01 Jul 7 Free Alternatives to Audible for Audiobook Lovers
If you’ve ever hit the end of your monthly Audible credits just as your “Want to Read” list keeps growing, you’re not alone. Audiobooks can be a game-changer for busy lives—keeping you company during commutes, workouts, or even while folding laundry—but those credit limits can feel limiting when your listening habits are anything but.
The good news? There are several free (or nearly free) ways to listen to audiobooks without compromising quality. Whether you’re looking to binge classics, explore new titles, or enjoy book club favorites, these Audible alternatives will let you listen endlessly, without spending endlessly.
1. Libby (by OverDrive)
If you have a library card, you have access to Libby, it’s one of the most beloved free audiobook apps. Libby connects to your local library’s digital collection, letting you borrow audiobooks (and eBooks!) right from your phone or tablet.
What we love:
- Absolutely free with a library card
- User-friendly app with sleep timer and bookmarks
- Huge variety of titles, including bestsellers
Heads up: Popular books may have waitlists, just like at the real library.
📓 Artful Tip: Use a dedicated color category in your monthly calendar to track due dates for Libby checkouts, and get a dopamine boost every time you return one on time!
2. Spotify
You might know Spotify for music and podcasts, but it’s also quietly become a contender in the audiobook world. While full access is part of their Premium plan, many books are available for free listening, especially classics and public domain titles.
What we love:
- Easy to access if you already use Spotify
- Great for listening to classics and celebrity-read excerpts
- Syncs across devices seamlessly
Heads up: Free users may encounter ads and limited skips.
📓 Artful Tip: Set up a recurring weekly time block in Artful Agenda for “audiobook & unwind.” Add a playful pair of headphones sticker to make it stand out for maximum chill vibes.
3. LibriVox
Love the classics? LibriVox is a volunteer-powered platform offering free audiobook recordings of public domain works, from Pride and Prejudice to The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.
What we love:
- 100% free and open access
- Narrated by volunteers around the world
- Ideal for literature lovers and students
Heads up: Audio quality and narration style can vary quite a bit.
📓 Artful Tip: Add a “Classic of the Month” goal to your planner’s Monthly Goals section or habit tracker. A little structure can turn good intentions into a full-fledged reading streak!
4. Storynory
This one’s a hidden gem for parents. Storynory offers free audio stories for children, including fairy tales, original adventures, and educational content. It’s perfect for car rides, bedtime, or keeping little ones engaged during screen-free time.
What we love:
- Free, child-friendly content
- Engaging storytelling style
- New stories added weekly
Heads up: Best suited for elementary-age kids, not as many options for teens.
📓 Artful Tip: Use a custom calendar category in Artful Agenda to block out storytime sessions or track favorite titles your kids love to hear again and again in the Lists tab.
5. YouTube Audiobooks
Not just for music videos and DIY hacks, YouTube also hosts a surprising number of full-length audiobooks. Many classics, indie works, and self-help titles are uploaded legally by creators, publishers, or public domain curators.
What we love:
- Completely free to stream
- Huge variety of genres, especially public domain content
- Great for listening on smart TVs or tablets
Heads up: Watch out for unofficial uploads and distracting ads.
📓 Artful Tip: Keep a running “to-listen” list in your Artful Agenda Lists tab, and link directly to your favorite YouTube playlist for easy access from any device.
6. Loyal Books
Loyal Books is a curated platform that combines free audiobooks and eBooks from the public domain, offering a more organized alternative to LibriVox with cleaner browsing and genre filters.
What we love:
- Free audiobooks and text versions available
- Easily searchable by genre, language, or popularity
- Family-friendly and great for classroom use
Heads up: Limited to public domain content, you won’t find the latest releases here.
📓 Artful Tip: Use your habit tracker to log 15 minutes of daily listening. It’s a gentle way to build an audiobook habit into your routine.
7. AudiobooksNow
AudiobooksNow offers a growing library of full-length audiobooks you can listen to for free, no subscription, no strings attached. Just create a free account and start browsing. You can listen through their website or via the free mobile app, and new titles are added every month.
What we love:
- No-cost access to full-length audiobooks with a free account
- Wide selection for adults and kids
- Apps available for both Apple and Android
Heads up:
- Some titles are free, while others require purchase. Club Plan available for those who want additional discounts or perks.
📓 Artful Tip: Use the Lists tab to create folders for your favorite genres, and log each audiobook with start and end dates, favorite quotes, and personal notes. It’s a fun way to reflect on what you’ve heard and track your listening journey over time.
💥 Bonus: Chirp
Okay, Chirp isn’t technically free, but it’s too good not to mention. Chirp offers limited-time deals on bestselling audiobooks, often under $6, with no subscription fees, credits, or waitlists. You buy only the audiobooks you want, and they’re yours to keep forever.
What we love:
- No subscription, no credits, no commitment
- Deep discounts on rotating selections
- Simple, user-friendly app
Heads up: Deals change often, and some titles may not return. So don’t wait too long if something catches your eye!
📓 Artful Tip: Add a Chirp check-in to your weekly planner and reward yourself with a new title when you reach a goal or finish a big task!
🎧 From Chapter Goals to Daily Goals
Whether you’re tackling your TBR list during your morning walk or turning house chores into a mini book club moment, audiobooks can be a simple joy and a serious productivity tool.
And just like how well your favorite story flows, your planner should work as beautifully. Organized, inspiring, and easy to come back to, Artful Agenda helps you make space for your hobbies and track your goals—whether you’re on chapter 3 or book 30.
Try Artful Agenda free for two weeks and bring calm, clarity, and creativity to your busy life.
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