Audiobooks have become a popular way to enjoy literature on the go. Whether you’re commuting, exercising, or just relaxing at home, having access to free audiobook apps can open up a world of stories without hurting your wallet. Finding the best free audiobook app can save you money while still giving you access to thousands of great titles.
People love audiobooks because they make reading possible during busy times when holding a physical book isn’t practical. Apps like Libby and LibriVox offer free ways to listen to books through your phone. These apps have different features and book selections that make each one unique for different types of readers.
1. Libby
Libby is a free app that connects you to your local library, letting you borrow ebooks and audiobooks without paying a dime. It’s created by OverDrive and has become a favorite among audiobook lovers.
The app works with thousands of public libraries worldwide. All you need is a library card to access millions of titles instantly on your device.
Libby is available on both Android and iOS devices, making it accessible to almost everyone. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, even for first-time users.
One of Libby’s best features is that you can link multiple library cards. This expands your borrowing options if you have access to different library systems.
The app remembers your reading progress and syncs across devices. Start listening on your phone during your commute and continue right where you left off on your tablet at home.
Many Reddit users consider Libby the top choice for free audiobooks. Some even prefer it over paid services like Audible and Kindle Unlimited.
The selection varies based on your library’s digital collection. Popular titles might have waiting lists, but you can place holds and get notified when they become available.
Libby offers customizable playback speeds for audiobooks. This feature helps if you prefer listening at a faster pace or need to slow things down to catch every detail.
The app also includes a sleep timer. This is perfect for bedtime listening since it automatically pauses after your set time.
Borrowed titles automatically return when due, eliminating late fees. You can also return items early if you finish them ahead of schedule.
Libby allows you to download titles for offline listening. This makes it ideal for travel or areas with poor internet connection.
The app is completely ad-free, providing an uninterrupted listening experience. This clean experience makes it feel more premium than its free price tag suggests.
2. Hoopla
Hoopla is a fantastic free audiobook service that connects with local libraries to offer a wide selection of content. Users can access more than 1.5 million audiobooks along with eBooks, comics, music, movies, and TV shows.
Getting started is simple. All you need is a library card from a participating library to create an account. After that, you can download the mobile app or use the website to browse and borrow titles.
One of Hoopla’s best features is that there’s no waiting for popular titles. Unlike some library apps where you join a queue, Hoopla lets everyone borrow the same title at once.
The app works on many devices including smartphones, tablets, and computers. It even supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Roku for easy listening while driving or at home.
Hoopla gives each user a certain number of borrows per month, set by your local library. Most libraries allow between 5-15 borrows monthly, which reset at the beginning of each month.
The listening experience is smooth with useful features like 15-30 second skips. As one user on Reddit notes, Hoopla has good fast forward and rewind functions similar to paid services.
You can stream audiobooks online or download them to your device for offline listening. This makes it perfect for travel or areas with spotty internet.
The app remembers where you stopped in each book, making it easy to pick up where you left off. It also offers adjustable playback speeds for those who prefer faster or slower narration.
For Kindle users, Hoopla is compatible with your devices too. The service offers support for Kindle devices, making it accessible to almost everyone regardless of their preferred platform.
3. LibriVox
LibriVox is a treasure for audiobook lovers on a budget. This completely free service offers over 40,000 audiobooks that anyone can access without spending a penny.
What makes LibriVox special is its unique approach to content creation. All books are recorded by volunteers from around the world. These are everyday people who love reading and want to share classic literature with others.
The LibriVox catalog focuses on public domain works. This means you’ll find plenty of classics like Jane Austen novels, Shakespeare plays, and philosophy texts from ancient thinkers.
You can access LibriVox books in several ways. Their official website lets you stream books directly. They also have apps for both Android and iOS devices.
The mobile apps make finding books easy. Users can search by title, author, or genre, and check out new recordings as they’re added. Many apps allow downloading books for offline listening, perfect for travel or areas with poor internet.
Some users might worry about the quality of volunteer narrations. While the reading quality varies, many reviewers praise the dedication of LibriVox readers. Not every recording will match professional standards, but many are surprisingly good.
The LibriVox app experience is straightforward and user-friendly. Some independent developers have even created alternative LibriVox apps with clean interfaces and no ads.
A standout feature is the ability to burn LibriVox audiobooks to CDs if needed. This flexibility makes the service accessible even to those with limited tech resources.
For students, researchers, or anyone interested in classic literature, LibriVox provides an invaluable service. The free price tag and extensive library make it a top choice for budget-conscious audiobook fans.
