I’m looking for the best app for audiobooks. I recently started commuting longer and want to make my time on the road more productive by listening to books. My priority is a large library selection and ease of use. Can anyone recommend a good app?
When it comes to finding the best audiobook app, there’s truly a variety to choose from, man. For someone commuting longer times, Audible is often touted as the go-to app. Primarily, it boasts a huge library with a selection that spans all genres. Audible makes it easy to find both bestsellers and hidden gems, plus they have user-friendly features.
The app interface is smooth, and you can easily download books for offline listening, which is a lifesaver if you’re hitting areas with spotty cell service. Audible also offers features like sleep timers and the ability to adjust playback speed—a handy addition for those long drives. Plus, with their subscription model, you get credits each month to purchase books, which can be quite cost-effective in the long run.
Another one worth mentioning is Libby, which connects you with your local library. It’s an excellent option if you’re looking to save some money since you borrow the audiobooks directly from the library’s collection. Libby is pretty intuitive and easy to navigate, but availability depends on your library’s selection and can sometimes be hit or miss.
Scribd is also quite popular due to its subscription model that, unlike Audible’s credit system, offers unlimited access to their collection of audiobooks, ebooks, and more for a flat monthly fee. The catch? While Scribd claims it’s ‘unlimited,’ they do sometimes restrict content if they think you’re consuming too much.
Lastly, you can’t overlook Google Play Books or Apple Books for their extensive selections and the convenience of syncing across devices. They also tend to offer competitive pricing on individual titles.
In summary, for overall selection and ease of use during commutes, Audible seems to most frequently stand out. But if you’re looking to explore other options based on your needs and budget, Libby and Scribd are definitely worth checking out too. Each has their quirks, but it all boils down to what fits your routine best. Safe driving, and enjoy your literary adventures!
Totally agree with @sterrenkijker on a lot of what they said, but let’s switch things up a bit and bring a diff POV. For starters, if you’re leaning towards the best bang for your buck considering optimal selection and usage, Chirp Audiobooks is fantastic. Unlike Audible’s subscription model, Chirp is a pay-as-you-go platform, and they often have significant discounts—sometimes up to 95% off. It’s perfect if you don’t want another monthly subscription hanging over your budget.
One potentially underrated option is Audiobooks.com. It’s pretty stellar because you get two free audiobooks upon signing up and, like Audible, offers a credit system. However, it also features a VIP Rewards program that gives you access to a free premium audiobook every month. And you might appreciate their bookmark and note-taking features during your longer commutes, which are pretty intuitive.
While Audible’s deeply integrated with Amazon, and Scribd’s unique ‘unlimited but not unlimited’ access has its merits, there’s an arguable balance found in Kobo Audiobooks. Kobo integrates better if you’re reading ebooks and listening to audiobooks back-to-back, all while offering competitive pricing on individual purchases without the hoops of subscription credits. Plus, the Kobo app lets you switch seamlessly between reading and listening, a feature not to be overlooked for mixed-media consumption.
Alright, very briefly on Google Play Books and Apple Books, they’re not primarily focused on audiobooks, but if you’re already entrenched in their ecosystems for other media, they offer solid selections and convenience. If you have a Plex Media Server at home, Plex audiobooks can be synced to your mobile, giving you control over your personal collection on the go.
If ya care more about community and personal recommendations, Storytel offers an interesting social angle, and they continuously improve their library. You can follow what friends and authors are listening to, making it feel like a book club on wheels.
Fyi, don’t count out the regional-specific apps too. For example, in the UK, Audible is super popular, but UK-focused apps like BorrowBox have gained traction, integrating seamlessly with local libraries plus offering a regional catalog not always available on other major platforms.
To wrap up, remember while Audible is often the gold standard, it’s key to find what aligns with your unique preferences, budget, and listening habits. A mix of Chirp, Libby, and possibly Audiobooks.com might just be your ultimate toolkit for a literary-filled commute. Happy listening and drive safely! 
