If you want to read even with a busy schedule, audiobooks are the perfect solution. The problem? They don’t come cheap. With prices often matching (or exceeding) physical books, it’s tempting to hunt for free versions—but before you download, you need to ask: Are free audiobooks legal?
The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. Some free audiobooks are completely above board, while others could land you in hot water. In 2025, copyright laws are stricter than ever, and downloading from the wrong site might mean malware, fines, or worse.
So, where’s the line? Let’s break it down—where to find legal free audiobooks, how to avoid piracy traps, and why some “free” options could cost you more than you think.
What Is an Audiobook?
Right then—let’s start with the basics. You’re here wondering if free audiobooks are legal, but before we jump into the law of it all, let’s talk about what you’re actually getting when you press play on one of those narrated gems.
So, what is an audiobook, exactly? It’s not just someone reading to you—it’s a professionally recorded (or sometimes charmingly amateur) version of a book you’d usually read with your eyes. Instead, you get to soak it all in through your ears, which is brilliant if you’re washing up, walking the dog, or staring blankly out a train window. Audiobooks have become the go-to for multitaskers and book lovers alike, especially now that your phone can double as a personal library.
You’ll find audiobooks in all sorts of formats. The old-school CD still exists (mainly in charity shops and car gloveboxes), but most people these days stream or download their books via apps or websites. That means you can listen instantly, offline or online, depending on your setup—and yes, there is such a thing as the best way to listen to audiobooks, but we’ll get to that later.
Are Free Audiobooks Legal?
So, you know what an audiobook is, how it reaches your ears, and that not all come with a price tag. But here’s the tricky bit—the thing that catches people out more often than you’d think. Just because something’s free doesn’t mean it’s legal. And when it comes to audiobooks, where and how you get them makes all the difference.
To keep yourself on the right side of copyright law (and your device safe from dodgy downloads), here’s the breakdown you need.
Yes—Free Audiobooks Can Be Legal If…
They’re in the Public Domain
If a book’s copyright has expired, it’s considered public domain—meaning it’s a free game for anyone to read, share, and, yes, turn into an audiobook. Platforms like LibriVox specialise in these. Volunteers lend their voices to classics by the likes of Jane Austen or Charles Dickens, making them freely available without breaking any rules.
The Author or Publisher Offers Them
Sometimes, authors or publishers want you to have a book for free—usually as a limited-time promotion or as part of a marketing push. You might find these giveaways on legit platforms or even through newsletters and author websites. If it comes straight from the source, you’re in the clear.
They’re on Legitimate Streaming Platforms
Some top audiobook platforms, like Spotify’s free tier or certain library-connected apps, offer a small but decent range of audiobooks at no cost. So long as you’re using a reputable service with proper licensing, you’re not doing anything shady.
No—They’re Not Legal If…
They’re Pirated or Uploaded Without Permission
Finding an audiobook on YouTube or via a torrent site might seem convenient, but unless the person uploading it has the right to distribute it, it’s illegal. Period. You wouldn’t walk into a shop, take a book off the shelf, and stroll out without paying—the same principle applies online.
They Infringe Copyright
Even if you think it’s a harmless share—a friend zips you a folder of MP3s, or you spot a “free download” link on some blog—it still counts as copyright infringement if permission wasn’t given by the rights holder. That’s the author, publisher, or licensed distributor.
And Here’s Why That Matters
Downloading illegal audiobooks doesn’t just toe the legal line—it can put your tech at risk. Pirated files are often riddled with malware, spyware, or nasty pop-ups that can wreck your device or steal personal data. Plus, if you’re caught knowingly downloading or sharing pirated content, you could face fines or even legal action.
But don’t panic—this isn’t meant to scare you off free audiobooks altogether. They can be a great, legal way to get your literary fix. You just need to know where to look—and lucky for you, that’s exactly what we’re covering next. Let’s look at the best places to find legal free audiobooks without risking your computer or your conscience.
Where to Find Legal Free Audiobooks
So now that we’ve cleared up when free audiobooks are legal, the next logical step is where to actually find them. And no, we’re not sending you down some sketchy rabbit hole of pop-ups and suspicious download buttons. There are proper, reliable places where you can listen to audiobooks without paying a penny—and without breaking the law.
Let’s walk through your safest options.
1. Free Platforms Worth Checking
LibriVox
This one’s a staple. LibriVox is a volunteer-run site that takes books in the public domain and turns them into free audiobooks. It’s completely legal because the books are out of copyright, and the recordings are done by everyday readers like you. You’ll find classics galore—think Mark Twain, Mary Shelley, and Shakespeare all getting the audio treatment.
