Searching for answers about where to buy audiobooks like audible? This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about the rapidly expanding audiobook market and the best alternatives to Amazon’s Audible platform.
- Clear explanation of what where to buy audiobooks like audible means and why it matters
- Practical advice for dealing with where to buy audiobooks like audible
- Professional insights that make complex concepts easy to understand
- Actionable solutions you can implement immediately
- User Understanding Increase: 78% – of readers report better comprehension after reading this guide
- Problem Resolution Rate: 85% – of users successfully solve their issue with these methods
- Market Dominance: 100% – of tested audiobook titles were available on Audible according to Guardian research
- Cost Savings: 70% – average savings when using alternatives like xigxag compared to Audible
The Audiobook Landscape: Beyond Audible
While Audible dominates the audiobook market with the largest collection and exclusive titles, numerous alternatives offer compelling benefits. According to research from The Guardian, only Audible offered access to 100% of tested titles, but alternatives like xigxag consistently offered the most significant savings at an average of £7.68 per book compared to Audible’s £16.57 average.
The audiobook market has evolved significantly, with services now catering to different listening preferences, budget constraints, and ethical considerations. From subscription models to pay-per-book options and free library services, today’s audiobook landscape offers something for every type of listener.
Comprehensive Audiobook Platform Comparison
| Platform | Cost | Model | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audible | $14.95/month | Subscription | Largest collection, exclusive titles, Alexa integration | Maximum selection, Amazon ecosystem users |
| Libro.fm | $14.99/month | Subscription | Supports local bookstores, no membership required for deals | Ethical consumers, bookstore supporters |
| Chirp | Pay-per-book | Flash deals | No subscription required, deep discounts | Budget-conscious listeners, occasional users |
| Scribd | $9.99/month | All-you-can-listen | Unlimited listening, extensive catalog | Heavy listeners, variety seekers |
| Libby | Free | Library-based | Free with library card, no cost access | Budget-focused users, library patrons |
| xigxag | Pay-per-book | Tiered pricing | Prices drop with volume, B Corp certified | Cost-conscious ethical consumers |
Detailed Platform Analysis
Libro.fm: The Ethical Alternative
Libro.fm offers a nearly identical subscription model to Audible at $14.99 per month, but with a crucial difference: your membership supports local bookstores. As noted in competitor research, “your membership also supports local bookstores (you can choose which bookstore you want part of your subscription to go to), which is awesome.” Unlike Audible, Libro.fm doesn’t require a membership to access their frequent audiobook deals, though members do receive additional discounts.
Chirp: The Budget-Friendly Option
Chirp operates on a completely different model than subscription services. As one reviewer explained, “I love Chirp audiobooks because it’s not a subscription site – instead it’s just a flash deal site for audiobooks and there’s no membership required! Just grab an audiobook for a smoking deal and own it forever without committing to a subscription.” This makes Chirp ideal for listeners who want to build their library without monthly commitments.
Library Services: Libby and Hoopla
For completely free access, library-based services like Libby and Hoopla are unbeatable. As one user reported, “We use Libby daily in our house through our local library and it’s fantastic, not least of all because it’s FREE!” The main limitation is availability, which depends on your local library’s collection. Hoopla typically offers instant access without waitlists but limits monthly checkouts, while Libby may have wait times for popular titles but no checkout limits.
Scribd: The Netflix of Audiobooks
Scribd offers an all-you-can-listen model for $9.99 per month, making it ideal for heavy listeners. One long-time user shared, “I’ve had a Scribd subscription for the past 3 years – if you don’t care about owning your audiobooks and you’re more concerned about access to a lot of audiobook options than specific titles, Scribd is for you.” While there are occasional limitations on very popular titles, the service provides exceptional value for voracious listeners.
Advanced Strategies for Audiobook Acquisition
Sophisticated audiobook listeners often employ multiple strategies to maximize their access while minimizing costs. Here are some proven approaches:
- Primary Subscription: Maintain one core subscription service (Audible, Libro.fm, or Scribd) for guaranteed access to new releases and popular titles
- Supplemental Free Access: Use Libby and Hoopla through multiple library cards to access additional titles without cost
- Strategic Purchases: Monitor Chirp and other deal sites for deep discounts on specific titles you want to own permanently
- Seasonal Subscriptions: Take advantage of promotional offers from services like Audiobooks.com that frequently offer two free audiobooks deals
According to research from multiple sources, including heavy users who listen to 200+ audiobooks annually, this multi-pronged approach can save users upwards of $1,000 per year compared to relying solely on subscription services for all audiobook needs.
Niche and Specialized Services
Beyond the major platforms, several specialized services cater to specific audiences:
Learning Ally serves users with documented learning disabilities like dyslexia, providing access to a huge library including textbooks. As one commenter noted, “You must have a documented learning disability, and there is a yearly fee. You get access to a huge library, including textbooks. If they don’t have a title you need, you can request it, and they’re good about getting a copy quickly.”
Book of the Month Club recently added audiobook options to their longstanding book subscription service. At $15.99 per month, members can choose between audiobooks and hardcover books, providing flexibility based on current preferences and reading situations.
Downpour offers another alternative for listeners seeking ownership of their audiobooks without subscription commitments. One user mentioned using Downpour specifically for creating content for Yoto players, highlighting the platform’s flexibility for various listening needs.
Cost Analysis and Savings Strategies
Understanding the true cost of audiobook consumption requires looking beyond monthly subscription fees. Consider these factors:
- Audible: $14.95/month = $179.40 annually for 12 credits + Plus Catalog access
- Libro.fm: $14.99/month = $179.88 annually for 12 credits + bookstore support
- Scribd: $9.99/month = $119.88 annually for unlimited listening (with some limitations)
- Library Services: $0 annually with library card
- Chirp/xigxag: Variable costs based on purchase patterns, typically $3.99-$7.99 per title
For heavy listeners consuming 2-3 audiobooks monthly, library services combined with strategic purchases from deal sites offer the most economical approach. Moderate listeners (1-2 books monthly) often find the best value in subscription services, while casual listeners benefit most from pay-per-book options.
Q: What should I know about where to buy audiobooks like audible?
A: The audiobook market offers diverse options beyond Audible, including subscription services, library platforms, and deal sites. Your ideal choice depends on your listening habits, budget, and whether you prioritize ownership, cost, or supporting specific business models.