09 Sep 8 Free Alternatives to Audible for Audiobook Lovers
As far as techy options to combine education and entertainment go, audiobooks are second to none. The reason why is pretty simple: audiobooks offer readers a flexible and immersive way to enjoy their favorite stories and authors on the go.
While Audible remains the largest audiobook platform, it’s far from the only option. Today, a variety of tools and apps cater to every type of listener. Whether you’re searching for discounted audiobooks, want to support local bookstores, or crave unique features that enhance your audiobook experience, there’s an option for you.
Exploring alternatives to Audible can help you discover new titles, save money, and find the best alternatives that fit your busy lifestyle. We’ll break down some of our favorites below.
But First: What Are the Benefits of Exploring Audible Alternatives?
Diving into alternatives to Audible opens up a world of benefits for audiobook lovers.
Many audiobook platforms offer more affordable options, including discounted audiobooks and even free access to a wide range of titles. Unlike Audible, some services let you support local bookstores with every purchase, helping you give back to your community while enjoying your favorite audiobooks.
As an added bonus, audiobooks are the perfect travel companion for busy moms, students, and others on the go—turning long road trips and daily commutes into immersive adventures. Many alternative audiobook apps offer offline listening, so you can download your favorite titles and enjoy them anywhere—no internet required.
By exploring these alternatives, you can tailor your audiobook experience to your preferences, discover new listening options, and enjoy more freedom in how you access and enjoy your favorite titles.
8 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.
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—one of the most beloved free audiobook apps. Don’t have a card yet? Consider joining your local library to use Libby.
Libby connects to your local library’s digital collection—and, with many libraries supported—allows you to access a broad range of audiobooks. The app features a powerful search function, making it easy to find specific titles or authors.
What we love:
- Absolutely free with a library card
- User-friendly app with sleep timer and bookmarks
- Huge variety of titles, including bestsellers
- Extensive catalog of audiobooks and eBooks
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—only available through a monthly subscription—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
- Offers a pretty wide selection of popular audiobooks, including trending and highly recommended titles
Heads up: Free users may encounter ads and limited skips. To access the full range of audiobooks, you may need to pay for Premium.
📓 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. Users can download audiobook files for offline listening and transfer them between devices.
What we love:
- 100% free and open access
- Ability to search for specific titles among the classics
- 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, offering a vast catalog of listening options.
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. Loyal Books features an extensive library of audiobooks and eBooks, with thousands of titles across various genres for users to explore.
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
- Extensive catalog of audiobooks across various genres
Heads up:
- Some titles are free, while others require purchase.
- The platform’s Club Plan is a membership option that provides exclusive benefits for subscribers. The Club Plan uses a credit system, allowing members to purchase audiobooks with monthly credits.
- This Club Plan functions as a subscription service for audiobook lovers seeking ongoing access and savings.
📓 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.
8. Libro.fm
If you want your audiobook purchases to make a difference in your community, Libro.fm is one of the best Audible alternatives out there. The platform partners directly with thousands of independent bookstores, allowing you to choose a local shop to benefit from every audiobook you buy. You’ll find a huge library of bestsellers, new releases, and niche titles across all genres, with the flexibility to buy à la carte or through a monthly credit subscription.
What we love:
- Supports local bookstores with every purchase
- Vast catalog, including new releases and indie gems
- Flexible buying options: subscription or one-off purchases
- Apps available for iOS and Android
Heads up:
- No free plan, but your dollars support small businesses and authors
- Prices are similar to Audible for most titles
📓 Artful Tip: Pick a favorite bookstore to support and add a recurring monthly “audiobook drop” to your Artful Agenda calendar. Make it a ritual—like visiting your local shop in person, but from the comfort of your headphones.
💥 Bonus: Chirp
Okay, Chirp isn’t technically free, but it’s too good not to mention. As one of the best audible alternative options for budget-conscious listeners, Chirp offers limited-time deals on bestselling audiobooks, often under $6, with no subscription fees, credits, or waitlists. There is no monthly fee required to use Chirp. 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
- Frequent sales and limited-time deals
- 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!
Discovering New Titles Beyond Audible
One of the most exciting perks of trying alternatives to Audible is the chance to discover new titles and authors you might otherwise miss.
Many audiobook platforms, such as Chirp and Libro.fm, offer curated collections, personalized recommendations, and access to genres ranging from bestsellers to short stories and niche topics.
With extensive libraries and easy-to-browse collections, you can find new audiobooks to suit every mood and interest. Whether you’re looking to explore new releases, hidden gems, or timeless classics, these alternatives make it easy to browse, access, and enjoy a diverse world of audiobooks beyond what’s available on Audible.
Can You Support Your Local Bookstore with Audiobooks?
If you love audiobooks and want to support local businesses, some audiobook platforms make it easy to do both.
Services like Libro.fm partner directly with local bookstores, allowing you to purchase audiobooks while helping your favorite shop thrive. With options like one credit per month or à la carte purchases, you can discover new titles and enjoy your favorite audiobooks—all while supporting local businesses and contributing to your community. Platforms with a social purpose, such as Libro.fm, are dedicated to promoting literacy and keeping independent bookstores strong, making them a meaningful alternative for audiobook lovers who want their listening to make a difference.
🎧 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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