I discovered audiobooks while searching for a way to keep up with business books. Reading was taking too much time, and I had a growing stack of "must-reads" on my desk.
That first audiobook turned into a second, then a third. Now I listen everywhere - during commutes, while reviewing reports, and even those endless email catch-up sessions.
But when people ask me about getting into audiobooks, they often hesitate at subscription prices. "Which service is worth it? What about these new features from Spotify? Should I just use my library card?"
I get it. These are the same questions I had. So I tried all the major services to see how they stack up.
After months of testing different platforms, I've found there's no one-size-fits-all answer - it really depends on how you like to listen.
Let me walk you through the best options I've found.
1. Audible
I started with Audible when my stack of business books kept growing. One credit costs $14.95 monthly, and I use it for new releases that would normally cost $30-40.
The Plus Catalog gives you extra books beyond your monthly credit. I've found useful business classics there, along with some good strategy books I wouldn't have bought separately.
Their app never loses my place between phone and laptop. I can speed up to 3.5x, which helps with longer books. If I don't like a narrator, I can return the book and get my credit back (I've done this twice).
Pros:
- Biggest audiobook library
- Good app that syncs across devices
- Keep books after canceling
- Easy returns within a year
Cons:
- Credits expire after 12 months
- Some books need extra credits
- More expensive than other options
2. Libro.fm
My first experience with Libro.fm came from a business conference where they were partnering with local bookstores. After three months of use, I've found their selection matches most of my needs.
The app's interface is clean and downloading books for offline listening is straightforward. I use it mostly during my morning planning sessions.
Their business book curation stands out. I've picked up two excellent strategy books from their monthly recommendations that weren't on my radar.
Pros:
- Supports local bookstores
- Simple, effective app
- Good monthly deals
- Personal touch in recommendations
Cons:
- New releases sometimes take an extra day or two
- No unlimited listening option
- More limited selection than Audible
3. Blinkist
Blinkist is another audiobook subscription service that I regularly use alongside Audible. Instead of full books, they create 15-minute summaries, which save me hours of listening time when I just need the core ideas.
Kristian Larsen
Their 6,500+ summaries cut through the fluff. When a new business book launches, I often check the Blinkist version first to see if it's worth investing in the full audiobook later. The narration quality matches premium services.
The subscription costs $12.99 monthly or $79.99 annually for unlimited access. I use it most mornings with coffee, usually getting through two or three summaries a week.
Pros:
- 6,500+ book summaries
- Unlimited listening
- Professional narration
- Text and audio formats
Cons:
- Summaries only
- No full books
- Basic app features
- Non-fiction only
4. Audiobooks.com
I gave Audiobooks.com a try when looking for an Audible alternative. Their library has 150,000+ titles, which includes most new business releases I need.
The app is clean and downloads are fast. I like how it remembers where I left off, and the speed controls work up to 3x, which is enough for most books.
One thing bothers me—their return policy isn't clear. Unlike other services, there's no simple way to return a book if you don't like it. They also don't work with smart speakers, which might matter if you use Alexa.
Pros:
- Large audiobook selection
- Clean, simple app
- Good deals on popular titles
- Family sharing option
Cons:
- Vague return policy
- No smart speaker support
- VIP books disappear after canceling
5. Downpour
Downpour caught my eye with its $12.99 monthly fee. The credit system works well for my needs, but the rental option is what makes them unique.
Being able to rent audiobooks for 30-60 days saves money on titles I only need to listen to once. When I needed extra time for a lengthy business book, extending the rental cost just a couple dollars.
The library includes most business titles I look for. Downloads work smoothly, and the app handles my daily listening without issues.
Pros:
- Lower monthly cost
- Flexible rental options
- Extend listening time easily
- Credit never expires
Cons:
- Smaller selection overall
- Mobile app needs updating
- No family sharing
- Limited speed controls
6. Everand
My search for unlimited audiobooks brought me to Everand (previously Scribd). For $12 monthly, I got access to audiobooks plus their ebook library—helpful for referencing charts and graphs from business books.
The selection matches most of my needs. I found the latest Malcolm Gladwell alongside classic business titles. After two popular books though, newer releases became "unavailable" until next month.
