The 24 Best Sources for Free Audiobooks Online

Posted on Jul 6, 2023

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Written by P.J McNulty

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Audiobooks are a great resource for writers. 

They can help you learn more about writing, including how to create engaging stories and memorable characters.

If you’re a writer, you can use audiobooks to improve your skills and understand more about the craft. This is true whether you’re an experienced author or a beginner. 

Plus, audiobooks let you learn in a flexible, hands-off way. 

Want to know the best part? You can find many free audiobooks online! And if you believe it’s better to give than receive, you can learn how to give free audiobooks to others in Audible.

Read on to find out where to get free audiobooks. With our guide, you can turn your free time into a chance to enjoy great books and learn more about writing – without spending a dime.

Free audiobooks online

Thankfully, you can check out the world of audiobooks without having to pay a penny.

We’ve gathered together a wide range of services so you can find one that offers the type of books you are interested in and a service you enjoy using.

Here are 24 of the best places to find free audiobooks:

All You Can Books

All You Can Books offers unlimited access to over 40,000 audiobooks, eBooks, and foreign language courses. Users can sign up for a 30-day free trial to explore the service. It’s a good fit for voracious readers and language learners who want variety and quantity.

Audible Stories

Audible Stories provides free audiobooks for children and teens, ranging from preschool to classic literature. It’s an excellent resource for parents and educators looking to engage young listeners with storytelling. The service is completely free, without any sign-ups or subscriptions required.

Audiobooks.com

Audiobooks.com offers a premium service with access to over 150,000 titles. A free trial is available, which gives users the opportunity to listen to one audiobook and one premium audiobook VIP. It is a suitable platform for those seeking a large library and premium content.

AudiobooksNow

AudiobooksNow offers a digital audiobook download and streaming service with over 85,000 titles. It provides a free 30-day trial of its club pricing plan, making it a good choice for users who listen to a lot of audiobooks.

Digitalbook

Digitalbook.io offers a range of free audiobooks and eBooks. It’s a good choice for those seeking a free service that offers a variety of genres, including classics, fiction, and non-fiction. The platform also includes a user-friendly interface and handy features such as a built-in sleep timer.

Downpour

Downpour is a service that offers a robust collection of titles for rental or purchase, with a focus on quality and affordability. While it doesn’t have a free tier, it offers competitive pricing and occasional sales. This service is an excellent choice for audiobook enthusiasts who prioritize quality and affordability.

Free Classic Audiobooks

Free Classic Audiobooks offers digital narrations of classic literature. All books are available in mp3 or m4b audio book format for iTunes and the iPod, making it a great resource for classic literature enthusiasts looking for free content.

Google Play Audiobooks

Google Play Audiobooks offers a vast array of audiobooks for purchase. With a user-friendly interface and integration with Google devices, it’s a practical choice for Android users. Although it doesn’t offer free audiobooks, occasional discounts and special offers can make certain titles more affordable.

Hoopla

Hoopla, similar to OverDrive, allows library card holders to borrow digital content, including audiobooks, from their local libraries. It’s perfect for users who prefer to read digitally and want to take advantage of their library membership. The service is free with a library card from a participating library.

LearnOutLoud

LearnOutLoud focuses on educational and self-development audiobooks, lectures, and courses. It offers a dedicated section of free content, making it a perfect resource for lifelong learners and those interested in personal growth. The free content can be easily accessed and downloaded without any subscription.

Librivox

Librivox is a non-profit initiative to record public domain books and release them as free audiobooks. It’s an ideal platform for those who appreciate volunteer-read audiobooks and are interested in classic works. The entire catalog is free and can be downloaded by anyone.

Loyal Books

Loyal Books, previously known as Books Should Be Free, offers free public domain audiobooks and eBooks in various languages. It’s an ideal service for fans of classic literature and those looking to read in different languages. All books are freely accessible and can be downloaded in several formats.

Mind Webs

Mind Webs offers a collection of half-hour short stories from names like Ursula K. Le Guin and Isaac Asimov, originally aired on radio. The stories are made available for free on the Internet Archive. It’s an excellent choice for fans of classic sci-fi and fantasy.

Open Culture

Open Culture offers a curated collection of free audiobooks, focusing on classic literature and educational courses. It’s a great platform for those interested in classics and lifelong learning. All content is freely available without the need for a subscription.

OverDrive

OverDrive allows you to borrow digital content like eBooks and audiobooks using your local library card. It’s a perfect platform for library-goers who prefer digital reading. The service is free with a library card from a participating library.

Podiobooks

Podiobooks offers serialized audiobooks distributed via RSS, much like a podcast. It’s a great choice for those who enjoy the episodic format of podcasts and want to listen to books in the same way. While the service is free, donations to support authors are encouraged.

