Your Guide to Finding, Listening, and Loving Audiobooks

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If you’re anything like me, life gets busy. 

There’s always something to do, somewhere to be, or a million things on your to-do list. 

That’s why I absolutely love audiobooks. They let me read while I’m driving, cleaning, working out, or even just relaxing.

Audiobooks have become super popular lately, and it’s no surprise why. 

They’re so easy to fit into your day. 

You can listen while stuck in traffic, during your morning run, or even while cooking dinner. 

They make boring tasks way more enjoyable. 

Plus, they’re a great way to finally tackle those books you’ve been meaning to read but just couldn’t find the time for.

So, whether you’re new to audiobooks or already a fan, I’m going to walk you through the best places to find them, tips for listening every day, and how to get the most out of this awesome way to enjoy books.

Best Platforms for Finding Audiobooks

There are tons of options out there for finding audiobooks, so it can feel a bit overwhelming. 

Let’s break it down into a few categories so you can find the platform that’s right for you.

1. Subscription-Based Platforms

I. Audible

Audible is probably the most well-known audiobook service, and for good reason. 

It has a huge library with everything from bestsellers to exclusive titles you won’t find anywhere else.

Here’s how it works: you pay a monthly fee, and they give you credits to download audiobooks. 

The app is super easy to use, and you can adjust the playback speed, bookmark favorite parts, and sync across devices. 

If you’re serious about audiobooks, Audible is worth checking out.

II. Everand (formerly Scribd)

Think of Everand as the Netflix of books. 

For a flat monthly fee, you get unlimited access to audiobooks, eBooks, and even magazines. 

It’s great if you like variety or tend to go through audiobooks quickly. 

They’ve got everything from popular fiction to non-fiction gems, so there’s something for everyone.

III. Kobo Audiobooks

Kobo is a solid choice if you’re not into subscriptions. 

They let you buy audiobooks individually or sign up for their subscription plan, which is a bit cheaper than Audible. 

Bonus: if you use Kobo eReaders, their audiobooks integrate seamlessly with the devices.

2. Free and Library-Based Platforms

I. Libby (by OverDrive)

If you have a library card, you’re already halfway to enjoying free audiobooks. 

Libby connects to your local library and lets you borrow audiobooks (and eBooks) for free. 

It’s easy to use, and the selection is surprisingly good. 

Just note that popular titles might have waitlists, so plan ahead.

II. Hoopla

Another fantastic library-based app is Hoopla. 

Unlike Libby, there are no waitlists, so you can borrow audiobooks instantly. 

It’s perfect if you’re impatient like me and don’t want to wait weeks to listen to the latest bestseller.

III. Project Gutenberg & Librivox

If you’re into classics, these two platforms are amazing. 

They offer free public domain audiobooks, so you can enjoy works like Pride and Prejudice or Moby Dick without spending a penny. 

The quality can vary since Librivox relies on volunteers, but it’s hard to beat free!

3. À La Carte Audiobook Stores

I. Google Play Books & Apple Books

If you prefer buying audiobooks one at a time, both Google Play Books and Apple Books are great options. 

They often have sales and discounts, so you can snag some great deals. 

Plus, if you’re already using their devices, syncing your books is super easy.

II. Libro.fm

This one’s a little different. Libro.fm lets you buy audiobooks while supporting your local bookstore.

It works on a membership model like Audible, where you get credits to spend each month. 

It’s a feel-good way to enjoy audiobooks while helping small businesses.

4. Niche Platforms

I. Chirp Books

If you’re on a budget, you’ll love Chirp. 

They offer daily and monthly deals on audiobooks, often at super low prices. 

No subscriptions, no hassle—just affordable audiobooks.

II. GraphicAudio

For something unique, check out GraphicAudio. 

Their audiobooks feel like movies for your ears, with sound effects and full casts of voice actors. 

If you’re into fantasy, sci-fi, or action-packed stories, this platform is a must-try.

Tips for Finding Great Audiobooks

Finding the right audiobook can be tricky, especially with so many choices. Here are a few tips to help you out:

1. Try Free Trials and Discounts

Most subscription services like Audible, Everand, and Kobo offer free trials. 

Take advantage of these to explore their libraries and see which one fits your needs best. 

You might even get a couple of audiobooks for free!

2. Use Your Library

If you haven’t already, get a library card. 

Apps like Libby and Hoopla make it easy to access thousands of audiobooks for free. 

Pro tip: Reserve popular titles early so you’re not stuck waiting forever.

3. Join Audiobook Communities

There’s a whole world of audiobook lovers out there! Join Facebook groups, Reddit threads, or forums to get recommendations and reviews. 

Goodreads also has lists of highly-rated audiobooks, so you can see what others are loving.

4. Watch for Sales

Keep an eye on Chirp, Libro.fm, and other platforms for discounts. 

Signing up for their newsletters is a great way to stay in the loop about deals and special offers.

How to Listen to Audiobooks Every Day

Listening to audiobooks can easily become a part of your daily routine. Here’s how to fit them into your day:

1. Build a Listening Routine

Mornings: Start your day with an audiobook instead of scrolling through your phone. Motivational or self-help books are great for getting in the right mindset.

Commutes: Use that time stuck in traffic or on the train to dive into a great story. Just connect your phone to your car’s Bluetooth or download your audiobook for offline listening.

Workouts: Pair an action-packed thriller or mystery with your exercise routine. It makes time fly by!

Chores and Cooking: Trust me, folding laundry or chopping vegetables is way more fun with a good audiobook playing in the background.

Also See: 40+ Fun & Exciting Things To Do While Listening To An Audiobook

2. Create Dedicated Listening Time

Set aside a specific time each day for audiobooks. 

Maybe it’s 20 minutes before bed or during your lunch break. 

Pairing your audiobook with a relaxing activity like knitting, coloring, or walking can make the experience even better.

3. Use Playback Features

Most apps let you adjust playback speed, so you can speed things up if the narrator is too slow or slow it down for complex topics. 

Don’t forget to bookmark key moments to revisit later, especially if you’re listening to non-fiction.

4. Multitask Mindfully

It’s easy to get distracted while multitasking, so pick tasks that don’t require too much focus. 

For example, audiobooks work great while cleaning but might be harder to follow while answering emails.

Popular Genres and Audiobook Recommendations

Here are a few genres to explore, along with some recommendations to get you started:

Tools and Accessories for a Better Experience

To make your audiobook experience even better, consider investing in some tools:

I. Headphones and Speakers

Good-quality Bluetooth headphones or earbuds can make a big difference. 

If you listen at home, smart speakers like Amazon Echo are super convenient.

II. Apps and Tools

Look for apps that let you download audiobooks for offline listening or sync progress across devices. 

If you’re a note-taker, apps like Evernote are handy for capturing insights from non-fiction books.


So, what are you waiting for? 

Pick a platform, find a book that catches your eye (or ear!), and start listening. 

Trust me, once you get into the habit, audiobooks will quickly become one of your favorite parts of the day.

Preye

Hi! I'm Preye ("pre" as in "prepare" and "ye" as in "Kanye"), and I am a lifelong book lover who enjoys talking about books and sharing bits and pieces of all the fascinating things I come across. I love books so much that I decided to become a developmental editor, and right now, I work with authors to help them tell their stories better. On this blog, I share everything from book recommendations to book reviews and writing tips, so feel free to stop by anytime you like!

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