How to listen to audiobooks: Free apps vs. paid subscriptions | Mashable

There really is nothing like reading a good book. it can expand your understanding of the world, give you something to do while you wait at the doctor’s office, and everything in between. but not everyone has time to sit down and open a volume. for those people, audiobooks are the way to go.

Listening to audiobooks during those little spare moments in your day is now easier than ever, but the number of ways to do so can be a bit overwhelming. With dozens of apps to choose from and a host of supported devices, audiobook listeners have tons of options, but also tons of choices to make.

You are reading: Best way to listen to audio books

first, order your hardware

If you’re going to listen to audiobooks, then you need something to listen to audiobooks. It’s pretty safe to assume that anyone reading this has at least one device that fits the bill, as you can listen on virtually any smartphone or tablet, most Kindle readers, and even an Apple Watch.

A smartphone is probably the easiest way to do this, as most of the popular apps are available on both iOS and Android. Other than that, the only other hardware issue you need to work out is what kind of audio delivery contraption you’ll be using. Let’s face it, speakerphones exist for a reason, but that reason isn’t to annoy everyone around you with an audiobook about the three-body problem.

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You can literally use any bluetooth headset or speaker you have for this. I don’t care if you’re using the Marshall Mode II headset, the Sonos Roving Speaker, or some wired headset you bought for $15 at the gas station. all will work. no need to be picky.

use a paid audiobook app…

Just as there are plenty of different apps for any simple task, audiobook fans have a sizable number of apps to choose from. Many of the most notable audiobook apps require payment in one form or another, be it a monthly subscription, on-demand book purchases, or sometimes a combination of both.

some well-known names in audiobook apps include:

  • audible (android, ios), amazon’s app with a $14.95 monthly subscription that includes access to a catalog of on-demand audiobooks, as well as a free title from a premium audiobook store per month.

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    scribd (android, ios), with an $8.95 monthly fee that grants unlimited netflix-style access to a catalog of audiobooks, magazines, and even government documents.

    audiobooks.com (android, ios), a monthly fee of $14.95 gets you access to an on-demand library, as well as two free book credits from the premium store each month.

    google play books (android, ios), a free download app that allows you to purchase audiobooks individually on the google play marketplace,

    apple books (ios), an apple exclusive option where audiobooks are sold individually.

    If it’s not obvious by now, there are plenty of ways to get audiobooks for a little money. but there are also ways to get them without spending any money.

    …or support your local library

    Public libraries are a precious and precious resource that exist to serve without taking. They provide many important services to their communities without a profit motive getting in the way, and that includes free audiobook distribution.

    The best part is that you don’t even need to go to the library to take advantage of this. simply pull out your library card and enter the information into any of the following apps to digitally borrow audiobooks:

    • overdrive (android, ios)

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      libby (android, ios)

      axis360 (android, ios)

      simply (android, ios)

      If you don’t have a library card, getting one is as easy as going to your local branch. Or, if that doesn’t work, you can get one online by visiting your local public library’s website, calling them on the phone, or even through apps like overdrive and libby.

      The only caveat to this approach is that library systems have limited supplies of audiobooks. so you may need to put books on hold (or just pay for them elsewhere if you’re impatient) depending on your library’s supply.

      make space in your agenda

      This last point is something only you can figure out for yourself, but it’s worth mentioning: Identify the best points of your day to include in an audiobook and you’ll be over it in no time.

      If your commute is longer than a few minutes, go ahead and hit play on that audiobook. if you work from home, well, you can listen almost as long as you’re not talking out loud to another human being, as long as it doesn’t break your concentration. Household chores, long walks, and exhausting world of warcraft experience points are just a few other situations where it might make sense to listen to a book, since your brain may not be fully occupied.

      It’s about what works for you. Whether that means paying Amazon some money for Audible’s huge selection of audiobooks or borrowing from your local library for free, you don’t need to worry about getting easy access to audiobooks. you have options just try not to get too lost in the story and miss your subway stop.

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