Recently, Spotify started offering audiobooks in the EU. This got me into reading audiobooks. Pretty soon, I was through my 15-hour monthly limit. And this made me wonder. What is the best platform for audiobooks?
1. Spotify
Spotify is best known for music and podcasts, but it’s recently entered the audiobook game. The selection is decent, and if you’re already a Spotify Premium user, you can access audiobooks without paying an extra subscription fee. I was pretty quick through the initial 15 hours, so it’s not great for if you plan on finishing a book quickly.
What You Get:
- 15 hours per month of audiobook listening included in Premium plans.
- Large selection, with plenty of bestsellers and classics.
Pricing:
- Individual Premium: €10.99 / 129 NOK per month.
- Family Plan: €16.99 / 189 NOK per month (only the plan manager gets audiobook hours).
- Extra Hours: Available for purchase if you exceed the monthly limit. 10 euros for 10 hours.
Pros:
- Seamlessly integrates with music and podcasts.
Cons:
- The 15-hour limit can be restrictive.
- Family plan members (other than the manager) don’t get audiobook access.
2. Audible
Audible is the standard for audiobooks, offering a large library that includes books you won’t find anywhere else. It’s also unique because the audiobooks you buy with credits are yours to keep, even if you cancel your subscription.
What You Get:
- 1 audiobook credit per month for any title in their library.
- Access to Audible Originals and podcasts.
- Option to purchase additional credits or audiobooks at discounted prices.
Pricing:
- Standard Plan: €14.95 / 149 NOK per month.
- Free Trial: 30 days with 1 free audiobook and 2 Audible Originals.
Pros:
- Ownership of audiobooks purchased with credits.
- Extensive library with exclusive titles.
Cons:
- Limited to 1 audiobook per month unless you buy extra credits.
- Slightly pricier compared to other platforms.
3. Storytel
Storytel is especially popular in Europe and Scandinavia. Unlike Audible, it offers unlimited listening.
What You Get:
- Unlimited access to audiobooks and eBooks in its library.
- A strong focus on non-English titles, including Norwegian.
Pricing:
- Monthly Plan: €12.99 / 139 NOK per month.
- Free Trial: 14 days with unlimited access.
Pros:
- Unlimited listening—no need to worry about running out of hours.
- A great option for multilingual listeners.
Cons:
- No option to own audiobooks like Audible.
- Library may not be as extensive for English titles.
Which Audiobook Service is Best for You?
- Casual Listener: Spotify is a great option if you only listen occasionally and already have Premium.
- Serious Listner: Audible’s credits and exclusives make it worth the extra cost. Plus, you get to keep your books forever.
- Binge Listener: Storytel’s unlimited plan is unbeatable for those who go through several books a month.
I have not tried any other providers, but I am planning on making use of their free trials as well. Some options are:
- Barnes and Nobles: One free book (credit) after that $14.99 USD per month.
- Audiobooks $14.95 (USD) per month, 2 plus 1 book for free.
- Youtube Premium: There are quite a few audiobooks available on YouTube as well. But you will need premium to be able to minimalist the player or lock your phone whilst listening. NOK 99,00/month.
My Personal Recommendation
Right now, I am using Spotify in combination with the free trial for Audible. I am planning on exploring other free trails as well. There are quite a few providers out there, so that means quite a bit of free reading before I have to start ‘sticking’ to one subscription. I find the audiobook providers quite expensive compared to other streaming services like Spotify and Netflix. So, I think it is worthwhile to keep looking for good deals and change providers regularly.
An honourable mention should go out to LibriVox, where volunteers have recorded public domain works that are available for free.
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