Audiobooks for Beginners
Love reading but your eyes get tired? Audiobooks let you enjoy any book - read aloud by professional narrators - on your phone, tablet, or smart speaker. Many are completely free.
In This Article
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TL;DR
Download the Libby app and enter your library card - you’ll get free audiobooks instantly. No library card? Get one free at your local library or online. For the widest selection, try Audible’s free 30-day trial (one free book). Listen on your phone, in the car, or on a smart speaker.
What Are Audiobooks and Why Try Them
Audiobooks are professional recordings of books read aloud, usually by actors or the author. They turn any moment into reading time.
Listen Anywhere
Enjoy books while walking, cooking, gardening, driving, or relaxing. No need to hold a book or strain your eyes.
Professional Narration
Skilled narrators bring stories to life with different voices for characters, dramatic pacing, and emotional delivery.
Easy on the Eyes
If reading small print is difficult or your eyes tire quickly, audiobooks let you enjoy books without any eye strain.
Millions of Titles
From bestsellers to classics, mysteries to memoirs - virtually every popular book is available as an audiobook.
Free Ways to Listen to Audiobooks
You don’t need to spend a penny to enjoy audiobooks. These options are completely free.
Libby (Your Library’s App)
The best free audiobook app. Connects to your local library. Borrow audiobooks the same way you’d borrow physical books - completely free with your library card.
Thousands of audiobooks available at most libraries
Borrow for 14-21 days, then it returns automatically
Place holds on popular titles (you’ll be notified when available)
Download to listen offline - no internet needed
Hoopla
Another free library app. The difference: Hoopla titles are always available instantly - no waiting for holds. Your library gives you a set number of borrows per month.
No wait times - borrow instantly
Also includes movies, TV shows, music, and comics
Typically 5-10 borrows per month depending on your library
LibriVox
Free audiobooks of public domain classics read by volunteers. Thousands of titles from Shakespeare to Mark Twain to Jane Austen - all free forever.
Over 15,000 free audiobooks
Classics, history, philosophy, and more
Available on the LibriVox app or website
Quality varies by reader, but many are excellent
YouTube
Surprisingly, many full audiobooks are available free on YouTube. Search for “[book title] audiobook” and you’ll often find the complete recording.
Search any book title + “full audiobook”
Many classic novels available in full
Play through your TV, phone, or smart speaker
Paid Audiobook Services
If you want the latest bestsellers or a wider selection, these paid services offer excellent value.
Audible - $14.95/month
The largest audiobook library in the world. One credit per month to buy any audiobook (yours to keep forever), plus access to a free catalog of included titles.
Free 30-day trial with one free audiobook
Over 700,000 titles - the biggest selection anywhere
Books are yours to keep even if you cancel
Plus Catalog: thousands of included audiobooks at no extra cost
Spotify Premium - $10.99/month
Already have Spotify for music? Premium now includes 15 hours of audiobook listening per month. Great value if you already subscribe.
15 hours of audiobook listening included with Premium
Growing library of popular titles
Music, podcasts, and audiobooks in one app
Libro.fm - $14.99/month
Just like Audible, but your purchase supports a local independent bookstore of your choice. Same audiobooks, same quality, community impact.
One audiobook credit per month
Supports your local bookstore
DRM-free files you truly own
Where and How to Listen
Audiobooks work on almost every device you already own. Here’s how to listen in different situations.
On Your Phone
The most common way to listen. Open your audiobook app, plug in headphones or earbuds, and press play. The app remembers where you stopped.
On a Smart Speaker
Say “Alexa, read my Audible book” or “Hey Google, read [book name].” Perfect for listening while cooking, cleaning, or relaxing at home.
In the Car
Connect your phone to your car via Bluetooth or an AUX cable. Audiobooks make long drives fly by and turn commutes into reading time.
Before Bed
Most audiobook apps have a sleep timer. Set it for 15 or 30 minutes and the audiobook stops automatically after you fall asleep.
While Walking or Exercising
Download audiobooks to your phone for offline listening. Use wireless earbuds for hands-free enjoyment on your daily walk.
Tips for Enjoying Audiobooks
A few simple tips to make your audiobook experience even better.
Start With a Book You Already Know
Your first audiobook should be something familiar - a favorite novel or a book you’ve been meaning to reread. This helps you get comfortable with the format.
Adjust the Playback Speed
Too fast? Slow it to 0.75x. Too slow? Speed it up to 1.25x. Every app lets you adjust. Find the pace that feels natural for you.
Use the Bookmark Feature
Hear a great quote or important passage? Tap the bookmark button. You can go back to your saved spots anytime.
Listen to a Sample First
Most apps let you preview 5 minutes before borrowing or buying. The narrator’s voice matters - make sure you enjoy listening to them.
Use the Sleep Timer
Listening in bed? Set the sleep timer for 15-30 minutes. The book pauses automatically so you don’t lose your place.
How to Listen to Your First Audiobook Today
You can be listening to a free audiobook in 5 minutes.
Download the Libby App
Open the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android). Search “Libby” and install it. It’s free.
Enter Your Library Card
Open Libby and search for your local library. Enter your library card number. Don’t have one? Most libraries let you sign up online for free.
Browse and Borrow
Tap “Audiobooks” and browse by genre or search for a specific title. Tap “Borrow” and then “Open in Libby” to start listening.
Press Play and Enjoy
That’s it. The app saves your place automatically. Pick up where you left off anytime - on any device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about getting started with audiobooks.
What is the best audiobook app for beginners?
Libby is the best free option - it connects to your library. Audible gives you one free book with a 30-day trial for the widest selection.
Are audiobooks free at the library?
Yes. With a free library card, borrow audiobooks through Libby or Hoopla at no cost. Most libraries have thousands of titles.
Can I listen to audiobooks on my phone?
Yes. Download Libby, Audible, or Spotify. Listen through your phone speaker, headphones, Bluetooth speaker, or car stereo.
How much do audiobooks cost?
Library audiobooks through Libby are free. Audible is $14.95/month for one book. Spotify Premium ($10.99/month) includes 15 hours. Many classics are free on YouTube and LibriVox.
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