Audiobooks are a new addition to my life. I’ve always been an avid reader, and because of my adoration for physical copies of books, I found myself turning my nose up at ebooks and audiobooks.
As I got to college and life got busier, I started to see the merits in audiobooks. They’re a great way to tackle your “to-read” list while also completing other tasks. They don’t require as much conscious effort as reading, and you can listen on the move! Just throw in your headphones and listen while you’re making breakfast, walking to the gym, folding laundry or doing any of your day-to-day tasks.
Audiobooks can also be much more cost effective than purchasing physical books, especially if you choose a subscription-based service rather than paying for each one individually.
If you’re wanting to test out some audiobooks to see how you like them, here are some of the best (and cheapest!) places to get them.
OverDrive
OverDrive is my personal favorite place to get my audiobooks. OverDrive partners with thousands of library networks across the country, so you can borrow ebooks and audiobooks like you would physical books from your brick-and-mortar library.
Borrowing is free, and all you need to start is an active library card from any of the partnering networks, which you can typically get for free through the library’s website. Just like a regular library, borrowing periods typically last 14-21 days depending on your network, and you might have to place a hold on a book and wait until it’s available. Still, OverDrive is a great option, especially if you’re on a budget.
Scribd
Scribd is a subscription-based audiobook service. For $9.99 per month, users have access to an unlimited number of ebooks and audiobooks, as well as newspaper and magazine articles, podcasts and other content. A Scribd subscription also comes with a few perks, like access to Pandora Plus and other music, entertainment and education services.
Much of the money Scribd takes in from subscriptions goes directly to the authors and publishers who appear in the library. That, in addition to Scribd’s wide range of available content makes its monthly fee much more reasonable. If you’re still unsure, you can start with a 30-day free trial and decide from there.
Libro.fm
Libro.fm is definitely one of the priciest options for audiobooks, but also the most unique. Through Libro.fm you can purchase individual audio books, or pay a monthly fee of $14.99, which includes one audiobook and 30% any additional audiobooks. What makes Libro.fm different from other providers (namely Audible by Amazon, which functions similarly) is that the money you pay goes directly to the local independent bookstore of your choice.
If you’re tight on cash, Libro.fm might not be for you, but if you can afford it, it’s a great opportunity to good with your purchase.
Whether you’re just getting into audiobooks or you’ve loved them for years, there’s an option out there for you! Sign up for some free trials, and find which one best suits your lifestyle and budget. Happy listening!