Everything You’ve Wanted to Know About Audiobooks
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One of my favorite ways to read is to do an immersive experience—pairing the audiobook with the physical or eBook edition. There’s something about hearing the story and pronunciations (especially in fantasy novels) while following along that makes every moment sharper, more cinematic. Some of my favorite books—from Priest to The Wayward Children series—have been experienced that way, where I listen as much as I read. And sometimes, sometimes, I ditch the physical altogether and just lose myself in the audio. I have to admit, though, immersive reading is still my favorite above all else.
If you’ve ever wondered whether audiobooks “count” as reading, or you’re just looking for your next listen, this post is for you. I’m answering the most common audiobook questions I get, sharing tips for listening deeper, and giving you a list of audiobooks that might just change how you read forever!
Every reader has that moment.
Standing on the edge of the audiobook cliff, wondering where to start or if it even counts as reading.
So, I gathered the questions I get asked most often. The ones whispered in my DMs, dropped in book clubs, or quietly Googled at one in the morning. This is your quick guide to audiobooks: how to start, how to stay focused, and a few that might just make you fall in love with listening.
Do Audiobooks Count As Reading?
Let’s just get this out of the way, shall we?
Short answer: Yes! Audiobooks count as reading!
ANYWAY you consume words count as reading, whether you read with your eyeballs or your ears. The magic isn’t in how you read; it’s the story itself.
And I hate to put this out there (actually no, no I don’t), but ANYONE who says that audiobooks don’t count as reading is 1. not really a reader or 2. is trying to make you feel bad about the way you enjoy books for whatever reason. And honestly? We’re not taking advice from people where gatekeeping is their whole personality. BSFFR 🙄🙄🙄(be so fucking for real for those who don’t know).
What’s the Best app?
This question often comes with tricky territory. Because there is no universal “best” audiobook app for every reader. Some apps give you the best bang for your buck (and in this economy, we are all about that), but it depends on what you need (budget, catalog size, library access, ethics).
Here’s a breakdown:
If you’re listening and want the biggest variety: go with 📱Audible.
While Amazon isn’t my favorite for what they are doing to the book community, I can’t not tell you about it because it may fit your needs. And since it’s typically an indie author’s first (or only) choice (and we support indie over here), it’s worth mentioning. Audible has a huge library of titles, with many being exclusively on Audible. Plus, it has a smooth interface (simply put: the app works the way you want, soft and easy).
If you want free or ultra budget listening (and you have a library card): try 📚Libby or Hoopla.
These library-based platforms connect to many public libraries, letting you borrow/listen with no monthly fee. There are plenty of libraries where you can get an out-of-state card and hook it to the app (let me know if you want a list).
If you care about supporting indie bookstores and want something less “big-corporate,” check out 💿Libro.fm.
Purchases support local bookstores and have a solid catalog. Get two free audiobooks when you use the promo code SWITCH.
If you want to bundle your eBooks with your audiobooks, check out 🎧Everand (formerly Scribd).
This used to be a favorite (even of mine) for unlimited listening, but now “unlimited” comes with fine print. You’ll get access to its catalog plus 1 to 3 premium unlocks depending on your plan ($11.99 or $16.00). Once you hit the limit, the rest locks until your next cycle, and they don’t roll over. Get 30 days FREE when you sign up!
If you listen to a lot of music and want to bundle audiobooks in: check out 🎵Spotify.
A surprising new contender. You can listen to audiobooks with your Premium plan, but there’s a time cap (15 hours per month). Once you’ve used your listening hours, you’ll have to wait for a reset or pay to re-up. Great interface, tricky limits.
🤍 My Take
I switch between Libby and Libro.fm depending on my mood. One keeps things free, the other keeps things intentional. Everand and Spotify might be convenient, but restrictions make me miss the freedom of just picking a book and pressing play, disappearing into a story.
What is the Best Free App?