4. Overdrive
OverDrive is a popular free service that lets you borrow ebooks and audiobooks from your local library. You only need a library card to access thousands of titles through this platform.
The service works with public libraries, schools, and even some workplaces. This makes it easy for many people to use without paying subscription fees.
OverDrive offers two main apps. The newer app is called Libby, which many users find more user-friendly. The original OverDrive app is still available too.
When using OverDrive, you can browse through your library’s digital catalog of audiobooks. The selection includes everything from classics to the newest bestsellers.
Borrowing works just like at a physical library. You check out titles for a specific time period, and they automatically return when due. No late fees to worry about!
You can place holds on popular titles that aren’t available right away. The app will notify you when your audiobook is ready to download.
The Libby app has a clean interface that makes finding and borrowing audiobooks simple. You can browse books by category, search for specific titles, or look for recommendations.
One great feature is the ability to adjust playback speed. This lets you listen faster or slower depending on your preference.
Libby also lets you bookmark important parts of your audiobook. This makes it easy to return to your favorite passages later.
You can download titles for offline listening. This is perfect for plane trips or areas with spotty internet connections.
The app syncs your progress across devices. Start listening on your phone and continue exactly where you left off on your tablet.
Many users count OverDrive/Libby among their most-used audiobook apps. The free access to a wide library makes it a top choice for audiobook fans on a budget.
5. Loyal Books
Loyal Books offers a wide collection of free audiobooks and eBooks for users who don’t want to spend money on their reading materials. The platform houses over 7,000 titles that are completely free to access.
Users can create personal libraries from thousands of available options. The interface is simple to navigate, making it easy for even beginners to find and enjoy books.
Loyal Books is available as both a mobile app for Android and iOS devices. This makes it convenient to listen to books on the go, whether commuting or relaxing at home.
One helpful feature is the ability to read reviews from other users before selecting a book. This helps in choosing titles that match your interests and preferences.
The app allows both streaming and downloading options. You can listen offline after downloading titles, which is perfect for travel or areas with poor internet connectivity.
The collection includes many classics and public domain works. While you won’t find the latest bestsellers, there’s plenty of quality literature available.
The audio quality varies since many recordings are done by volunteers. Some narrations are excellent while others might be less polished, but considering the price (free), it’s hard to complain.
Navigation is straightforward with books organized by genre, language, and popularity. This makes discovering new titles easy and enjoyable.
Unlike some free services, Loyal Books doesn’t require a library card or subscription. Anyone can access the entire collection without any payment information.
For budget-conscious readers and listeners, Loyal Books presents a valuable alternative to paid services. Though it might not have the newest releases, its extensive library of classics makes it worth trying.
6. Freed Audiobooks
Freed Audiobooks is a great choice for anyone looking for free audio content. This app offers over 14,000 classic titles from the public domain, making it a treasure trove for literature fans on a budget.
The app has a simple interface that makes finding and listening to books easy. You can browse through different categories to find something that fits your interests. Many users appreciate how straightforward the navigation is.
Freed Audiobooks focuses on classic literature and older works whose copyrights have expired. This means you’ll find plenty of works by authors like Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and Mark Twain.
One big advantage is that you don’t need to create an account or provide personal information to use the app. Just download it from the Google Play Store and start listening.
The app allows you to download books for offline listening, which is handy for travel or areas with spotty internet. You can also set sleep timers if you enjoy falling asleep to a good story.
Sound quality varies between books since they come from different sources. Some audiobooks are read by professionals while others are recorded by volunteers.
Freed Audiobooks won’t have the latest bestsellers, but it’s perfect for people interested in exploring literary classics. The collection is especially good for students studying literature or anyone wanting to catch up on the great works.
The app runs ads to support its free service, but they’re generally not too intrusive. For a completely free service, most users find this a reasonable trade-off.
Battery usage is fairly efficient, and the app doesn’t take up too much storage space on your device. This makes it a good option for phones with limited memory.
7. Audible
Audible is one of the most popular audiobook services available today. While it’s not completely free, it does offer free audiobooks without requiring a trial or membership. You simply need an Amazon account to access these titles.
The Audible app has a clean, user-friendly interface that makes finding and listening to books easy. It’s available for both Android and iOS devices.
With the app, listeners can enjoy a wide range of content. Beyond audiobooks, Audible also includes podcasts and Audible Originals that you can’t find elsewhere.
The free content on Audible changes regularly, giving users new options to explore. Their selection spans many genres, so most people can find something interesting.
For those who decide to subscribe, Audible offers monthly credits for audiobook purchases. These books stay in your library even if you cancel your subscription later.
