15 Best Free Audiobook Apps for iPhone and iPad [2024]

Audiobooks have revolutionized the way we consume literature, offering a convenient way to enjoy books while multitasking. Whether you’re commuting, exercising, or just relaxing, audiobooks allow you to immerse yourself in a story without needing to focus on a physical book. For iPhone and iPad users, finding the right audiobook app is crucial for the best listening experience. This article explores the 15 best free audiobook apps available for iOS devices, examining their features, pros and cons, and user feedback to help you make an informed choice.

Criteria for Selection

Selecting the best audiobook apps for iPhone and iPad involves considering several factors:

• User Interface and Ease of Use: A clean, intuitive interface makes navigation and usage pleasant.
• Variety of Audiobooks Available: A broad library ensures there’s something for everyone.
• Download and Offline Access: The ability to download audiobooks for offline listening is essential for users on the go.
• Additional Features: Extras like bookmarks, speed adjustments, and sleep timers enhance the user experience.
• User Reviews and Ratings: Feedback from other users provides insight into the app’s performance and reliability.

LibriVox

Overview: LibriVox offers a vast collection of free public domain audiobooks read by volunteers worldwide. It’s a great resource for classic literature lovers.

Key Features:

• Free access to thousands of audiobooks
• Diverse volunteer narrators
• Search by author, title, genre, or language
• Download for offline listening

Pros and Cons:

• Pros: Free content, wide selection, multilingual options
• Cons: Variable audio quality, limited to public domain works

User Reviews: Users appreciate the app’s extensive library but note the inconsistency in narration quality due to volunteer readers.

Audible

Overview: Audible, an Amazon company, is a leader in the audiobook industry, offering a massive selection of audiobooks, podcasts, and original content.

Key Features:

• Huge library of audiobooks and original series
• Offline listening
• Customizable narration speed
• Sync across devices

Pros and Cons:

• Pros: High-quality audio, exclusive content, seamless integration with Amazon
• Cons: Subscription-based, limited free options

User Reviews: Audible is praised for its premium content and user-friendly interface, though some users find the subscription cost prohibitive.

Google Play Books

Overview: Google Play Books provides a versatile platform for reading and listening to books, with a substantial selection of audiobooks available for purchase.

Key Features:

• Sync across devices
• Download for offline listening
• Adjustable playback speed
• Sample audiobooks before purchasing

Pros and Cons:

• Pros: Integration with Google services, versatile usage
• Cons: Pay-per-book model, limited free content

User Reviews: Users enjoy the flexibility and integration with Google services but wish for more free content options.

Apple Books

Overview: Apple Books offers a comprehensive collection of audiobooks directly through its app, tailored for iOS users with a seamless experience.

Key Features:

• Curated collections and recommendations
• Offline listening
• Customizable playback speed
• Sync with iCloud

Pros and Cons:

• Pros: Native iOS app, seamless integration with Apple ecosystem
• Cons: Pay-per-book model, fewer free options

User Reviews: Apple Books is favored for its user-friendly interface and integration with other Apple products, though the cost of books can add up.

OverDrive

Overview: OverDrive connects with public libraries to offer free access to a wide range of audiobooks and ebooks, making it a fantastic resource for avid readers.

Key Features:

• Borrow audiobooks from local libraries
• Sync with multiple devices
• Offline listening
• No late fees

Pros and Cons:

• Pros: Free with library membership, large selection, no late fees
• Cons: Limited availability based on library’s collection, borrowing wait times

User Reviews: Users love the free access to audiobooks and the connection to local libraries but note that popular titles can have long wait times.

Hoopla Digital

Overview: Hoopla Digital partners with libraries to provide free access to audiobooks, movies, music, and more, with a focus on convenience and variety.

Key Features:

• Borrow audiobooks with a library card
• Instant access to titles
• Download for offline listening
• No waiting lists

Pros and Cons:

• Pros: No waiting lists, free with library card, multi-format content
• Cons: Limited by library’s partnership with Hoopla, borrowing limits

User Reviews: Users appreciate the instant access and variety but sometimes find the borrowing limits restrictive.

Kobo Books

Overview: Kobo Books offers a robust platform for purchasing and listening to audiobooks, with a focus on personalized recommendations and an easy-to-use interface.

Key Features:

• Personalized recommendations
• Sync across devices
• Offline listening
• Adjustable playback speed

Pros and Cons:

• Pros: Wide selection, good integration with e-readers
• Cons: Pay-per-book model, fewer free options

User Reviews: Users like the personalized recommendations and integration with Kobo e-readers but wish for more free content.

Chirp Audiobooks

Overview: Chirp Audiobooks offers discounted audiobooks without a subscription, focusing on affordability and ease of use.

Key Features:

• No subscription required
• Frequent discounts and deals
• Offline listening
• Adjustable playback speed

Pros and Cons:

• Pros: Affordable, no subscription fees, good deals
• Cons: Limited free content, smaller library

User Reviews: Users appreciate the affordability and frequent deals but note the limited selection compared to larger platforms.