Project Gutenberg

Project Gutenberg offers over 70,000 free eBooks, including a selection of audiobooks. The service focuses on older works for which U.S. copyright has expired, making it a good choice for lovers of classic literature. All content is free and can be downloaded or read online.

RBDigital

RBDigital provides access to a wide range of magazines, comics, and audiobooks through library partnerships. Like OverDrive and Hoopla, it’s a great resource for library-goers who prefer digital reading. The service is free with a library card from a participating library.

Scribl

Scribl offers a unique CrowdPricing system where books start free and increase in price based on popularity. It’s a great choice for listeners who want to discover new authors and participate in a pricing model that supports them. The platform offers both free and paid content.

Spotify

Spotify, known for music streaming, also offers a selection of free audiobooks. It’s a good choice for those who want to listen to audiobooks and music on the same platform. Free access is available with ads, and a premium subscription removes ads and allows offline listening.

Storynory

Storynory offers free audio stories for kids, with a new story published every week. The service is perfect for children and families, offering a wide range of original stories, fairy tales,and classics. The service is completely free with no subscription required.

Sync

Sync is a free summer audiobook program for teens 13 and up. Each week, registered users receive two thematically paired audiobooks. It’s a good choice for young adults and educators looking for free summer reading resources.

World Book Day

World Book Day is a charity event held annually in the United Kingdom and Ireland. While not a traditional audiobook provider, they offer various resources, including free audiobooks, during their events. It’s a great resource for educators, parents, and young readers looking to celebrate literature.

YouTube

YouTube hosts a variety of free content, including audiobooks. Users can find a wide range of titles, from best-sellers to lesser-known works. While not a traditional audiobook platform, it’s a good choice for those seeking free content and don’t mind the occasional advertisement.

What are the benefits of audiobooks?

Perhaps you’re new to the world of audiobooks. If so, you might be unsure of what makes them so great.

Here are seven key benefits of audiobooks and each one is a reason we think you’ll love them.

1. Convenience

Audiobooks offer unmatched convenience, allowing you to listen to captivating stories or learn new things wherever you are, whether you’re commuting, exercising, or simply relaxing at home.

2. Multi-Tasking

With audiobooks, you can make the most of your time by multitasking. Engage in other activities, such as cooking, cleaning, or gardening, while immersing yourself in a captivating narrative or absorbing valuable knowledge.

3. Accessibility

Audiobooks break down barriers by providing accessibility to people with visual impairments or reading difficulties. They allow you to experience the joy of literature and gain knowledge regardless of any physical limitations.

4. Improved Comprehension

Listening to audiobooks can enhance your comprehension skills. By hearing the words spoken aloud, you can grasp nuances in pronunciation, tone, and intonation, which aids in understanding the context and emotional depth of the content.

5. Language Learning

Audiobooks are an excellent tool for learning a new language or improving your language skills. By listening to native speakers, you can develop a better understanding of pronunciation, intonation, and conversational flow, which can greatly enhance your language abilities.

6. Portability

Audiobooks eliminate the need for carrying around heavy books. With just a smartphone or any portable audio device, you can have an entire library of books at your fingertips, making it easy to switch between titles or continue where you left off.

7. Enhanced Imagination

Audiobooks stimulate your imagination by bringing stories to life through skilled narration, sound effects, and music. The power of spoken words can create vivid mental images, enabling you to immerse yourself in the narrative and envision the characters and settings in a unique way.

Incorporating audiobooks into your reading routine can offer you the flexibility, convenience, and immersive experience that traditional print books may not always provide.

When are the best times to listen to audiobooks?

So when should you listen to audiobooks?

Whenever you want, of course!

But in our opinion here are five of the best times to listen to audiobooks:

1. During your commute

Many writers have day jobs, and you could be spending hours each week commuting to and from work. Transform this otherwise unproductive time into a learning opportunity by listening to audiobooks, gaining knowledge or inspiration for your writing.

2. While doing chores

Household tasks like cleaning, laundry, or cooking can take up a significant amount of your day. By listening to audiobooks during this time, you turn a mundane task into a chance to engage with new stories or techniques, keeping your writer’s brain stimulated.

3. During workouts

Whether you’re on a long run or at the gym, audiobooks provide an excellent distraction from physical exertion. Not only can you immerse yourself in a good book, but you might also uncover new ideas for your writing, turning your workout into a double win.

4. Before bed

Establishing a nighttime routine can aid in better sleep, and listening to an audiobook can become a calming part of this ritual. It offers a way to unwind and disconnect from screens while still stimulating your imagination, potentially sparking creative dreams.

5. On your breaks

If you spend your day working at a computer, taking regular breaks is important for maintaining focus and productivity. Listening to an audiobook during these moments provides an easy, enjoyable way to relax and refocus your mind, enriching your day with new narratives or insights.

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