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AUDIBLE ALTERNATIVES
Looking for an alternative to Audible?
Audible is a great service but if you’re on a budget it’s something you may want to cut out especially because there are cheaper alternatives out there.
But first, let’s go over a few features of Audible so that you can compare the value to the alternatives.
Audible has over 180,000 audiobooks, I haven’t come across a book they don’t have.
Audible is $14.95 a month and includes one credit to redeem for one audiobook each month. Members also get to pick 2 Audible Original titles from their monthly selections.
You can purchase additional audiobooks at an additional cost.
When you purchase audiobooks, they are yours to keep even after your membership ends.
If you want to get a feel for Audible (or just get two free audiobooks) you can take advantage of the free trial. You can get two free audiobooks with your trial by using my affiliate link.
Frugal Hack: Want to get a deal on your Audible Membership? Grab the free trial to get two free audiobooks and once you go to cancel your membership before your trial ends, Audible will USUALLY offer you a big discount if you stay! Grab the FREE AUDIBLE TRIAL.
Ok so now what about your other options. How do they compare?
When looking for another option besides Audible you will want to look at not just the monthly membership prices but also what is offered and whether or not it meets your needs.
For instance, some options will offer audiobooks, ebooks, magazines,
If you never read a book twice then this should be fine but if you want to keep a book forever then this would not be an option for you. I’ll go over these in the summary section of all the Audible alternatives.
So what are some cheaper ways
Let’s get to the list!
CHEAPER ALTERNATIVES TO AUDIBLE
1. Scribd (My Pick)
I love this Audible alternative! It’s super affordable at just $8.99 a month and you get access to an unlimited number of books, audiobooks, magazines, and more (with a few title exceptions)!
How does Scribd work?
With Scribd, you have access to unlimited books, audiobooks, and magazines as long as you’re a member. Meaning you never actually own the books but you can keep them as long as needed while being a member.
I was able to download 4 audiobooks and dig right in as soon as a joined. I loved that most of the books I’ve been wanting to listen to were available right away. No need to wait for any credits or pay extra!
Want to give it a test run? You can grab 2 Months of Scribd Free if you use my referral link here. If you can sign up without
SCRIBD SUMMARY
Scribd Price: $8.99 Month
What’s Included in the Price? The $8.99 gives you unlimited access to everything as long as you’re a member.
Free Trial:? Yes, 30 Day Free Trial OR 60 Days FREE using my referral link here.
***If you sign up for Scribd using my link, feel free to leave a comment on this article with your referral link!
Book Access: You do not keep the books if you cancel your membership but you have access to as many as you like as long as you’re a member.
Check out Scribd.
2. AudiobooksNow
AudiobooksNow is a service for downloading and streaming audiobooks. You can stream or download audiobook purchases from their website, or download them to their free app as well as many other ways
How does AudiobooksNow work?
AudiobooksNow can be used with or without a membership.
With the AudiobooksNow Club Pricing Plan membership, you can save 50% off your first audiobook purchase and 35-40% off each additional purchase each month.
Or you can simply purchase your audiobooks at their every day low prices (no plan required) if you don’t want to pay a monthly fee.
AUDIOBOOKSNOW SUMMARY
Price: $4.99 a month membership fee (books extra)
What’s Included in the Price? The $4.99 membership fee will give you 50% off of your first audiobook each month and discounts on the rest of your purchases.
Free Trial? Yes the trial only waives the $4.99 a month so you will still need to purchase your first audiobook at the 50% off price.
Book Access: You own your books once you buy them and you can access them after your membership ends.
Check out AudiobooksNow.
3. Downpour
Downpour offers digital downloads—with or without a membership. They also offer digital rentals, and CDs & MP3-CDs.
How does Downpour work?
With the Downpour Audiobook Club, you’ll receive one credit per month, good for one digital download for $12.99. You can purchase additional credits at any time with no added commitment.
Their titles are DRM-free (no digital lock) so you can listen to them on as many devices as you wish, with no hassle.
DOWNPOUR SUMMARY
Price: $12.99 a month
What’s included in the price? The $12.99 a month gives you 1 credit for a book each month.
Free Trial? I did not see that they had a free trial but I will update if I find one.
Book Access: The book titles you purchase will always be available and can be re-downloaded as many times as needed even if you cancel your subscription.
Check out Downpour.
4. Kobo
Kobo is another affordable option at just under $10. I haven’t tried this option myself but it looks like a good one.
How does Kobo work?
Kobo is a Walmart service. With Kobo you have access to exclusive content including Kobo Originals as well as popular titles. They also offer ebook deals for as low as $1.99.
You can create a free account to make single purchases or join their audiobook membership.
KOBO SUMMARY
Price: $9.99 a month
What’s included in the price? For $9.99 a month you get access to one free audiobook of your choice regardless of price. You also get access to exclusive and original content.
Free Trial? Yes, your first 30 days are free, including a FREE audiobook.
Book Access: You get to keep all your audiobooks forever, even if you cancel.
Check out Kobo.
5. The Libby App by Overdrive
This Audible alternative is somewhat limited but it’s also free!
I wrote a whole article about how to get free audiobooks using the Libby app by Overdrive.
How does Libby work?
Libby is an app that works by connecting it to your library card so that you can digitally borrow books from your library.
I love the Libby app (by Overdrive) but the one main limitation is that you have to
Also depending on what library you’re attached too (you can add as many as you
I was using Libby exclusively until I found Scribd. I loved it because it was a free option to Audible but because I consume lots of audiobooks I found Scribd to be a better option as its instant and I don’t have to wait for titles to be available.
| Service | Price | Free Trial |
| Audible | $14.95 1 credit | Yes |
| Scribd | $8.99 Unlimited Books | Yes |
| AudiobooksNow | $4.99 50% off first audiobook | Yes |
| Downpour | $12.99 1 Credit | No |
| Kobo | $9.99 1 Credit | Yes |
| Libby | Free | Free |
Questions? Comments? Which one of these do you like? Do you have one you would like to share? Leave a comment!