The app includes helpful features like bookmarks, variable playback speed, and sleep timers. These tools make it easier to enjoy audiobooks on your own schedule.
Audible’s audio quality is typically excellent, with professional narration that enhances the listening experience. Many popular titles feature famous actors or the authors themselves as narrators.
While the full Audible experience requires a paid subscription, the free offerings provide a good way to test the service. The app itself costs nothing to download and use for the free content.
8. Google Play Books
Google Play Books stands out as a versatile free option for audiobook lovers. This app from Google offers access to both ebooks and millions of audiobooks all in one place.
The app works well on both Android and iOS devices, making it accessible no matter what smartphone you use. You can stream books over the internet or download them for offline listening.
One of the best features is the selection of free audiobooks. Google Play Books offers many classic titles at no cost. These include works from famous authors that have entered the public domain.
The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Users can adjust playback speed, set sleep timers, and bookmark important sections while listening.
Many classic books are available through partnerships with services like LibriVox. This gives listeners free access to professionally narrated classics.
You can find the top free titles by browsing the free audiobooks collection on Google Play. The selection updates regularly, so there’s always something new to discover.
The app syncs across devices, allowing you to start listening on your phone and continue exactly where you left off on your tablet. This seamless experience makes it convenient for busy listeners.
Google Play Books also offers personalized recommendations based on your listening history. This helps you find new titles that match your interests without endless browsing.
The bookmark feature lets you mark favorite passages or important sections for later reference. This proves especially helpful for educational content or complex stories.
While the premium selection requires payment, the free offerings provide enough content to keep most listeners busy for months. New users might be surprised by how much quality content is available without spending a penny.
9. Chirp
Chirp offers a unique approach to audiobooks without requiring a subscription. Unlike many services, Chirp provides limited-time deals on audiobooks that are often priced under $5.
The platform focuses on daily deals rather than a monthly fee structure. This makes it perfect for occasional listeners who don’t want to commit to a subscription plan.
Users can browse Chirp’s selection through their website and then listen through the free mobile app available for both iOS and Android devices. The app allows easy access to purchased books and offline listening.
One standout feature is Chirp’s free audiobook selection. They offer several free titles that users can download without spending anything. Users can claim up to 25 free audiobooks per day.
The Chirp app provides standard listening features like playback speed control and sleep timer options. Navigation is straightforward, making it easy for new users to get started.
Book selection varies widely, with many popular titles appearing in their deals. Some users on Reddit have mentioned finding bestsellers like the Jack Reacher series during sales.
The main drawback is that users can’t subscribe for unlimited listening. Each book must be purchased individually, even at the discounted prices.
For casual listeners who prefer paying only for what they actually want to read, Chirp presents an excellent choice. The combination of free titles and deep discounts makes building a library affordable.
The app syncs listening progress across devices, allowing users to switch between phone and tablet seamlessly. This convenience factor adds to its appeal for on-the-go listeners.
While the selection isn’t as vast as subscription services, the price point and no-commitment approach make Chirp worth considering for budget-conscious audiobook fans.
10. Audiobooks Now
Audiobooks Now offers a vast library with over 360,000 titles spanning fiction and non-fiction genres. Users can either download audiobooks for offline listening or stream them instantly on their mobile devices.
The platform has apps available for both Android and iOS devices, as well as Kindle support. This makes it accessible no matter what type of device you prefer.
Their Android app includes helpful features like account management and Android Auto support. This lets users safely enjoy their audiobooks while driving.
Audiobooks Now offers a flexible purchasing model. Listeners can buy audiobooks with or without a subscription plan, giving options based on your listening habits.
New users can take advantage of 50% off their first audiobook purchase. The service also offers a free trial for those who want to test it before committing.
The app interface makes browsing, purchasing, and listening simple. Everything happens in one place, from sign-up to enjoying your latest audiobook find.
While not completely free, Audiobooks Now provides competitive pricing. Their everyday low prices make it an affordable option for audiobook fans.
The instant download feature is particularly handy for readers on the go. There’s no waiting period between purchase and starting your next great listen.
The Benefits of Free Audiobook Apps
Free audiobook apps bring stories to life without emptying your wallet. They make reading accessible to more people and fit easily into busy schedules.
Accessibility and Convenience
Free audiobook apps like Libby and Hoopla let users listen to books anywhere, anytime. They work on most smartphones and tablets, making books available even when your hands are busy.
