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The era of hard copies and paperbacks has given way to a rising trend: audiobooks. In recent years, an increasing number of avid readers have embraced audiobooks for their accessibility and convenience. With a diverse selection of genres and narrators, audiobook platforms offer users the flexibility to download titles according to their preferences.
We’ve covered you for iPhone and iPad users seeking the best free audiobook apps. Below, we’ll explore the top options available today. Let’s dive in.
List of Best Free Audiobook Apps for iPhone and iPad
Amid a flourishing entertainment landscape, audiobooks have emerged as a beloved choice, poised for lasting popularity. After all, what could be more convenient than enjoying a book while multitasking on the move, with someone narrating the story for you?
Furthermore, the realm of audiobook apps for iOS offers many excellent options, each equipped with practical features tailored for seamless listening. Let’s explore some of these standout choices:
NAME FEATURES RATING
| NAME | FEATURES | RATING |
| Apple Books | Customized recommendations | 3.6 |
| LibriVox | Narrate own audiobooks | 4.3 |
| Audible | Syncs audiobooks in your online library | 4.8 |
| hoopla | Offers sleep timer and audio speed control | 4.8 |
| Spotify | Post your personal audiobook on your channel | 4.8 |
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1. Apple Books
For Apple users, the Apple Books app is a versatile platform offering a vast array of ebooks and audiobooks for purchase or free download. It allows you to sample titles before committing, with free previews of both ebooks and audiobooks available.
Key features of the Apple Books app include:
Setting personalized reading goals and tracking your progress across all iOS devices.
A variety of reading themes with multiple fonts and background color options.
The “Reading Now” feature allows seamless navigation between ongoing reads and single narratives.
Tailored recommendations based on your reading history.
The Auto-Night theme is for comfortable reading in low-light environments.
2. LibriVox
As books enter the public domain upon expiration of their original copyright, they become accessible to everyone without restriction. This annual influx of newly available works fosters creativity and innovation in their usage.
LibriVox, a nonprofit website, offers a vast collection of public-domain audiobooks in various genres, including classic literature, fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Users can freely explore the extensive catalog by genre, author, title, or narrator.
Additionally, LibriVox encourages volunteers to contribute by recording their public domain audiobooks and submitting them to the platform, thereby expanding the library of available titles. While quality may vary among submissions, this collaborative effort remains a commendable initiative and provides an excellent avenue for exploring classic literature.
3. Audible
Audible stands out as a widely recognized platform for audiobook enthusiasts, offering a diverse selection of well-known titles across various genres, original audio content, podcasts, and more. As the world’s largest and most sophisticated audiobook service, it operates seamlessly within the Amazon.com ecosystem, boasting a vast library encompassing bestsellers, timeless classics, and exclusive releases.
Critical features of Audible include:
Downloading favorite audiobooks for offline listening, ensuring accessibility anytime, anywhere.
Synchronizing audiobooks across all linked devices, providing a seamless listening experience.
Customizing playback speed and narration pace and setting a sleep timer for personalized listening sessions.
Utilizing Whispersync for Voice functionality enables you to seamlessly transition between reading an ebook on Kindle and listening to its audiobook counterpart from where you left off.
Offering an Audible Premium Plus subscription service includes a 30-day free trial period and is ad-free for uninterrupted enjoyment.
4. hoopla
For library patrons whose library is an affiliate member, hoopla serves as a valuable resource for accessing periodicals, ebooks, and audiobooks on iPhone and iPad, all free of charge with a library card.
Key highlights of hoopla include:
Instant access to borrowed content without the need for holds or reservations, eliminating waitlists for popular titles.
Expanded content offerings beyond books, including comic books, movies, and TV shows.
Convenient features include bookmarking, a sleep timer, and control over audio playback speed.
Similar to borrowing limits in traditional libraries, users are restricted to a set number of volumes checked out at once.
Hoopla provides library patrons with a diverse and accessible digital library experience, enriching their reading and entertainment options.
5. Spotify
Spotify Premium offers immediate access to an extensive collection of over 150,000 audiobooks, covering topics from self-care to novels, curated by users on their channels. Access requires a subscription or managing a Family or Duo plan.
Users can search Spotify’s catalog for audiobook titles labeled “Included in Premium” to discover works from major publishers and independent authors. However, this feature is only available in select regions, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.
While the accessible version of Spotify includes advertisements and restricts playlist skipping, Premium members enjoy ad-free listening and are granted 15 hours of audiobook content per month.
6. Amazon Kindle
Regarding ebooks, the Amazon Kindle app stands out as a top choice. However, many may need to realize that it also provides access to audiobooks, allowing users to enjoy Audible narration alongside their reading experience.
