Best Free Audiobooks Apps in 2024: Discover Top Platforms to Enjoy Books on the Go
Enjoying books has never been easier, especially with free audiobook apps. Millions worldwide listen to stories during commutes, workouts, or relaxing at home. These free apps open doors to thousands of titles without spending a dime. Whether you love classics or new releases, there's an app for you. Here’s a look at the best audiobook apps in 2024 that won’t cost you anything.
Why Use a Free Audiobooks App? Benefits and Advantages
Reach a Larger Audience
Free audiobook apps are changing how we access stories. They make literature available to everyone, no matter where you live or your budget. Audiobook streaming and borrowing are widening the reach of books globally. Data shows that audiobook consumption jumped by over 25% in 2023 alone, proving their rising popularity.
Cost-Effective Entertainment and Education
Why pay extra when you can access books for free? These apps save money that you'd spend on buying physical copies or subscribing to paid services. Plus, they support lifelong learning and literacy, giving everyone the chance to explore new topics or improve language skills without extra expense.
Accessibility and Convenience
One big perk of free audiobook apps is their ease of use. You can listen offline, which means no interruptions when your internet drops. The ability to change playback speed helps you learn faster or just enjoy more relaxing listening. Many apps also have features for visually impaired users, like text-to-speech and screen readers.
Top Free Audiobooks Apps in 2024: Features, Pros, and Cons
Libby by OverDrive
Overview and Key Features
Libby connects directly to your local library. Borrow audiobooks just like you would a physical book. It’s simple to set up and easy to navigate, compatible with most smartphones and tablets. The app brings the library to your pocket with a vast catalog of current and classic titles.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Large selection, free with library card, no extra fees.
- Cons: You need a library card, and availability depends on your local library’s collection.
LibriVox
Overview and Key Features
LibriVox offers thousands of free audiobooks that are in the public domain. Volunteer readers narrate classics like "Pride and Prejudice" or "Moby-Dick." No sign-up needed—just download and listen.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Entirely free, huge catalog, easy to use.
- Cons: Audio quality varies, mostly older titles, some narrations may sound rough.
Audible (Free Section)
Overview and Key Features
While Audible is best known for paid memberships, it also has a free section with a rotating collection of audiobooks. You can listen to some great titles without subscribing. It syncs smoothly with your Amazon account.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: High-quality recording, access to popular authors.
- Cons: Free books are limited, extra subscription offers more choice.
Spotify
Overview and Key Features
Spotify has become more than just music. It offers a growing collection of audiobooks, including fiction, nonfiction, and even children’s stories. If you already listen to music here, it's a convenient way to also check out books.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Free tier, familiar interface, easy to use.
- Cons: Not all audiobooks are well-categorized, search results can be cluttered.
Hoopla
Overview and Key Features
Designed for library users, Hoopla lets you borrow audiobooks digitally. It supports offline listening and has a wide range of genres. Its interface is like other streaming platforms, making navigation straightforward.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Free with library membership, lots of titles available.
- Cons: Borrow limits and availability depend on your library’s partnership agreements.
What is the best free audiobook app?
- Audible.
- Libro.fm.
- Blinkist - for my non-fiction friends…
- Chirp.
- Downpour.
- Google Play Audiobooks.
- Everand (previously Scrib'd)
How to Choose the Best Free Audiobook App for Your Needs
Consider the Content Library
What genres are you interested in? Some apps focus heavily on classics, while others have more current titles. Check which platform offers your favorite authors or topics.
Ease of Use and Interface
An app should feel intuitive and reliable. If it crashes or is hard to navigate, your listening experience suffers. Try out a few to see which one suits your style.
Compatibility and Accessibility
Make sure the app works on your device—phones, tablets, or computers. Accessibility features like adjustable text sizes or speech options are a bonus if needed.
Additional Features
Look for perks like speed control, bookmarks, offline listening, or user reviews. These little extras make a big difference over time.