Many apps have user-friendly features that enhance the listening experience. For example, you can often:
- Adjust playback speed
- Set sleep timers
- Bookmark important sections
- Skip forward or back 15-30 seconds with just a quick tap
This flexibility means you can enjoy books while commuting, exercising, cooking, or relaxing. Unlike physical books, audiobooks let you multitask effectively, turning “dead time” into learning opportunities.
For people with visual impairments or reading difficulties, these apps open up worlds that might otherwise be inaccessible.
Cost-Effectiveness
The financial benefits of free audiobook apps are significant. Traditional audiobooks can cost $15-$30 each, making regular listening expensive.
Libby is considered one of the most affordable options, connecting to your local library’s digital collection at no cost. This allows readers to:
- Try books before committing to purchase
- Access thousands of titles without subscription fees
- Explore different genres without financial risk
Many free apps offer a surprising variety of content, including:
- Classic literature
- Popular fiction
- Educational materials
- Children’s books
While some apps like Audible require payment for premium content, free alternatives provide enough reading material to keep most listeners busy for years. This makes reading an affordable hobby for everyone, regardless of budget constraints.
Exploring User Interface and Features
A good audiobook app needs both a clean interface and useful features that make listening enjoyable. The best free apps balance simplicity with options that enhance your listening experience.
Ease of Navigation
The interface of an audiobook app can make or break your listening experience. Smart Audiobook Player stands out with its straightforward design that many users find easy to navigate. The app organizes books clearly, making it simple to find what you want to listen to next.
Free apps like Freed Audiobooks offer clean layouts that help users browse through thousands of titles without feeling overwhelmed. Most good apps feature:
- Search filters to sort books by genre, author, or length
- Recently played sections that let you quickly resume listening
- Progress tracking that shows how far you’ve gotten in each book
- Simple playback controls that work even from the lock screen
The Libby app connects to your local library and maintains a clean, book-focused design that makes finding and borrowing audiobooks easy.
Customization Options
Free audiobook apps often include surprisingly robust customization features. Smart Audiobook Player offers a unique character editor where listeners can create lists of characters and their roles—particularly helpful for complex books with many characters.
Most quality free apps let you adjust:
- Playback speed (0.5x to 3.0x typically)
- Sleep timers to automatically pause after a set time
- Bookmarks to mark important points in the audio
- Theme options (light/dark mode)
Even free versions of premium apps like Audible offer basic customization features. Apps like Blinkist focus on short-form content but still provide options to customize your listening queue and save favorite passages.
Audio quality settings are another crucial feature, allowing users to balance sound quality with storage space depending on their needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people want to enjoy audiobooks without spending money. Here are answers to common questions about finding free audiobook options.
What’s a good app for free audiobooks without any subscription fees?
Libby is an excellent choice for free audiobooks. It connects to your local library card and offers thousands of titles at no cost.
Another great option is LibriVox, which provides public domain audiobooks read by volunteers. Their collection includes many classics.
Hoopla also offers free audiobooks through participating libraries with no waiting lists or late fees.
Where can I download full-length audiobooks at no cost?
Libraries are your best bet for free full-length audiobooks. Overdrive and its app Libby let you borrow complete audiobooks using your library card.
Loyal Books offers free downloadable public domain audiobooks. Their collection includes classics and older titles whose copyrights have expired.
LibriVox allows downloads of their entire catalog without any costs or restrictions.
How can I listen to audiobooks for free on my Android device?
Android users have several free options. The Libby app works great on Android and connects to your library card.
Hoopla Digital is also Android-friendly and partners with many public libraries. You can borrow audiobooks instantly without waiting.
LibriVox has a dedicated Android app where you can stream or download thousands of free public domain titles.
Are there any free audiobook apps available for iPhone users?
iPhone users can access Libby through the App Store. It’s completely free and works with your library card.
The Hoopla app is also available for iOS devices. It offers audiobooks, movies, music, and more through participating libraries.
Apple Books occasionally offers free audiobook titles, though their selection of free content is limited compared to library-based apps.
Can you recommend a free audiobook app that’s similar to Audible?
While not exactly like Audible, Libby provides a similar listening experience but connects to your library instead of requiring purchases.
Audiobooks.com offers a free trial where you can get a free audiobook, similar to Audible’s model.
Loyal Books has a clean interface like Audible but focuses on free public domain content rather than new releases.
What are some inexpensive or free ways to enjoy audiobooks?
Library apps like Libby and Overdrive are completely free with your library card. They offer new releases and popular titles.
Free trials of paid services can help. Many subscription services offer 30-day trials with a free book.
Checking multiple libraries can expand your options. Many people don’t realize they can get cards from several library systems, even outside their hometown.
