The best Audiobook Apps for iPhone and Android are growing fast. People now prefer listening over traditional reading. Audiobooks fit perfectly into busy schedules. You can listen while traveling or exercising.
They work smoothly on modern smartphones. Most apps offer offline listening support. Some apps provide AI powered recommendations.
Best Audiobook Apps for iPhone and Android: Top Choices
Choosing the right audiobook app matters. Different apps offer different listening experiences. Some apps use subscriptions for access. Others allow simple pay per book. We tested apps on iOS devices.
We also tested them on Android phones. We compared pricing and content variety. User reviews were carefully considered too. Audio quality and playback controls were checked.
Offline performance was tested carefully. Library size and value were compared. Ease of use was also important.
1 Audible: Best Overall Audiobook App
Audible remains the top audiobook platform. It is owned by Amazon globally. It offers more than 200,000 titles. The library includes modern bestsellers.
It also includes podcasts and wellness programs. Exclusive Audible Originals are available inside. The app uses a credit system. You select titles using monthly credits.
You can keep purchased titles forever. Prime members receive extra special bonuses. You get two credits during the trial. After trial, one credit comes monthly.
Audible offers different subscription plans:
- Audible Plus costs $7.95 monthly
- Premium Plus 1 Credit costs $14.95
- Premium Plus 2 Credits costs $22.95
- Annual 12 Credits costs $149.50
- Annual 24 Credits costs $229.50
Audible offers a 30 day free trial. Narration quality is always very clear. Playback controls are smooth and simple. Offline downloads work without internet issues.
CarPlay and Apple Watch are supported. AI recommendations suggest suitable books. Device syncing works across multiple platforms. It suits heavy and regular listeners.
Pros:
- Built in credit system
- Prime member bonuses available
- Excellent overall user experience
Cons:
- Only paid plans available
- Best benefits need Prime membership
2. Audiobooks.com: Best Budget Option
Audiobooks.com offers strong budget value. It provides a 30 day free trial. You receive three free audiobooks. Unlimited audio entertainment comes included.
The VIP library offers extra titles. You can choose two VIP books. After trial, subscription costs $14.95 monthly. You get one credit every month. Extra credits can be purchased anytime.
The library includes 300,000 premium titles. Over 100 million podcast episodes available. The Sleep and Meditation section improves relaxation.
Audio News keeps users informed daily. Audio Magazines provide curated listening content. VIP Rewards refresh titles every month.
Family sharing feature is supported. Offline listening works mostly fine. Some offline streaming hiccups appear sometimes.
Pros:
- Wide content selection available
- Subscription or extra purchases allowed
- Family sharing supported
Cons:
- Monthly subscription fee required
- Offline issues reported occasionally
3. Google Play Books: Best Free Membership
Google Play Books has free membership. No monthly subscription is required here. It follows pay per book model. You purchase only desired audiobooks. The preview option helps before buying titles. Family library sharing is supported.
Users earn Google Play reward points. Points convert into Google Play credits. Special discounts appear on selected titles.
This app supports comics and manga. It includes ebooks and audiobooks. Streaming and download options are both available.
Personalized recommendations suggest suitable books. Android syncing works very smoothly. Siri supports hands free audiobook control. It suits casual audiobook listeners.
Pros:
- Free membership without subscription
- Comics and manga strong collection
- Family library supported
Cons:
- Limited compatibility with Chromebook
- Some restrictions on certain devices
4. Kobo Books: Best for eReader Lovers
Kobo Books offers five million titles. It includes over 1.5 million audiobooks. Both ebooks and audiobooks are supported. Switch devices without losing progress. Continue reading from the last stopped page.
Day and night reading modes available. Font size and style are adjustable. A built- in dictionary improves vocabulary. Personalized suggestions based on history.
Kobo also offers podcasts inside. Users can self publish their books. Kobo eReader device is available separately. Content availability depends on the region.
It works best with Android devices. The free trial lasts for 30 days. Monthly subscription costs $9.99.
Pros:
- Exclusive Kobo eReader device
- Podcast support included
- Self publishing feature available
Cons:
- Content differs by location
- Stronger compatibility with Android
5. Scribd: Best Value Subscription
Scribd offers an unlimited listening subscription. Monthly subscription costs $11.99. The free trial lasts for 30 days. It offers over two million ebooks. Audiobooks and podcasts are included.
Newspapers and magazines are also available. The New York Times is included. The Wall Street Journal included too. Sheet music has been added since 2015.
Scribd Originals provide exclusive titles. Scribd Audio features special audiobook releases. Open publishing platform supports writers.
Users can self publish within minutes. Over 60,000 Spanish titles available. Titles cannot be owned permanently. Access may feel limited sometimes.
Pros:
- Huge content library available
- Unlimited listening plan offered
- Affordable monthly pricing
Cons:
- You do not own titles
- Some access restrictions apply
6. Libby: Free Library Based App
Libby connects directly with libraries. You need a valid public library card. Borrow audiobooks completely for free. The interface is clean and easy. Offline downloads work smoothly. Playback speed adjustable from 0.6x.
Maximum speed goes up to 3x. Sleep timer feature included. Bookmarks and notes are supported.
Highlights can be added easily. Availability depends on the local library. Waitlists may appear for popular books. Best for students and budget users.
7. Hoopla: Instant Free Borrowing
Hoopla also connects with libraries. It focuses on instant borrowing systems. No long waitlists for most titles. The collection includes 1.5 million items. Audiobooks are available in large numbers. Movies and TV shows included.
Comics, manga, and music offered. Cross device syncing works properly. Offline listening is supported fully. Monthly borrowing limits may apply. Great free alternative option.
8. LibriVox: Free Classic Literature
LibriVox offers public domain audiobooks. It includes over 45,000 titles. Content available in 30 languages. Mostly classic literature included here. Includes poetry, novels, and history. Rare out of print books available.
Unlimited streaming is completely free. Narration quality may vary sometimes. Recordings are volunteer based. The app interface is very simple. Best for classic book lovers.
9. Storytel: Strong Regional Content
Storytel offers an unlimited listening subscription. The library includes one million titles. Strong regional and multilingual content available. Exclusive Storytel Originals are included. Switch between reading and listening instantly.
Set personal listening goals inside the app. Track listening statistics easily. Follow favorite authors and series.
Smart recommendations improve discovery. Trending lists show popular books. Offline mode works smoothly. Best for international listeners.
The Bottom Corner
Best Audiobook Apps for iPhone and Android offer convenience. They suit students, professionals, and travelers. Audible leads with premium experience. Scribd and Kobo give strong value.
Google Play Books suits casual users. Libby and Hoopla offer free options. Choose according to your listening habit. Start listening and enjoy stories daily.
