9 of the best audiobook subscription services

The popularity of audiobooks has skyrocketed, with more and more people turning to this medium to read their favorite stories and learn new information. This has led to the emergence of many audiobook subscription services, all trying to capture a piece of the market. These include Speechify Audiobooks, Audible, Librivox, OverDrive, Libby, Apple Books, Downpour, and Google Play books. But with so many options available, it can be difficult to pick the right tool for your needs. This article will review nine of the best audiobook subscription services currently available, complete with details about how they work and what sets them apart from their competitors.

The best audiobook subscription services

Audible

Audible is one of the most popular audiobook subscription services on the market. It offers unlimited access to over 100,000 titles for a flat monthly fee. With its library of bestsellers, classics, and exclusive audio productions (Audible originals), the platform provides an enjoyable and comprehensive listening experience. There are two Audible subscription plans: Audible Plus and Audible Premium Plus. Both offer access to the entire collection, but the premium plan goes further by providing a monthly credit that can be redeemed for bestsellers or new releases. Note that you can always get additional credits in the form of gift cards. Furthermore, this streaming service boasts some of the most advanced features to help you get the most out of your listening experience. From personalized recommendations based on past listens to integration with Amazon Alexa and Apple HomePod, Audible makes it easy to find just what you want to read. All of these integrations are available via the Audible app.

Speechify

Speechify is quickly becoming one of the best sources of unlimited audiobooks, and for good reason. For starters, the platform has thousands of public domain titles plus premium, top-of-the-range audiobooks that ensure there's always something great to read. Every purchase you make stays in your local library even after your subscription expires. With Speechify, you get your first premium audiobook for free, allowing you to explore different stories and authors before fully committing to the service. With an expansive audiobook library of classic and popular titles, there's no shortage of books to enjoy. But that's not all. Speechify boasts one of the best audiobook apps, which enables you to enjoy stories on the go without worrying about setting up digital devices to listen.

Scribd

Scribd, often referred to as the Netflix of audiobooks, is a premier audiobook subscription service. With over 220,000 titles available across multiple languages, Scribd has something for everyone—from bestsellers, fiction, and non-fiction books to classic works and exclusive Scribd originals. What sets Scribd apart is its integration with other services, such as Amazon Kindle Unlimited, allowing subscribers to access audiobooks, e-books, and magazines. Additionally, Scribd has an extensive collection of educational materials, such as online courses and textbooks for members looking for more than just entertainment. Finally, you can use personalization tools like bookmarks and speed controls to tailor your listening experience however you like.

Audiobooks.com

Audiobooks.com has been quietly excelling as a service provider in the audiobook industry. Thanks to their subscription-based model, users don't have to worry about paying exorbitant prices for an individual book—they are given monthly credits that can be used to purchase an audiobook of choice. To sweeten the deal, they have recently added another attractive feature called the VIP selection, where you get access to 150 books from different genres each month. In addition, Audiobooks.com has more than 70,000 podcasts. Purchased items are yours to keep even after your subscription expires. Finally, the service has a favorable return policy where you’re granted a refund if a file has faulty content.

Libro.fm

Libro.fm is another popular audiobook subscription service that offers access to thousands of DRM-free titles from major publishing houses such as HarperCollins and Simon & Schuster. Libro also provides a 30-day money-back guarantee if you don't like what you hear. Libro.fm differs from Audiobooks as it allows users to buy audiobooks directly from independent bookstores instead of paying through Libro.fm itself. And when you use audiobook credits to purchase some titles, the service shares the profit with the local bookstore. This means you can enjoy unlimited listening while supporting small businesses.

Blinkist

Blinkist offers over 5,000 professionally narrated summaries from popular titles that can be accessed for an extremely low cost. The platform provides unlimited access to audiobooks, and users get a single summary free per day. Blinkist can be accessed on various platforms, including Android, iOS, and Amazon Alexa devices - making it one of the most accessible options out there. Blinkist offers a monthly subscription, but there's a seven-day trial in case you want to test the product before making a financial commitment.

Hoopla Digital

Hoopla Digital is a great subscription audiobook service for library card holders, allowing them to access an extensive library of digital content. With Hoopla, users can conveniently stream or download audiobooks, e-books, sheet music, movies, TV shows, and magazines right to their phones or tablets. You can also sync content across devices so they can always access their favorite titles. Perhaps best of all, all titles are free thanks to your public library.

Libby

Libby is the premier library reading app from OverDrive, a highly popular choice among readers around the globe. Through the app, you can enjoy audiobooks in your car using your iPhone's CarPlay or Android Auto or have your library books sent directly to your Kindle device. Libby has a vast selection of e-books, magazines, and audiobooks that can be borrowed for free from any library. Whether you're an avid reader or just looking to find new books to dive into, Libby can be your ideal subscription service.

Kobo

Kobo is an excellent, cost-effective way to find e-books and a curated collection of audiobooks. With over five million titles in its library, it offers the convenience of purchasing titles that are yours to keep even if you decide to cancel the service. Their audiobook subscription plans give readers access to preorders and credits at unbeatable prices. However, the availability of subscriptions also depends on your location. Currently, Kobo is only available in Canada and not in the U.S.

Try Speechify Audiobooks today

Speechify Audiobooks is revolutionizing the way people read and listen to stories. Speechify Audiobooks offers over 60,000 titles across multiple genres, so you can never run out of options. You can easily search for titles by author name or book title and find exactly what you're looking for—no matter your interests or preferences. Its AI-powered platform leverages technology to deliver a personalized experience. In addition, the service offers over 130 voices and is available on all devices. In addition, Speechify Audiobooks now comes with a free chrome extension, allowing even more control and versatility in how you enjoy books. So why not join the thousands of readers who have already embraced Speechify Audiobooks? With its powerful AI capabilities, intuitive user interface, and extensive library of titles, there's something for everyone. Create an account today.