Introduction
Have you been struggling to find free audiobooks, but don’t know where to turn? We’re here to help! Audiobooks can be a great way to relax, unwind, and learn something new while doing chores or even commuting. But buying an audiobook can be costly and out of reach for some. Don’t worry; in this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover the top five websites for free audiobooks, how to access audiobooks on different devices, various ways to access free audiobooks, the best library options, the best apps to listen to free audiobooks, and other free audiobook resources.
Top 5 Websites for Free Audiobooks
There are several websites where you can find free audiobooks. Here are the top five:
1. Librivox
Librivox is a non-profit organization that offers free audiobooks. The website offers over 14,000 audiobooks, all produced by volunteers. Librivox is a great resource for classic novels and books in the public domain. One of the best things about Librivox is that it offers a wide range of language options, including books in French, German, Spanish, and more. One downside to Librivox is that since the audiobooks are volunteer-produced, the audio quality can vary.
2. Loyal Books
Loyal Books (formerly Books Should Be Free) offers mostly public domain audiobooks that can be downloaded for free. The website is easy to navigate, and the audiobooks are available in different formats. Loyal Books curates various audiobooks from Librivox and other sources and also has an app which is compatible with both Android and IOS devices. One downside to Loyal Books is the number of ads on the site, but overall, it’s still a great resource for free audiobooks.
3. Project Gutenberg
Project Gutenberg is a well-known website that offers free electronic versions of books that are in the public domain. The website offers audiobooks that can be downloaded for free, and while its selection is not as extensive as Librivox or Loyal Books, it is still a great resource for classical works and books that are in the public domain. One downside of Project Gutenberg is that some of the audiobooks are read by computer-generated voices, which can take away from the listening experience.
4. OpenCulture
OpenCulture curates free online audiobooks and eBooks from all over the internet. The website has audiobooks of all genres, including classic books, poetry, and even some academic material. OpenCulture also offers free language learning resources for those who want to expand their linguistic horizons. One downside to the website is that some of the files are streamed, which may not suit all users.
5. OverDrive
OverDrive is a great resource for free audiobooks, especially for those who have a library card. OverDrive allows users to borrow audiobooks and eBooks from their library free of charge, and the content can be accessed on your mobile device or computer via the OverDrive app. The selection of audiobooks is limited to what your local library has in stock, but if your library has a good selection, you’ll be able to get an excellent variety of free audiobooks.
How to Access Free Audiobooks on Your Phone, Tablet or Computer
Many options are available for accessing free audiobooks on your phone, tablet, or computer.
1. Public Libraries
As mentioned earlier, public libraries are a great resource for accessing free audiobooks. Libby is a great app for accessing audiobooks on your phone or tablet. The app is user-friendly and allows you to browse and download audiobooks from your local library.
2. YouTube
You might not have known that you could find free audiobooks on YouTube. Yes, you can! The platform offers a wide range of audiobooks, some of which are uploaded by users and others that are available in the public domain. To access audiobooks on YouTube, use the search bar to look for audiobooks, and you will be surprised at what you find.
3. Audible
Audible may not be free, but it offers free audiobooks to its members via its Audible Originals program. You can also access a 30-day free trial and have access to any audiobook of your choice and even cancel afterward, which means you can try the service for free before deciding whether or not to subscribe.
The Ultimate Guide to Listening to Audiobooks for Free
Various means can provide access to audiobooks for free. Here are some of them:
1. Free trials
Several audiobook providers, such as Audible and Audiobooks, offer free trials. Take advantage of this, download as many books as you can, and do not forget to cancel your subscription during trial period to avoid being charged.
2. Public Domain Works
Public domain works are books whose copyright has expired, and the books are no longer subject to copyright laws, making them free for sharing and reading. A lot of classic novels fall into this category, and you can find them in various audiobook websites as mentioned earlier in this article.
3. Audiobook Libraries
Audiobook libraries are gaining popularity as an excellent resource for free audiobooks. One popular option is the Internet Archive’s audiobook library, which offers tens of thousands of free audiobooks.
Free Audiobook Libraries: Discovering Overlooked Gems
Audiobook libraries offer the advantage of lesser known works that are overshadowed by the more popular ones. Take advantage of these unique offerings with these audiobook libraries:
1. Internet Archive audiobook library
The internet archive library is great for users who want a vast selection of books to choose from. The website is home to over 16,000 audiobooks in different genres, including fiction and non-fiction.
2. Librophile
Librophile is a great website for free audiobooks. The website features books from different genres and even provides books in languages other than English. The platform is easy to navigate, and the audiobooks are available in different formats.
3. Project Gutenberg
Project Gutenberg is an excellent resource for audiobook libraries. The website offers a wide range of books and has an easy-to-use interface.
Best Apps for Listening to Free Audiobooks on the Go
Here are some of the best apps for listening to free audiobooks:
1. Libby
The Libby app is an excellent resource for borrowing audiobooks from the library. The app is free and widely available on IOS and Android devices.
2. Hoopla
Hoopla is another app that offers free audiobooks for users with an active library card. The app is easy to use and available on IOS and Android devices.
3. Audiobooks.com
Audiobooks.com offers a vast selection of free audiobooks for its members. The app has an elegant and user-friendly interface and is available on IOS and Android devices.
Finding Your Next Listen: A Roundup of Free Audiobook Resources
Here are a few additional audiobook resources worth exploring:
1. Storynory
Storynory is a website that offers free audiobooks and podcasts for kids. The platform is available to everyone and is an excellent way to get children into audiobooks.
2. Digital Book
Digital Book is a website that offers free audiobooks in different genres, including sci-fi, comedy, thrillers, and more. The platform’s unique selling point is that it offers the option to read-along to the narration.
3. Librivox Free Audiobooks
Librivox is a non-profit platform that offers free audiobooks produced entirely by volunteers. If you’re a fan of classic literature, this platform is for you.
Conclusion
In this guide, we have provided several options for accessing free audiobooks, including free trials, audiobook libraries, public domain works, and several websites and apps that offer free audiobooks. Audiobooks are a great way to relax, unwind, stay informed and overall, spend some quality time. Our audience should take advantage of this guide and start using audiobooks.
