Audiobooks are now the easiest way to consume knowledge and entertainment on the go. Whether you’re stuck in traffic, working out, or just relaxing at home, how to listen to audiobooks has never been more flexible. No more struggling to find time to read—just press play and let the story come to you.
But where do you start? With so many platforms, devices, and listening options, it can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve broken it all down for you—from the best way to listen to audiobooks on your phone to legal free options and smart tricks for offline listening. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to fit audiobooks into your daily routine—anytime, anywhere.
Why Listen to Audiobooks?
If you’re still thinking, “Wait, what is an audiobook?” it’s basically someone reading a book out loud for you. That’s it. You pop in your headphones or turn on a speaker, hit play, and the story comes to you — no reading glasses, no page-turning, no need to sit still.
Now, let’s be honest. You probably don’t have much spare time to sit down with a book for hours. Between work, commuting, trying to cook dinner without burning it, or just keeping your life together, finding a quiet moment to read can feel impossible. That’s where audiobooks are a game-changer.
They fit into your life without asking you to change a thing. You can listen while you’re driving, on a run, cleaning the kitchen, or even lying in bed with your eyes shut. It’s multitasking at its finest. You’re getting through your reading list without needing to carve out extra hours in the day.
And it’s not just about convenience — listening to audiobooks can actually help you concentrate better. Some people find they remember more when they hear a book rather than read it. If you’ve ever zoned out halfway through a page, you’ll know what I mean. And for anyone who struggles with reading — whether that’s down to dyslexia, eyesight issues, or just plain reading fatigue — audiobooks make books accessible again.
How to Listen to Audiobooks
Right, so now that you’ve got the why sorted, let’s talk about how to listen to audiobooks — because once you realise how easy it is to get started, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner. Whether you’re listening on the go, curled up on the sofa, or just trying to make cleaning the bathroom slightly less soul-destroying, there’s a way to do it that fits your life.
1. On Smartphones
This one’s probably the most common. If you’ve got a phone (and who doesn’t?), you’ve already got access to some of the top audiobook platforms.
Audible is the biggest name out there. It is owned by Amazon and gives you access to thousands of audiobooks with a monthly subscription. You can buy books outright, too, if you’d rather not commit long term. Then there’s Libby, which lets you borrow audiobooks from your local library for free — all you need is a library card. Don’t sleep on Spotify, either. Yes, they’ve added audiobooks to their Premium plans, and it’s a solid option if you’re already a regular listener on there.
To get started, just download the app, sign in, and pick your audiobook. You can stream if you’ve got Wi-Fi, or download if you’re heading out and want to save data.
2. On Computers
If you prefer a bigger screen or don’t want to faff about with phones, listening on a computer is dead simple. You can use platforms like Google Play Books, Audible, or Apple Books straight from your browser or desktop app.
For more casual listening, there’s also Spotify and even YouTube — yes, full audiobooks do exist on YouTube, usually legally shared by publishers or creators. Just make sure you’re not listening to pirated content pretending to be legit — you’ll spot them pretty easily when the audio sounds like it was recorded in someone’s bathroom.
3. On Smart Speakers & Home Devices
If you’ve got an Alexa or Google Home sitting around, put it to good use. You can ask it to play your latest audiobook from Audible or link it to audiobook servicesf like Spotify. Just say something like, “Alexa, read my book”, and you’re off. Perfect for when your hands are busy, or you’re mid-stir in the kitchen.
4. In the Car
You don’t need anything fancy here. If your car has Bluetooth, just connect your phone and play the audiobook like you would a playlist. No Bluetooth? AUX cable or USB works just fine. And if you’re fancy and have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, most audiobook apps work natively with them — plug in, tap, and go.
A lot of people find this is the best time to listen. Whether you’re commuting or stuck in traffic, it turns a boring drive into something actually enjoyable. It’s also a decent hack for getting through long books that would take weeks to read the old-fashioned way.