Scribd

Overview: Scribd is a subscription service that offers unlimited access to audiobooks, ebooks, magazines, and more, providing a vast library for a monthly fee.

Key Features:

• Unlimited access to audiobooks
• Offline listening
• Customizable playback speed
• Sync across devices

Pros and Cons:

• Pros: Large library, includes ebooks and other content, one subscription for all
• Cons: Subscription fee, some content may not be available at all times

User Reviews: Users enjoy the variety and unlimited access but sometimes find that popular titles can be temporarily unavailable.

Audiobooks.com

Overview: Audiobooks.com provides a wide selection of audiobooks with a subscription model, offering free trials and additional features like podcasts.

Key Features:

• Free trial available
• Sync across devices
• Offline listening
• Access to podcasts

Pros and Cons:

• Pros: Wide selection, includes podcasts, good user interface
• Cons: Subscription required, fewer free options

User Reviews: Users appreciate the wide selection and the inclusion of podcasts but note the cost of the subscription.

Libby, by OverDrive

Overview: Libby, by OverDrive, is a user-friendly app that allows users to borrow audiobooks and ebooks from their local libraries with a modern interface.

Key Features:

• Borrow from local libraries
• Sync across devices
• Offline listening
• Intuitive interface

Pros and Cons:

• Pros: Free with library card, user-friendly, no late fees
• Cons: Limited by library’s collection, borrowing wait times

User Reviews: Users love the modern interface and easy access to library collections but note the wait times for popular titles.

Downpour

Overview: Downpour offers a unique model where users can rent or purchase audiobooks, with a focus on high-quality audio and a large selection.

Key Features:

• Rent or purchase options
• High-quality audio
• Offline listening
• Sync across devices

Pros and Cons:

• Pros: Flexible purchase options, high-quality audio, wide selection
• Cons: Pay-per-book model, fewer free options

User Reviews: Users appreciate the rental option and high-quality audio but wish for more free content.

Pocket FM

Overview: Pocket FM offers a wide range of audiobooks, stories, and podcasts, focusing on an engaging user experience with a variety of content.

Key Features:

• Extensive library of audiobooks and podcasts
• Offline listening
• Customizable playback speed
• Sync across devices

Pros and Cons:

• Pros: Variety of content, engaging user experience, free options
• Cons: Advertisements in free version, limited premium content

User Reviews: Users enjoy the variety and user experience but find the ads in the free version intrusive.

Spotify

Overview: Spotify, known for its music streaming, also offers a selection of audiobooks, providing a versatile platform for audio content.

Key Features:

• Extensive library of audiobooks
• Offline listening
• Sync across devices
• Customizable playback speed

Pros and Cons:

• Pros: Versatile platform, includes music and podcasts, good for multi-purpose use
• Cons: Limited audiobook selection, requires premium for offline listening

User Reviews: Users appreciate the convenience of having audiobooks alongside music and podcasts but wish for a larger audiobook selection.

Audiobooks Now

Overview: Audiobooks Now offers a wide selection of audiobooks with a club pricing plan that provides discounts on purchases.

Key Features:

• Club pricing for discounts
• Sync across devices
• Offline listening
• Frequent deals and promotions

Pros and Cons:

• Pros: Discounted prices, frequent deals, wide selection
• Cons: Subscription required for discounts, limited free options

User Reviews: Users appreciate the discounted prices and frequent deals but find the subscription necessary for the best prices.

FAQs

What are the best free audiobook apps for iPhone?

The best free audiobook apps for iPhone include LibriVox, OverDrive, Hoopla Digital, and Libby, which offer a variety of free audiobooks through library partnerships and public domain resources.

How do I download audiobooks to listen offline?

Most audiobook apps, including Audible, Google Play Books, and Apple Books, allow users to download audiobooks for offline listening by selecting the download option within the app.

Are free audiobook apps legal?

Yes, free audiobook apps like LibriVox and those connected to library services like OverDrive and Libby are legal. They offer public domain content or books borrowed from libraries.

Can I sync my audiobooks across devices?

Yes, many apps such as Audible, Google Play Books, and Apple Books allow users to sync their audiobooks across multiple devices, ensuring a seamless listening experience.

How can I find the best audiobook app for my needs?

Consider your preferences for content variety, user interface, offline listening capabilities, and whether you prefer a subscription model or free content. Read user reviews and try out a few apps to see which one fits your needs best.

Conclusion

Choosing the right audiobook app can enhance your reading experience, providing you with endless hours of entertainment and education. Whether you’re looking for free public domain classics or the latest bestsellers, there’s an app that suits your needs. LibriVox and OverDrive are excellent for free content, while Audible and Scribd offer extensive libraries with subscription models. Try out these apps to find the perfect one for your listening habits and enjoy the world of audiobooks on your iPhone or iPad.