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8 Best iOS App for Audiobooks | The Best Audiobooks Apps on iPhone and iPad in 2024

Best iOS App for Audiobooks

Planning on listening to Audiobooks on your iOS device? Check out our list of the Best iOS App for Audiobooks!

Reading is one of my favorite ways to spend my free time. I love books and they are the reason why I am a writer. While reading is my preferred way to go through a book, I have been getting very accustomed to audiobooks thanks to a lot of benefits. Audiobooks are convenient, fun, and a different way to enjoy books.

Audiobooks are especially convenient when you are traveling. Audiobooks are also great if you are visually impaired, you can reduce unnecessary stress on your eyes like when trying to read in the dark or in a moving vehicle. And when done right, the experience of listening to an audiobook can be as good as reading it yourself.

If you are someone who loves the idea of audiobooks or already enjoys listening to audiobooks then this article is for you. This article is a compilation of the best audiobook apps for iOS devices. So download one and start listening to your favorite books from your iPhone or iPad. Here’s our list of the Best iOS App for Audiobooks.

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After having reviewed all the Apps for Audiobooks based on various factors like UI/UX, performance, features, price, and much more; my team and I zeroed in on 8 that really stood out. These 8 were put through a series of tests to determine the best. We found that:

The best iOS app for Audiobooks is Apple Books. It offers better library management than other apps and it allows the user to buy new books easily. It also has categories like the reading now section that makes the experience extremely convenient. Most importantly, Apple Books has a wide range of Audiobooks.

8 Best iOS App for Audiobooks Features
Apple BooksBuy audiobooks directly in the app 
Read across all Apple devices
CarPlay support 
AudibleOffline Listening 
Ad free 
Sync across multiple devices
LibbySupports local libraries 
Legal way to listen to audiobooks for free
Access multiple libraries
Google Play BooksNo subscription needed
CarPlay support
Works in browsers
KoboLarge catalog of audiobooks
Supports multiple devices 
Compatible with CarPlay 
ScribdCompatible with CarPlay 
Supports offline listening
Large catalog of audiobooks
Supports multiple devices 
Libro.fmOffline listening to audiobooks
Supports multiple devices 
30-day trial period
Amazon KindleLarge catalog of audiobooks
Supports multiple devices 
Automatically syncs across iOS devices
User friendly experience and design

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Best iOS App for Audiobooks

Apple Books : Our Favorite

Best iOS App for Audiobooks

Apple has developed many apps for iOS and you might be surprised to discover all of them. One such app is Apple Books, as it is not as popular as some other audiobook apps on this list but it is just as good. It’s one of the Best iOS App for Audiobooks.

The Apple Books app is more than sufficient for all your audiobook needs. The app has been recently redesigned and it now offers better library management and easier access to audiobooks you own.

The app will show on the home page under the Reading Now section. You will also find all the books you have added to your wishlist along with recommendations from the book store. 

The inclusion of a book store into the app is a big advantage as you can shop for new audiobooks from the app itself. It makes it easier for the user to build their library. The only disadvantage of Apple Books is that it is available only in select countries. 

Apple Books is one of the best audiobook apps for iOS devices. It offers an intuitively designed app, simple-to-use audiobook player, in-app purchases, CarPlay support, and more for free. 

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Pros

  • Buy audiobooks directly in the app 
  • Read across all Apple devices
  • Family Sharing
  • Set reading goals
  • CarPlay support 
  • Simple and intuitive design

Cons

  • Only available in limited countries 

Audible

best audiobook apps for iOS devices

Audible is easily the largest and most advanced audiobook service in the world. Audible is developed and powered by Amazon making it one of the most popular iOS apps for audiobooks. Audible offers the largest audiobook library of any app on this list including exclusives created for the platform. 

Audible provides you with two options when it comes to receiving content. You can either buy the audiobook you want and listen to it. The other option is to get an Audible subscription, either the Audible Plus subscription or the Audible Premium Plus subscription.

The advantage to having a subscription is that you can download and enjoy audiobooks any time you want without getting redirected to a payment website every time you want to buy a book. 

Audible is a free app so you can download it anytime you want on your iOS device. And once you have the app on your device, you will find all the audiobooks that you have previously bought. The app is also ad-free and syncs between all your devices and so you can continue where you left off regardless of the device you are using. 

Audible has one of the best, if not the best audio quality for audiobooks. You can also adjust narration speed, skip through narration, and more. You can download audiobooks and listen to them offline too. 

Audible offers a complete experience when it comes to audiobooks. It offers the largest selection of audiobooks to choose from, a good ad-free experience, tons of features, and an easy-to-use interface. And best of all it is completely free to use. 