If you’re asking, “which app won’t cost you a dime but still lets you disappear into a whole story,” hands down: Libby is where you start.
It’s simple! Link your library card, and you’re borrowing audiobooks (new releases, best sellers, the books you would have never thought to listen to) for free. There’s a catch, though: availability depends on your library’s catalog, and you might face waitlists.
🤍 My Two-Cents
If I’m going to recommend one for someone who is just starting to dip a toe in the ocean that is audiobooks, my answer will always be Libby first! Then, if/when you decide that you like listening, invest in another platform.
What is the Best Audiobook Subscription?
🎧 Top Contenders & What They Offer
- Audible: Often ranked as the best overall audiobook subscription. Huge catalog, solid features, and you own the audiobooks you redeem with credits.
- Libro.fm: If you care about supporting indie bookstores and still want a strong catalog, this is your vibe.
- Everand: Positioned as a more “unlimited” listening model, but with caveats (locks hot titles, especially if you listen a lot).
🤍 My Recommendation for You
- If you’re planning to invest deeply into audiobooks (high volume, big rec lists, multiple genres) → go with Audible for its ownership model and catalog depth.
- If you want conscious listening (selecting fewer but meaningful titles, aligning with your values) → Libro.fm.
- If you’re just dipping your toes and want “all you can listen” but are okay with a few trade-offs → Everand is decent, but make sure you’re comfortable with the “unlimited” not being truly unlimited.
What Device is Best For Listening to Audiobooks?
Do you want the real answer or the politically correct one?
Either way, here’s the truth: whichever device you already own.
There’s no reason to buy something new just to listen to audiobooks. Your phone—whether it’s an iPhone or Android—is more than enough. Every major audiobook app works beautifully on mobile, and most sync across devices, so you can start on your phone and pick up on your tablet or laptop later.
Let me throw this in. Don’t overthink it. There’s no need. You don’t need fancy headphones or the latest audio tech. You just need a story you can’t stop listening to.
🎧 Pro tip: If you’re new to audiobooks, turn off notifications while listening. Half the magic is giving your mind space to drift with the story.
The Best Audiobooks of All Time?
Priest series by Sierra Simone– If we’re talking audiobooks that live rent-free in my head, then the Priest series sits on the peak of the mountain. These books made me want to go to church (just to be bent over the pew🤭🤭🤭). Honestly, anything narrated by Jacob Morgan gets an immediate vote from me. His voice can convert any non-believer.
We Are All Guilty Here by Karin Slaughter– Owns your attention from the first line, this one grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go. Karin Slaughter writes with a kind of precision that feels surgical. It’s sharp, deliberate, and devastating, and on audio, that intensity hits even harder.
A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna– This audiobook feels like being wrapped in the softest, most enchanted hug. The narration turns every moment into a warm, quiet spell. And it is perfect for the fall season (or really any season you want to feel cosy).
Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab– This story whispers its way under your skin. It is dark, tender, and achingly atmospheric, and the audiobook amplifies that. The narration feels like a ghost story told by someone who knows all your secrets.
I Got Abducted by Aliens and Now I’m Trapped in a Rom-Com by Kimberly Lemming- I love Kimberly Lemming’s books. They are laugh-out-loud funny. And this audiobook is pure chaotic joy.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid– This story sings when you read it, but it is the most beautiful orchestra when you listen. It feels like being invited into a glamorous confession you were never meant to hear. Evelyn comes to life in the narration!
The Butcher and the Wren by Alaina Urquhart-This audiobook is eerie, calculated, and chilling in a way that makes you feel like you’re listening in on a nightmare. The dual narration turns the tension razor sharp, perfect for those listeners who crave thrillers that crawl under your skin and stay there.
Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry– This audiobook feels like releasing a breath you didn’t know you were holding. It is tender, aching, and beautifully hopeful.
Loved this guide?
Save it for your next listening slump. And share your favorite audiobook below so we can build the ultimate reader-made list together!
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