Tips to Maximize Your Free Audiobook Experience
Using Multiple Apps
Don’t limit yourself to one. Use different platforms to access a broader range of titles. For example, use Libby for recent releases, LibriVox for classics, and Spotify for casual listening.
Leveraging Library Partnerships
Get a library card if you don’t already have one. Many libraries now lend digital audiobooks through apps like Libby and Hoopla—free and easy to use.
Managing Bookmarks and Playlists
Create playlists or mark favorites to listen to your favorites easily later. It keeps your library organized and saves time searching.
Enhancing Listening Experience
Use quality headphones, and listen in quiet spots. A comfortable environment helps you focus and enjoy every word.
🎧 Library-Linked Apps (Totally Free with Library Card)
-
Libby (by OverDrive) – Connects to most public libraries; you can borrow both audiobooks and ebooks with offline playback, adjustable speeds, sleep timers, and syncing across devices
-
Hoopla – Similar to Libby, with no holds queues—titles are available “instantly” based on library licenses .
-
Boundless (formerly Axis360) – A backup library app if Libby or Hoopla don’t carry certain titles, though its UI can be buggy
📚 Public-Domain Classics
-
LibriVox – Nonprofit volunteer-readings of over 20,000 public-domain books; free on both iOS and Android. Narration quality varies, but it offers timeless works like The Art of War and Alice in WonderlandOther platforms like Project Gutenberg and Loyal Books also host public-domain audiobook MP3s for free .
💸 Free or Cheap Deals via Retailers
-
Chirp – A la carte audiobook marketplace that features hundreds of free titles in its app daily, plus deeply discounted deals
-
Spotify Premium – Paid users get 15 free audiobook listening hours per month, enough for ~1–2 books, with easy access via Spotify’s audiobook section
❗ Paid Apps with Free Trials or Limited Free Access
-
Audible – Features a “Plus Catalog” offering thousands of free-to-listen audiobooks to subscribers. Audible Premium includes monthly credits and a 30‑day free trial
-
Audiobooks.com – New users get three free audiobooks during a 30‑day trial; service offers 500K+ premium titles Scribd (Everand) – Subscription-based service with “true unlimited” access to audiobooks, ebooks, magazines, and more
-
Google Play Books – No subscription required; purchase audiobooks outright. Often cheaper than Audible, and includes some free public-domain titles
🛠 Quick Getting Started Advice
-
Take your library card to set up Libby or Hoopla—you’ll be surprised how much is available without spending a dirham.
-
For classics, LibriVox is a treasure trove—install the app and start listening instantly.
-
Want variety? Install Chirp and check out the “Free Audiobooks” section.
-
Already on Spotify Premium? Explore the audiobook section for your free listening hours.
-
Curious about premium services? Try Audible or Audiobooks.com using their free trials. Audiobooks.com currently offers three free books upon signup
-
For limitless access, Scribd/Everand offers a comprehensive media bundle—including audiobooks.
🎧 3 Must-Listen Audiobooks That Will Keep You Hooked!
Looking for your next great listen? These three best-selling audiobooks on Amazon Audible offer something for every mood – from personal empowerment to thrilling suspense and mind-bending adventure. ✅ The Let Them Theory – A powerful guide to letting go of control and living with peace .https://amzn.to/4nYcUh5 ✅ The Housemaid – A gripping psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end.https://amzn.to/4lJZB2A ✅ Quicksilver – A fast-paced sci-fi journey full of mystery, action, and brilliant storytelling. https://amzn.to/44VpMMa Start listening today with a free Audible trial – and get your first audiobook 100% FREE! https://amzn.to/4lyTRs7
Conclusion
Free audiobook apps make enjoying stories more accessible than ever. From classic literature to new releases, they provide a variety of content at no cost. Trying out different platforms can help you find the perfect fit for your listening style. With so many options available in 2024, the world of audiobooks is open to everyone—just press play.
Ready to dive into your next story? Download a free audiobook app today, and start listening wherever you are. The next adventure is just a tap away!