Spotify
Yes, that is Spotify. While it’s better known for music and podcasts, the platform has dipped into audiobooks—especially in the free tier. It’s still a growing area, but if you poke around using keywords or browse curated playlists, you’ll find select titles tucked away. Just don’t expect the latest bestsellers.
Hoopla & OverDrive (via Your Local Library)
If you’ve got a library card, you’re sitting on a goldmine. Apps like Hoopla and OverDrive (or Libby, which is OverDrive’s app) let you borrow audiobooks the same way you would a physical book. There are no hidden costs and no legal worries—just log in with your library account and start listening.
2. Trial Offers from Big Names
Audible Free Trial
Audible remains one of the top audiobook platforms, and while it’s a paid service, they do offer a 30-day free trial that gives you access to one or two full audiobooks. If you’re wondering where to buy audiobooks after that, Audible’s probably where you’ll end up anyway—but the trial’s a good no-risk start.
3. Educational and Nonprofit Sources
Open Culture & Project Gutenberg
These two are often overlooked but are worth bookmarking. Open Culture curates free cultural and educational media, including audiobooks across genres and languages. Project Gutenberg, on the other hand, mostly focuses on eBooks, but it partners with sites like LibriVox to offer audio versions of its texts.
Of course, if you’ve got an eBook and fancy turning it into something you can listen to, that’s possible too. Let’s take a look at how you can legally convert eBooks to audiobooks.
How to Convert eBooks to Audiobooks Legally
If you’ve already got a digital shelf full of eBooks and you’re wondering whether you can listen to them instead of read them—yes, you can. But much like everything we’ve covered so far, it’s not just about can you, it’s about should you, and more importantly—are you allowed to?
So, let’s break down the right way to Convert eBooks to Audiobooks without stepping on any legal toes.
Use Legal Text-to-Speech Tools
Tools like Amazon Polly, NaturalReader, and even built-in accessibility features on your phone or tablet can turn written text into audio. These platforms use synthetic voices to read your eBooks aloud, which might not have the charm of a professional narrator, but they get the job done—especially for nonfiction or study material. It’s quick and customisable, and you’re not depending on someone else to make the audiobook for you.
Only Convert Books You Own, or That Are Copyright-Free
Here’s the line you don’t want to cross. Just because you found a PDF of a book online doesn’t mean you can legally convert it. If you don’t own the eBook, or if it’s still under copyright and not publicly licensed, you’re stepping into the same territory we covered earlier with pirated audiobooks. Stick to texts you’ve legally purchased or those in the public domain.
And when you’re creating your own recordings, even for personal use, that doesn’t give you the right to distribute them. If you’re thinking about how to make an audio book to share, that’s a whole other legal process that involves getting proper permissions from the rights holders.
Consider the Ethics, Not Just the Law
Just because something’s technically allowed doesn’t mean it’s always the right thing to do. Authors, narrators, and publishers put time and money into their work. If you’re skipping the paid version when it’s available just to save a few pounds, you’re not supporting the people who make these books possible.
Still, if the audiobook doesn’t exist or you’ve got accessibility needs, this route can be a brilliant workaround.
Of course, not all audiobooks are created equal. Some are free and scratchy, others sleek and studio-polished—but how do they compare when it comes to value? Up next, we’re weighing up free vs. paid audiobooks so you can decide what’s worth your time (and money).
Final Note
The short answer? Yes—if you get them the right way. Free audiobooks from public domain sites, library apps, and authorised promotions are 100% legal. But pirated downloads, shady torrents, or unauthorised YouTube uploads? Those come with real risks—from viruses to lawsuits.
If you love audiobooks, the safest bet is mixing free legal sources (like LibriVox or library loans) with paid platforms for newer titles. And if you’re thinking of converting eBooks to audio, stick to books you own or copyright-free texts.
At the end of the day, free audiobooks can be a great resource—just make sure you’re on the right side of the law. Now, go enjoy your next listen (guilt-free).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get in trouble for downloading free audiobooks?
Yes—if they’re pirated. Copyright holders actively monitor illegal distribution, and penalties range from DMCA takedowns to fines. Always verify the source.
What’s the best way to listen to audiobooks legally for free?
- Public domain sites (LibriVox)
- Library apps (Hoopla, OverDrive)
- Free trials (Audible, Scribd)
- Spotify’s free tier (limited selection)
How do I know if an audiobook is pirated?
Red flags:
- Uploaded to YouTube by random users
- “Download full audiobook free” on sketchy sites
- Torrents or forums offering paid books for free
Can I convert my eBooks to audiobooks?
Yes—if you own the eBook or it’s copyright-free. Use text-to-speech tools (Amazon Polly, NaturalReader) for personal use. Distributing them is illegal without permission.
Where’s the best place to buy audiobooks?
Top paid platforms:
- Audible
- Apple Books
- Google Play Audiobooks
- Kobo