5. Offline Listening
This bit matters if you’re travelling or going somewhere with dodgy signals — trains, planes, underground, you get the idea. Most audiobook services let you download the audiobook to your device. Audible, Libby, Spotify, and Google Play all have that option. Just make sure you’ve downloaded everything before you lose signal — nothing worse than settling in for a story only to realise it’s still buffering.
And if you’re still figuring out where to buy audiobooks, the good ones usually give you both streaming and offline listening options. Audible and Libro.fm are both solid choices, especially if you want to support indie bookstores with your purchases.
How to Choose the Best Audiobook Platform
All right, so now you know how to listen to audiobooks on just about anything with a speaker. But before you press play, you’ve got one more choice to make — where to get them from. And trust me, picking the right platform can save you money, frustration, and a load of wasted time scrolling through stuff you don’t actually want to hear.
Subscription or Pay-as-You-Go?
This is the first thing you’ve got to decide. If you’re listening to audiobooks regularly — say, one or two a month — a subscription might be the smarter route. Audible, for example, gives you one credit per month (which gets you any audiobook), plus access to a catalogue of extras.
But if you’re more of an occasional listener, the à la carte route might make more sense. Platforms like Google Play Books and Apple Books let you just buy what you want without needing to sign up for anything. No monthly charges, no commitment.
1. Audible
Still the biggest name in the game. They have a great selection and regular sales, and their credit system is simple. You own the books you buy, even if you cancel your subscription later. The best way for most people to listen to audiobooks probably starts here, just because of how easy it is to use and how often they update their library.
2. Scribd
This one’s more like Netflix for books. One subscription gets you unlimited access to audiobooks, ebooks, articles, and more. It sounds amazing on paper, but there’s a catch — some of the “unlimited” stuff disappears after you listen to a few popular titles. Still, if you like variety, Scribd’s worth a look.
3. Libro.fm
If you’re wondering which platform supports independent bookshops — this is the one. You still get a monthly credit like Audible, but your purchases go through a local bookshop of your choice. It’s not just a good deal — it’s a feel-good one.
4. Spotify
Spotify’s new to the game, but it’s already giving the others a run for their money. Premium subscribers now get 15 hours of audiobook access a month. Not perfect for heavy listeners, but great if you’re already paying for music and just want something extra without switching apps.
Final Note
Now that you know how to listen to audiobooks seamlessly across devices, it’s time to dive in. Whether you prefer subscriptions like Audible, free library apps like Libby, or even converting eBooks into audio, there’s a perfect option for every listener. The best part? You can enjoy books while commuting, cooking, or even working out—turning downtime into productive (or entertaining) moments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an audiobook?
An audiobook is a recorded version of a book narrated by a professional voice actor (or sometimes the author). It lets you “read” by listening, making books accessible while driving, exercising, or multitasking.
What’s the best way to listen to audiobooks?
The best method depends on your lifestyle:
- Smartphones (Audible, Libby, Spotify) for on-the-go listening.
- Smart speakers (Alexa, Google Home) for hands-free playback.
- Offline downloads for flights or areas with poor signal.
Are free audiobooks legal?
Yes, if sourced correctly. Platforms like LibriVox (public domain books) and Libby (library rentals) offer free, legal audiobooks. Avoid pirated sites, as they violate copyright laws.
Which are the top audiobook platforms?
- Audible (largest library, subscription-based).
- Libro.fm (supports indie bookstores).
- Scribd (unlimited listening with some restrictions).
- Spotify (15 free hours/month for Premium users).
Can I convert eBooks to audiobooks?
Yes! Use text-to-speech apps like NaturalReader or Amazon Polly to turn eBooks into audio. Note: Synthetic voices lack the nuance of professional narrators.
Where can I buy audiobooks?
Major platforms include Audible, Apple Books, Google Play Books, and Libro.fm. Libraries also offer free rentals via Libby or Hoopla.