Their 2x speed limit feels slow compared to other apps, but the mobile bookmark feature helps track important sections. I keep it as a backup for months when I need more than one business book.
Pros:
- Combined audio and ebook access
- Solid business book selection
- No credit system
- Budget-friendly price
Cons:
- Hidden monthly limits
- Slower playback speed
- Books vanish after canceling
- Support can be slow
7. Epic
This service focuses on a huge digital book collection—over 35,000 titles in their library. While browsing their catalog, I found both audiobooks and read-along books in their "Read to Me" section.
Their audiobook selection includes both fiction and non-fiction titles. The interface makes it easy to find what you're looking for under different categories.
The platform offers a 30-day free trial to test their service. Their setup feels more streamlined than most subscription services I've tried.
Pros:
- Large digital library
- Read-along features
- Good category organization
- Free trial available
Cons:
- Limited audiobook focus
- Basic features
- Smaller selection than specialists
- Some content restrictions
8. GetAbstract
GetAbstract offers 15-minute summaries of business books. After struggling to finish full audiobooks between meetings, this format clicked with my schedule.
Their library of 20,000+ summaries covers major business topics. Each comes in both audio and text formats, with analysis that digs into key concepts. The narration quality is professional and clear.
The $299 annual fee is steep compared to regular audiobook services, but for quick business insights and implementation ideas, I've found it worthwhile.
Pros:
- 20,000+ business summaries
- Professional narration
- Includes written analysis
- Available in 7 languages
Cons:
- Expensive annual pricing
- No full audiobooks
- Corporate-focused model
- Basic mobile features
9. Kobo Audiobooks
For $9.99 per month, Kobo's audiobook subscription gets you one audiobook credit. A lower price point for membership caught my attention after trying pricier services.
Their app makes audiobook purchases straightforward. Each month's credit works for any title in their collection, and unused credits roll over. The membership also includes discounts on additional audiobook purchases.
While their selection is growing, not every new release appears right away. Still, the simple one-audiobook-per-month model works for my listening habits.
Pros:
- Lower monthly subscription
- Clean, modern app
- Flexible credit usage
- Regular member sales
Cons:
- Smaller audiobook collection
- Delayed new releases
- Basic subscription options
- Limited features
10. Apple Books
Found Apple Books while browsing my iPhone's app store. Instead of a monthly subscription, you purchase audiobooks one at a time, typically around $9.99 each.
The app features some exclusive content like author interviews and bonus materials. I've noticed they get certain audiobooks before other platforms, especially from popular authors.
Syncing works flawlessly across Apple devices—my favorite feature is how it remembers my place between iPhone and iPad. The interface feels familiar if you use other Apple services.
Pros:
- Own books forever
- Exclusive Apple content
- Seamless device syncing
- No subscription needed
Cons:
- Higher per-book cost
- Limited to Apple devices
- Fewer sales and deals
- No subscription discounts
11. Spotify Audiobooks
Spotify's new audiobook feature gives Premium subscribers 15 hours of listening monthly. Recently tried this since I already use Spotify for music.
You can buy additional hours when needed, and unused time rolls over for a year. The selection includes most new releases and bestsellers I look for.
The 15-hour limit works for about one or two books monthly. Integration with my existing Spotify app makes switching between music and audiobooks convenient.
Pros:
- Part of Spotify Premium
- Good title selection
- Simple hour tracking
- Familiar interface
Cons:
- Monthly hour limits
- Extra hours cost more
- No ownership of books
- Basic audiobook features
Which Is The Best Audiobook Subscription Service?
After testing these services extensively, I've found each has its sweet spot. If you want the largest library and don't mind paying a bit more, Audible is hard to beat. For supporting local bookstores while getting premium service, Libro.fm delivers. Need unlimited listening? Everand works well if you can handle their monthly limits.
For quick learning, I switch between Blinkist and GetAbstract. Spotify makes sense if you're already a Premium subscriber, while Kobo's lower price point makes it an attractive starting point. Downpour's rental option gives you flexibility for one-time listens.
Most services offer 30-day trials, so you can test them risk-free. And remember—you're not locked into using just one. I mix and match depending on what I'm listening to.
