Audiobooks are becoming more and more popular these days. While I fondly look back on the days of signing out cassettes and CDs from the library, things are much easier now. (That will give you an indication of how old I am…) There are several audiobook apps, databases, and services to get your listening fix. This is a guide to the best audiobook apps, to help you figure out which is the best option for you. I am going to be comparing Kobo’s audiobooks, Audible’s, and Google Play Book’s, as well as their apps.
I am a reader. If you asked me to describe myself, reader is one of the fist things that comes up. And as a reader, I try to maximise my reading time. Commutes, filing, dishes, exercising, all lost time for reading! So, audiobooks are key to my reading life. Most libraries allow you to borrow audiobooks online through services like Hoopla and Overdrive/Libby. (And of course, you can keep borrowing CD audiobooks, though you might run out of places to play them…) However, if you are a fiendish listener, you might need more! Enter: audiobook apps. Now that most companies have been established for a few years, they’ve worked out the kinks and are generally on the same level. There are still things that set them apart and put some above others, though. So, which audiobook app is the best?
Sidenote: If you have purchased an audiobook via a credit or outright purchase, you shouldn’t lose access if you choose to unsubscribe. Always check with the service before purchasing, though.
Kobo Audiobooks
Country of Origin: Canada (2017)
Parent Company: Rakuten Kobo
Playback Options: Android or iOS app
Price Per Book: $4.99 CAD to $49.99+
Price Per Plan: $12.99 CAD/month (1 credit); $38.99 CAD (3 instant credits)
Expiration: Credit expires 6 months after subscription cancellation if not used.
Review: I’m predisposed to like Kobo, as nearly all of my ebooks are on my Kobo. I do enjoy their interface, and I earn Kobo Superpoints for my audiobook subscription.* Their catalogue wasn’t huge when the service first launched, but it is continually growing all of the time. They also offer many different audiobook deals, meaning that it is cheaper to actually purchase the book than use a credit. I’ve grabbed 10+ audiobooks for $5.99 CAD less just by checking the Audiobook Deals page.
You can change playback speed, put on a sleep timer, put in a book mark, all of the standard audiobook app options. It is still my go-to as I can purchase 3 credits on the spot if there are audiobooks that I can’t live without. (You do need to be a subscriber to purchase the 3 pack, but you can sign up for one month, get the pack, and then cancel it!) The only downfall for me is that you can’t pre-order an audiobook with a credit, but it isn’t the end of the world. Overall, I find you end up with the best benefits and the most freedom.
*You can now use Superpoints to purchase audiobooks. I wouldn’t use them as they use a ton of points, but it is nice to have that option.
Audible
Country of Origin: USA (1995; purchased by Amazon in 2008)
Parent Company: Amazon
Playback Options: Android or iOS app; online through website.
Price Per Book: $22.95 CAD+
Price Per Plan: $14.95 CAD/month (1 credit); $22.95 CAD/month (2 credits)
Expiration: Credit expires 12 months from purchase
Review: I’m not a huge Kindle person, but I did jump on the opportunity to get three months free of Audible for Prime Day. There are a lot of audiobooks that are still Audible only, so if you find that most of your books are Audible exclusives, you may end up here. It is $2 CAD more a month than Kobo, for the same product, which doesn’t endear me. From what I’ve read online, if you have subscribed for a while, you may be able to talk customer service into letting you buy extra credits, but there isn’t a set process. Meaning, if you want an extra book, you are just paying the full price.
I do enjoy that you can download free Audible Podcasts while you are a member. I’ve been adding any that interest me to my library while I’m still subscribed. (Note: Audible Originals are not Audible Podcasts.) The player is much the same as any other, though it doesn’t tell you how much time is remaining in the book. I will update this with any changes further into my trial, but the extra cost wouldn’t sway me to switch permanently.
Google Play Books Audiobooks
Country of Origin: USA (2018)
Parent Company: Google
Playback Options: Android or iOS app; online through your Google library.
Price Per Book: $4.99 CAD-$34.99+ (most books under $35)
Price Per Plan: N/A, no plan available.
Expiration: N/A, no credit.
Review: Google Play is really the outlier for audiobooks, as there is no subscription service available. Most books seem to be $14.95 or $26.95 CAD, but there are a lot of sales and I often get coupons to use for $5 off of an audiobook. I don’t buy any of the full priced books, but I’ve used sales and coupons to get both audiobooks for under $8. If you are entirely Google-integrated, the cost might not bother you- there is something about having everything in one library that appeals.
As for the actual app, the interface is a little basic but also does all of the things that you need it to do. At this point, I would use it to supplement your other audiobook services if you can get a good deal. The catalogue isn’t huge, so if you are looking for specific books, you may not find them. It also isn’t the easiest store navigate or work through categories; it works best if you have a particular book to search for. We will wait to see if Google ups their audiobook game in the coming months and years!
Looking for which eBook service is best for you? My guide to eBooks will help you decide!
What are your best audiobook apps? Where do you listen to your favourite audiobooks?
Cheers,
The Historian
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