2. Digital Book
Digital Book, formerly Librophile, is one of the sleekest platforms on the list. It’s like Netflix for books. You can search their database of public-domain books from sites all over the internet—including several on this list—and enjoy their catalog of more than 100,000 free audiobooks and e-books.
As an added perk, their free membership allows you to build a personal bookshelf to read later so you don’t have to go searching for books you’ve considered in the past. You’ll find classics, new releases and everything in between on Digital Book—including family audiobooks for your next road trip.
Pros:
- Clean website design
- Offers podcasts, e-books and audiobooks
- Available in several languages
Cons:
- Higher concentration of classic novels and fewer new releases
- Offers more e-books than audiobooks
3. Spotify
Like Audible, this one isn’t strictly free, but there are audiobooks on Spotify. While there are some free audiobooks on Spotify, others are only available to purchase, even if you already have a premium subscription. One of the great things about Spotify is that it isn’t strictly audiobooks. You can also listen to music, podcasts, serials and more.
This is where things can get confusing though: Some channels on Spotify are classed as a podcast, but the podcast consists of reading a book aloud like an audiobook. While many audiobooks are only available for purchase, podcasts are always free. Not sure what to listen to first? Check out Spotify’s Audiobooks playlist, which will play the first chapter of dozens of new audiobooks for you to try out before you start listening.
Pros:
- Some free audiobooks available regardless of whether you have a premium subscription
- Platform encourages sampling first chapters
- Also offers podcasts, serials and music
Con:
- Many books are only available for purchase
4. OverDrive
OverDrive is unique from many of the other sites and apps on our list because all you need for the top names, current bestsellers and chart-topping books is a library card. OverDrive partners with local libraries around the United States and even some abroad to provide all the newest books for you to listen to. Once you log in, just input your library card number and you’ll have access to your local library’s entire audiobook catalog. It’s one of the easiest paths to how to get free audiobooks!
The only “downsides” are that you might have to take a trip to your local library to renew your card (which will be free, just like this app) and, just like at your local library, you have to wait for someone to return their virtually checked out selection before you rent it. OverDrive also has a secondary app for students, where they can virtually borrow audiobooks and e-books from their school’s library. Although there are a ton of fun gifts for book lovers, Overdrive proves that the best book gift of all is a library card.
Pros:
- 100% free access to audiobooks with no hidden catch, subscription or fee
- Supports your local library
- One of the largest selections of new and popular titles
Cons:
- Must have a library card
- May need to wait for a desired title if it is already checked out
