7 Best Audible Alternatives (Cheaper Ways to Listen)

Audible is the biggest name in audiobooks, but it is not the only one — and for a lot of listeners it is not even the best value. Whether you are tired of the credit system, want a bigger library through your local library, or just want to hunt for cheap audiobooks, there are strong Audible alternatives worth knowing. Below we break down the best options by what they are actually good at: price, catalog size, and free trials.

If you just want the short version: for a full-featured paid service that is genuinely easy to switch to, an Audiobooks.com free trial is our top pick. It works almost exactly like Audible — a monthly credit, a huge catalog, and apps on every device — without you having to relearn anything.

Audiobooks.com — the easiest Audible replacement

Audiobooks.com is the closest like-for-like alternative to Audible. You get a monthly credit good for any audiobook regardless of price, plus access to bonus VIP titles and podcasts. The catalog covers the major publishers, so the bestsellers and new releases you would expect on Audible are almost all here too.

The biggest reason it tops our list is the free trial. New members typically get a free trial that includes a credit or two, so you can download a full-length audiobook and keep it even if you cancel (pricing and trial terms check the provider for current details). Cancellation is done in your account settings and you keep any credits you have already used. If you want one paid service and do not want to fuss, start here.

Spotify Audiobooks — best if you already pay for Spotify

If you are a Spotify Premium subscriber, you already get a monthly allotment of audiobook listening hours bundled into your plan at no extra cost. For casual listeners who finish a book or two a month, that can effectively make audiobooks “free.” The catalog is large and growing, though it does not always have every niche or older title, and once you use up your included hours you pay for more time. It is a great no-extra-cost option, but heavy listeners will burn through the hours quickly.

Library apps: Libby and Hoopla — genuinely free

The best free option, full stop, is your local library. With a library card you can borrow audiobooks through Libby (OverDrive) and listen in a polished app. The catch is availability: popular titles have holds, sometimes long ones. Hoopla, offered by many libraries, often has no waitlists but caps how many items you can borrow per month. Use both if your library supports them — between the two you can listen for free indefinitely, you just trade convenience and instant access for the price.

Chirp — best for one-time audiobook deals

Chirp is not a subscription. It sells audiobooks individually, with a rotating selection of limited-time discounts that are frequently far cheaper than full retail. You buy a book, you own it, no credits or monthly fee. If you only listen occasionally, or you want to grab a specific title cheaply, Chirp often beats paying for a membership month. Sign up for its deal emails and buy when something on your list goes on sale.

LibriVox — free public domain audiobooks

LibriVox offers thousands of audiobooks read by volunteers, all in the public domain — classics like Austen, Dickens, Tolstoy, and Sherlock Holmes. It is completely free with no account required. Recording quality varies because narrators are volunteers, and you will not find anything still under copyright, so it is best for classic literature rather than new releases.

Which alternative should you choose?

Match the tool to your habit. Want one paid service that just works like Audible? Start an Audiobooks.com free trial. Already pay for Spotify Premium? Use your included hours first. Watching your budget? Libby and Hoopla are free, and Chirp is great for cheap one-off buys. Love the classics? LibriVox costs nothing. Most committed listeners end up combining two or three of these.

FAQ

Is there a free way to listen to audiobooks?
Yes. Libby and Hoopla let you borrow audiobooks free with a library card, LibriVox offers free public domain titles, and Spotify Premium includes a monthly batch of listening hours at no extra cost.

What is the most similar service to Audible?
Audiobooks.com is the closest match — it uses a monthly credit system, has a comparable catalog of major publishers, and offers apps on all major devices.

Do I keep audiobooks if I cancel a subscription?
With credit-based services like Audiobooks.com, titles you purchase are yours to keep, though free-trial books may be removed if you cancel (check the provider for current details). Library borrows from Libby and Hoopla expire automatically when the loan ends.

Is Audiobooks.com cheaper than Audible?
The two are broadly comparable on monthly price and both run on a single credit per month, so the bigger difference is usually the free trial and the specific titles you want. We suggest using the free trial to test it before deciding (pricing check the provider for current details).

What is the best option just for deals?
Chirp, which sells audiobooks individually with frequent limited-time discounts and no subscription required.

Related guides

• The Best Audiobooks to Listen To
• Audible vs Audiobooks.com
• Best Audiobook Apps & Services
• All Audiobook Guides

Official sources: Audible