Where Do I Find Great Audiobooks?

Where Do I Find Great Audiobooks?

Audiobooks are no longer a side format—they’re a booming industry, one of the fastest-growing segments in publishing. In fact, global audiobook sales have been climbing steadily for years, with double-digit growth in many markets. For readers, audiobooks are more accessible than ever, thanks to smartphones, smart speakers, and streaming platforms. For authors, they’ve become an essential way to reach new audiences.

But with so many platforms and options, it can feel overwhelming. Where exactly should readers go to find high-quality audiobooks? And how do you know which service is right for you? Let’s explore the audiobook landscape—where to look, what to expect, and how to make the most of your listening experience.

Why Audiobooks Are Thriving

Before we jump into the “where,” it’s worth asking “why.” Why are audiobooks exploding in popularity? The answer is simple: convenience and immersion.

Audiobooks fit into daily life in a way physical books sometimes can’t. You can listen on commutes, during workouts, while cooking, or while drifting off to sleep. Many readers find themselves finishing more books per year simply because audiobooks let them weave stories into pockets of time they wouldn’t otherwise use for reading.

On top of that, the quality of narration has skyrocketed. Professional voice actors bring characters to life, adding emotion and nuance. Some books even feature full casts, sound effects, and music, creating an experience that feels closer to cinema than reading.

It’s no wonder that so many readers are asking the same question: where do I find the best audiobooks?

The Big Players: Audible and Beyond

For most people, the first name that comes to mind is Audible. Owned by Amazon, Audible is the largest audiobook platform in the world. It offers a massive catalog, exclusive titles, and its own subscription system. With an Audible membership, you get a monthly credit to purchase any audiobook, plus access to a rotating selection of included titles.

But Audible is not the only option—and in recent years, competitors have gained serious traction.

Apple Books and Google Play Books both sell audiobooks à la carte. You don’t need a subscription—just purchase and download. This can be appealing if you don’t want a recurring monthly charge.

Kobo Audiobooks offers a similar system, with a subscription plan that tends to be slightly cheaper than Audible’s, plus à la carte buying. Kobo’s platform also integrates seamlessly with e-readers, which is convenient for readers who switch between formats.

Subscription-Based Alternatives

Subscription streaming models are becoming increasingly popular. Instead of paying per book, you pay for unlimited listening or access to a large pool of titles.

Spotify has recently entered the audiobook space in a big way. Premium subscribers now have access to a growing selection of audiobooks included in their plan, alongside music and podcasts. This bundling has made Spotify an appealing option for casual audiobook listeners who already use the app daily.

Scribd (recently rebranded as Everand) is another strong option. For a flat monthly fee, you get access to audiobooks, ebooks, magazines, and more. It’s essentially the “Netflix of books,” and while its catalog may not always match Audible in breadth, the value is undeniable.

Audiobooks.com operates similarly, offering a large catalog with both subscription credits and free access to certain curated collections.

These subscription models are perfect for heavy readers who consume multiple books a month and don’t want to rack up large à la carte bills.

Library Access: The Hidden Gem

One of the most underrated sources for audiobooks is your local library. Through apps like Libby and Hoopla, libraries give patrons access to thousands of audiobooks for free. All you need is a library card.

Libby, in particular, has become a beloved app for readers. Its interface is clean and user-friendly, making it easy to borrow audiobooks with just a few taps. Hoopla offers a slightly different model—instant access without waiting lists—but selection varies by library system.

For readers on a budget, this option is unbeatable. And for authors, library checkouts are increasingly recognized as an important discovery tool that can lead to future sales.

Indie Options and Direct-from-Author

Beyond the big platforms, there’s a growing movement of authors and publishers selling audiobooks directly to readers. Services like BookFunnel Audio or Authors Direct let indie writers distribute audio without going through Audible or Kobo.

Buying direct often means higher royalties for authors and perks for readers, like bundled editions or bonus content. You might even find indie audiobooks not available on major platforms, especially in niche genres.

For listeners who want to support authors more directly, these options are worth exploring.

Choosing the Right Platform for You

With so many options, how do you know where to start? It depends on what you value most.

• If you want the biggest catalog, Audible remains the leader.

• If you prefer no subscriptions, Apple Books or Google Play might suit you better.

• If you’re looking for value and variety, Scribd/Everand and Spotify offer strong unlimited options.

• If you’re on a budget, library apps like Libby are your best bet.

• If you want to support indie authors directly, look for BookFunnel or Authors Direct offerings.

Many readers actually use more than one platform, depending on availability, pricing, and convenience. There’s no rule that says you have to pick just one.

Tips for Getting the Best Audiobook Experience

Finding great audiobooks isn’t just about the platform—it’s also about how you approach them. Here are a few tips:

1. Sample Before You Buy Narrators matter. A great narrator can elevate a book, while a poor one can ruin it. Most platforms let you listen to a sample before purchasing—always take advantage of this.

2. Experiment With Playback Speed Many readers find they enjoy audiobooks more at slightly faster or slower speeds, depending on the narrator’s style. Adjusting playback can make listening feel more natural.

3. Mix Genres Not every book translates equally well to audio. Dense nonfiction might be tougher, while dialogue-heavy fiction often shines. Try different genres to see what resonates with you.

4. Make It a Ritual Audiobooks work best when integrated into routines. Whether it’s a morning walk, a commute, or bedtime listening, build habits that make audiobooks part of your daily life.

The Future of Audiobooks

Audiobooks are not slowing down. Expect to see even more innovation in the next few years:

• Immersive audio with spatial sound and music.

• Multi-narrator casts becoming more common.

• Bundling with ebooks, so you can switch seamlessly between reading and listening.

• Global growth, with translated audiobooks bringing more voices into the market.

For readers, that means more choices, better quality, and easier access than ever. For authors, it means audiobooks are no longer optional—they’re an essential part of reaching today’s audience.

The Bottom Line

Great audiobooks are everywhere—you just need to know where to look. Whether you go with Audible’s vast library, Spotify’s bundled subscriptions, Scribd’s all-you-can-listen model, or your library’s free offerings, there’s a platform to fit every budget and preference. And don’t forget the growing indie movement—buying direct from authors can give you access to hidden gems while supporting creators more fairly.

Audiobooks aren’t just a trend—they’re a fundamental shift in how stories are consumed. Wherever you choose to listen, the real magic is the same: words brought to life in your ears, turning everyday moments into story-filled journeys.