Enjoy audiobooks anytime, anywhere with Libby, Hoopla or Spotify: Video
What do you think: does listening to an audiobook count as reading? Some people have very strong opinions on this topic. I used to think it did not count.
Until I started listening to audiobooks.
I can dive into a new world while brushing my teeth, driving or cooking dinner. That’s not so easy to do with physical books when you need a hand to hold the book and eyes to read the words.
And the best part is: it’s so easy to find a vast digital library of audiobooks entirely for free.
Watch this video to see where you can find free audiobooks.
Best app for free audiobooks
Libby and Hoopla have virtual libraries full of audiobooks, e-books and more. All you need to access these platforms is a library card.
The selection and quantity of books depends on your specific library system. This could mean there's a smaller selection of audiobooks than some paid services offer.
Similar to visiting your physical library, popular books might be checked out by someone else, so you’ll have to wait for them to be returned. Fortunately, audiobooks still have due dates and the app tells you where you are in line and gives you an approximate wait time. This may not be ideal for someone looking to listen to the hottest new release immediately, but it’s great for the casual reader who is okay with waiting.
If you’re interested in the classics, many of them are old enough now that they are part of the public domain. This means you can download those audiobooks for free on sites like Librivox or find them in the libraries of popular e-readers like Apple Books or Kindle.
Speaking of e-readers, their libraries also offer free audiobooks. However, they may not have some of the popular titles you're looking for.
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Audiobooks on Spotify
Spotify and Audible are two very popular paid audiobook options.
Unlike Libby and Hoopla, the titles on Spotify and Audible can be accessed on-demand, meaning you don’t have to wait for someone else to return the title before you can dive right in.
Audiobooks aren't accessible on all Spotify subscription plans, so you may need to upgrade to access it. Subscribers get access to 15 hours a month of audiobook listening time, according to Spotify's website.
Audible's subscriptions model allots a designated amount of books for you to enjoy within either a month or a year, depending on the plan you purchase.