the experience.
Currently exclusive to Windows 10 Mobile, it supports extensive bookmarks, 0.5x–3.0x speeds, diverse imports, and customizable libraries—perfect for audiobook lovers who value aesthetics. We hope for broader availability soon.
Download Audiobooked for Windows 10 Mobile
Support local indie bookstores without CDs. With Libro.fm, pick your favorite store, buy DRM-free audiobooks, and listen via their app, desktop, or import anywhere.
Features include bookmarks, speed control, and smart library sorting. The real win: backing local shops with every purchase.
Download Libro.fm for iOS
Download Libro.fm for Android
Borrow audiobooks from your library for free via OverDrive, which links to your library's catalog for instant access—ideal for road trips.
Browse, download, and play anywhere; it also handles eBooks. Enjoy bookmarks, speed adjustments, resume playback, and saved notes/highlights that persist across checkouts.
Download OverDrive for iOS
Download OverDrive for Android
Download OverDrive for Windows Mobile
Download OverDrive for Windows
These six apps cater to diverse preferences, but the audiobook world is vast. Do you prioritize speed range, interface, or constant store access?
Share your favorites in the comments: What apps do you use? Why? Which from our list stands out?