Pros

  • Tons of audio content 
  • Integration with Amazon services
  • Offline Listening 
  • Ad free 
  • Sync across multiple devices

Cons

  • Recommendations are not refined. 

Libby

Best free audiobook app

If you are looking to borrow audiobooks rather than buy them, then Libby is a library designed for audiobooks. Libby is developed by OverDrive and it can borrow and manage content between different libraries. So technically Libby is the only app you will ever need if you want to borrow audiobooks. 

Once you have downloaded and signed into Libby, you can start borrowing ebooks and audiobooks. You can stream borrowed audiobooks or download and use them offline. 

What makes Libby unique is that it can sync between different libraries and show all books available on a unified shelf. So if you are registered to multiple libraries that offer audiobooks then, you can borrow from any library you want. And you can access and play these audiobooks on Libby itself. 

Borrowing ebooks or audiobooks is much cheaper than buying books so Libby is one of the best and cheapest ways to enjoy audiobooks. The only disadvantage of Libby is that the library of audiobooks available is not as large as something like Audible and it never will be, but you can enjoy it for free as long as you are registered at the public library. 

Libby is a simple, free app that you can use for audiobooks or ebooks, it has a nice user interface, legal yet completely free. 

Pros

  • Supports local libraries 
  • Legal way to listen to audiobooks for free
  • Access multiple libraries

Cons

  • Not helpful if you don’t have public libraries nearby or a library membership
  • Limited content depending on the libraries

Google Play Books

Best iOS App for Audiobooks

Google Play Books will be the one for you if you have been a long-time user of Google’s services and app or if you are stitching to iOS after being an Android user. Since its launch, Google has been developing the Play Books app and it is safe to say it is one of the best apps you can buy for audiobooks.

The Google Play Books app is an all-in-one app for books as you can access ebooks, audiobooks, textbooks, and comic books all from one app. While it doesn’t have a book catalog as big as Amazon or Audible, it is probably the next biggest even beating Apple Books. You also get the option to choose between a subscription model or buying each book. 

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If you used Google Books before, then all your audiobooks from your account will get synced to your iOS device as well. You can use it on different devices too and they will always be synced so you can start where you left off. Google Play Books is available on CarPlay too so you can listen to your audiobooks while driving too. 

Google Play Books is one of the best audiobook apps for iOS devices as it is free, easy, and intuitive to use, offers tons of titles, syncs between multiple devices, offer CarPlay support, and more. 

Pros

  • No subscription needed
  • CarPlay support
  • Works in browsers

Cons

  • Cannot purchase directly in the app due to App Store policies

Kobo

Best audiobook app for iPhone and iPad

Kobo has a pretty decent user base and if you are someone who is a part of it then Kobo should be the app for all your audiobook needs too. If you are invested in Kobo already then you would probably be using it. 

Kobo app added support for audiobooks back in September 2017 and since then they have been adding more titles to it. So you can now access all your ebooks and audiobooks bought from Kobo in one place. 

The app works similarly to other ebooks/audiobook combo apps, as you can both read and listen to it. While you can do both, the app is much better suited for reading than listening. The app itself is easy to use and the player is designed very well. The player has features that allow you to navigate through the book, time left, narration speed control, and more. 

Kobo is great for anyone who has been using their services already. The only downside is that the audio quality is not the greatest and there is no CarPlay support yet. But you get tons of content, an elegant audiobook player, and access to both ebooks and audiobooks in one place while being free to download and use. 

Pros

  • Large catalog of audiobooks
  • Supports multiple devices 
  • Compatible with CarPlay 

Cons

  • Book filters need to be refined

Scribd

Best iOS App for Audiobooks

Scribd is a fantastic audiobook app for iOS that provides a vast library of over 60 million books, magazines, and documents. With this app, you can access thousands of audiobooks to listen to on-the-go, making it the perfect companion for road trips, long commutes, or even just a lazy day at home.

One of the major benefits of Scribd is its versatility – you can find a book for any mood or occasion. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic romance novel, a gripping mystery, or a motivational self-help book, Scribd has got you covered. And with the app’s offline listening feature, you can keep listening even when you’re not connected to the internet.

However, like any app, Scribd does have its drawbacks. For instance, it operates on a monthly subscription basis, which may not be ideal for some users.

But overall, Scribd is a fun and convenient way to enjoy audiobooks on your iOS device. So if you’re looking for a new way to enjoy your favorite stories, give Scribd a try and get ready to be transported to a world of audio magic!

