Introduction
For book lovers and commuters, audiobooks have become a popular choice for getting lost in a story without having to turn a page. But for those on a tight budget, the cost of audiobooks can add up quickly. Fortunately, there are several ways to get audiobooks for free. In this article, we will cover different strategies for getting free audiobooks, including borrowing from your local library, trying subscription services, using free audiobook websites, listening to podcasts, joining audiobook sharing communities, and scoring special deals and promotions.
Borrow from your local public library
One of the most obvious ways to get audiobooks for free is to borrow them from your local public library. Even if your library doesn’t have physical audiobook copies, many offer digital audiobooks that can be accessed through library apps like Libby and Overdrive. These apps allow you to borrow and listen to an array of audiobooks. The best part is, there is no cost, and borrowing digitally means that new releases are always available.
Try audiobook subscription services
Although audiobook subscription services do come with a cost, many offer free trials or promotions for new members. Audible is a popular service and one of the most well-known, offering a 30-day free trial, which includes two free audiobooks. Before signing up for any subscription service, be sure to check the fine print, as many will automatically charge you once the trial period is over. If you don’t want to be charged, set an alert to cancel your subscription before it jumps to the full price.
Use free audiobook websites
If you prefer to get free audiobooks without any strings attached, various websites offer audiobooks free of charge. Project Gutenberg is one example and offers over 60,000 free audiobooks. Another website is LibriVox, which produces public domain audiobooks using volunteers. These websites have classics like Edgar Allan Poe and Mark Twain, as well as newer books like “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” and “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.”
Listen to podcasts
Podcasts have soared in popularity in recent years, and many offer the same storytelling experience as audiobooks. True crime, comedy, and interview-style podcasts often feature audiobook-style narration. Plus, they’re free. “Serial” is a popular choice, as are “My Favorite Murder” and “Lore.” Podcasts are also great for shorter-form content – you don’t need to commit several hours to one story.
Join audiobook sharing communities
Audiobook sharing communities offer a unique experience by granting access to audiobooks that are otherwise inaccessible or difficult to obtain. Members of these communities share audiobooks with each other, often violating copyright law, so be careful when participating. In addition to the legal risks, many of these communities suffer from a lack of quality control for uploaded audiobooks. Some popular communities include Reddit’s Audiobook Request and YourBittorrent2.
Keep an eye out for special deals and promotions
Finally, if you’re willing to put in a bit of work, you can find deals and promotions by audiobook retailers or publishers. The best way to do this is by monitoring websites or apps like Audible’s daily deals. Another option is to simply submit a request for a particular book on a local library website, and if that book is in demand, the library may purchase more copies.
Conclusion
There are plenty of ways to enjoy audiobooks without spending a dime. Whether you prefer borrowing them from your local library, finding them on free audiobook websites, or subscribing to a trial with a subscription service, there is an option for everyone. By joining audiobook communities, listening to podcasts, and keeping an eye out for promotions and deals, you can binge on audiobooks without damaging your wallet.