Transitioning between reading and listening modes, or even utilizing both simultaneously, is seamless and straightforward, enhancing the overall engagement. Users can sample Kindle books for free and access a wide range of free content by subscribing to Kindle Unlimited for a monthly fee.
7. Audiobooks
Audiobooks.com offers a wealth of captivating audiobooks for free listening. With a curated selection of podcasts tailored to your audiobook history, the platform ensures an enjoyable listening experience.
Moreover, Audiobooks.com is perfect for travelers, allowing offline downloads for on-the-go listening. Additional features include AirPlay compatibility, background playback support, and a custom sleep timer to enhance listening pleasure.
8. Ever and
Everand, previously known as Scribd, boasts access to millions of ebooks, audiobooks, periodicals, and diverse resources, making it an excellent platform for those seeking a vast array of popular titles to enjoy throughout the day.
Furthermore, this audiobook app for iPhone and iPad offers a generous 30-day free trial. Following the trial period, users can subscribe for a monthly membership fee of $11.99, granting unlimited access to a wealth of audiobooks and other engaging content.
9. Chirp
Chirp, BookBub’s audiobook platform, offers time-sensitive discounts on popular audiobooks, including New York Times bestsellers. Remarkably, Chirp operates without waiting lists or membership fees, providing unparalleled accessibility to its offerings.
Moreover, Chirp offers exceptional one-time savings of up to 95% on beloved audiobooks without requiring customers to commit to a subscription. With audiobooks available for a nominal monthly fee, Chirp caters perfectly to occasional listeners. Additionally, customers can explore Chirp’s money-back guarantee if they are dissatisfied with any audiobook’s content or quality.
10. Kobo
Kobo is the go-to option for readers seeking diverse novels and the freedom to choose from multiple formats.
With the Kobo Plus subscription, priced at $9.99 monthly, users receive one monthly credit, which can be redeemed for any audiobook in the catalog. Kobo Plus offers unlimited access to a vast library of over 1.5 million eBooks and more than 150,000 audiobooks, with subscription options tailored to suit individual preferences for eBooks, audiobooks, or a combination of both.
How to Download Audiobooks on iPhone?
Download and install your preferred audiobook app from the App Store to access your favorite audiobook on your iPhone. Once installed, you can browse the app’s catalog and download the audiobooks you wish to listen to directly onto your device for offline enjoyment.
How do you listen to audiobooks on an iPhone from the library?
If you’re enjoying audiobooks through Apple Music, you can easily add them to your library with these simple steps:
1. Open Apple Music and navigate to the audiobook you wish to add.
2. Tap on the three dots icon and select “Add to Library.”
3. Access your library by tapping “Library” to find and listen to your recently added audiobooks.
Audiobooks offer the flexibility to multitask and dive into your favorite stories, making them popular in today’s fast-paced world.
Now armed with the knowledge of the best free audiobook app for iPhone and iPad, dive into those awaited reads and explore new literary adventures.
If you have any questions or recommendations, feel free to share them in the comments section. Stay tuned to TechCult for more insightful app reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best free audiobook apps for iPhone and iPad?
Some popular free audiobook apps for iOS devices include Audible, LibriVox, Audiobooks.com, Chirp, and Kobo.
Do these apps offer a wide selection of audiobooks?
Yes, these apps typically provide access to audiobooks in various genres, including fiction, nonfiction, classics, and more.
Are there any membership fees or hidden costs associated with these apps?
While many of these apps offer free audiobook access, some may require subscription fees or provide premium content for purchase.
Can I download audiobooks for offline listening?
Yes, most audiobook apps allow you to download audiobooks for offline listening, enabling you to enjoy your favorite titles without an internet connection.
Do these apps offer additional features besides audiobooks?
Some apps may offer additional features such as bookmarking, playback speed adjustment, sleep timers, and access to podcasts or other media content.
Are these apps compatible with other devices?
Many audiobook apps are cross-platform and can be accessed on other devices, such as Android smartphones, tablets, and computers.
Do these apps offer customer support or assistance?
Most audiobook apps provide customer support through FAQs, help centers, or direct contact options for any inquiries or technical issues.
Can I listen to audiobooks for free without signing up for a subscription?
Yes, some apps offer a selection of free audiobooks without requiring a subscription, although access to premium content may be limited.
Conclusion
Audiobook apps for iPhone and iPad offer a convenient and immersive way to enjoy your favorite books on the go. With a wide selection of titles across various genres, these apps cater to diverse reading preferences and provide options for casual and avid readers. There’s something for everyone, from popular platforms like Audible and Apple Books to free options like LibriVox and Chirp.
Whether you prefer to listen to audiobooks while commuting, exercising, or relaxing at home, these apps offer offline downloading, customizable playback settings, and additional content like podcasts and periodicals. While some apps may require subscription fees for premium features or content, many also offer free options and trial periods for users to explore their offerings before committing.