Pros

  • Large catalog of audiobooks
  • Supports multiple devices 
  • Compatible with CarPlay 
  • Supports offline listening

Cons

  • Subscription charges

Libro.fm

Best iOS App for Audiobooks

Libro.fm is an audiobook app for iOS that offers a vast library of audiobooks and you can listen to your favorite stories anytime, anywhere. Whether you’re into classic literature, romance novels, or gripping mysteries, Libro.fm has something for everyone.

One of the best things about Libro.fm is that it supports independent bookstores so when you purchase an audiobook through the app, a portion of your sale goes to your local bookstore, helping to support your community.

In addition to supporting independent bookstores, Libro.fm also offers a 30-day trial for new users, giving you plenty of time to explore its library and see if it’s the right fit for you. And with offline listening, you can enjoy your favorite books even when you’re not connected to the internet.

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On the downside, Libro.fm’s library isn’t quite as extensive as some other audiobook apps. Additionally, its monthly subscription fee may be a bit pricier for some users. But for those who value supporting independent bookstores and enjoy a wide selection of audiobooks, Libro.fm is definitely worth checking out.

Pros

  • Offline listening to audiobooks
  • Supports multiple devices 
  • 30-day trial period

Cons

  • Book filters need to be refined

Amazon Kindle

Best iOS App for Audiobooks

With the Amazon Kindle app you can find almost any audiobook you’re looking for, including bestsellers, classics, and hidden gems.

One of the biggest benefits of this app is its seamless integration with Amazon’s vast collection of books, making it easy to find and download audiobooks. And with Whispersync for Voice, you can switch between reading and listening with ease, never losing your place.

Another great feature of the Kindle app is its ability to sync across all of your devices. Whether you’re using your iPhone, iPad, or another device, your audiobooks will always be right where you left off. And with offline listening, you can keep listening to your favorite books even when you’re not connected to the internet.

Additionally, the Amazon Kindle app is easy to use and navigate, with a user-friendly interface that makes it simple to find, download, and listen to your favorite books. And with a wide range of playback options, you can customize your listening experience to your liking.

Pros

  • Large catalog of audiobooks
  • Supports multiple devices 
  • Automatically syncs across iOS devices
  • User friendly experience and design

Cons

  • None

Best iOS App for Audiobooks – Takeaway

The best audiobook apps are the ones with a huge library of books to choose from. Audiobook apps are fairly simple and so a good audiobook app should be easy to make. But yet there are tons of bad audiobook apps for iOS devices.

The above apps are some of the most popular audiobook apps for iOS devices. And the reason for their popularity is that they are robust, feature-rich, and have tons of books to choose from.

My personal favorites are Audible and Google Play Books, but you can choose the best one according to your needs. Let us know your favorite audiobook app in the comments below!

What are the Benefits and Drawbacks of Audiobook apps for iOS

Audiobook apps on iPhones offer several benefits and drawbacks. Benefits include:

  • Convenience: Audiobooks can be played anywhere, without the need to carry physical books.
  • Accessibility: Large print and audio options allow for individuals with visual impairments to enjoy books.
  • Multitasking: Audiobooks can be played while doing other tasks, such as driving or working out.
  • Variety: Audiobook apps offer a wide selection of books, from classic literature to new releases.

However, drawbacks include:

  • Cost: While some audiobook apps offer a free selection, many require a subscription or individual book purchases.
  • Limited control: Users may have limited control over playback speed and volume compared to physical books.
  • Distractions: Background noises, such as notifications, can be distracting while listening to an audiobook.
  • Battery life: Constant playback can drain the battery life of an iPhone.

Best iOS App for Audiobooks – FAQs

Which audiobook app is the best?

Any of the above apps are great for audiobooks. While Apple Books and Kobo are limited to Apple users, other apps are available on different platforms like Windows and Android too. Some honorable mentions include LibriVox, OverDrive, Scribd, Audiobooks.com, and Amazon Kindle. Check out our list of the best Audiobook apps for iPhone and iPad.

Which is the best app for free audiobooks?

Most apps require you to buy books or have subscriptions to listen to audiobooks. Apps like Google Play Books, Kindle, and LibriVox offer free books that you can listen to. You have to keep your eye out for free books as they won’t stay free forever. Check out our list of Best iOS App for Audiobooks for more details.

What is the cheapest way to listen to audiobooks on iOS? 

All the apps in the above list are free to download and use but you need to buy or subscribe to listen to them. If you are looking for low-cost options then Audible or Google Play Books might be the best options for you. 
If you listen to tons of books then you should subscribe to Audible or if you are interested in buying one book at a time Google Play Books offer the best deals and cheapest prices. Check out our list of the Best iOS App for Audiobooks for all the details.

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