The best audiobook apps and how to access them

Audiobooks have taken the literary world by storm in recent years. Once a niche market, audiobooks are the fastest-growing segment in the publishing industry. And it’s easy to see why.

Audiobooks allow you to immerse yourself in a book whenever your body’s busy but your mind’s free. They make it easy to “read” when you’re walking the dog, commuting to work, exercising in the gym or getting stuck into some housework. 

And the rise of digital platforms and streaming services makes it easier than ever to listen. Gone are the days of physical CD sets or bulky cassettes. Just tap your smartphone and let the story unfold. 

Ready to join the audiobook revolution? Let’s dive into some of the best apps and platforms out there. We’ll also cover how to manage your library and make the most of your listening experience. Let’s dive in… 

Audible

Launched in 1995, Audible has grown into the largest audiobook producer and retailer in the US. With a massive library and loads of original content produced every year, it’s a powerhouse in the audiobook industry. It’s regarded by many as the best audiobook app.

One of Audible’s standout features is Whispersync. Whispersync synchronises your audiobooks and eBooks, tracking your progress across both formats. Perfect for when you’re hooked on a book but need to free up your hands and switch from reading to listening. 

With Audible, you pay for credits, which you can use to add new titles to your library. In most cases, one credit gets you one new audiobook. You can also save credits up as they carry over to the following month. 

Audible plans

• The basic plan (£7.99/m) gets you 1 new credit each month
• Audible Monthly (£14.99/m) gets you 2 credits each month
• Audible Premium Plus Annual (£69.99/y) gets you 12 credits upfront for the year
• Audible Premium Plus Annual (£109.99/y) gets you 24 credits for the year 

Audible accepts reloadable prepaid credit cards, such as PCS. This is a great way to protect your privacy and manage your spending. With a prepaid card, you’ll never be caught out by an unexpected subscription renewal again. 

Google Play Books

Google Play Books is a versatile platform with a huge selection of eBooks and audiobooks. It integrates seamlessly with other Google services, making it super convenient for Android users. 

Purchasing audiobooks on Google Play Books is a breeze. You can buy individual titles, with many popular audiobooks available for under £10. It’s even easier with Google Play gift cards. Gift cards give you a secure and hassle-free way to access your favourite audiobooks. You can easily buy them from trusted retailers like Recharge.com/en/ie. 

When you buy a book on Google Play it’s yours forever. That means you can create a family library, and share your favourite titles with your loved ones. There are even some free audiobooks available through Google Play — classics like Bram Stoker’s Dracula and Sun Tzu’s The Art of War. 

Apple Books

For hardcore Apple fans, Apple Books is an excellent audiobook option. It’s easy to integrate across all your devices, so you’re never far from your favourite books.

Audiobooks are priced individually, with some available for under £5, whilst others cost £20+. 

If you’re looking for a way to treat someone, Apple gift cards from MobileTopUp.co.uk are a great option. You can also use gift cards when purchasing for yourself. They’re a great way to keep your personal information private and control your budget. 

Kobo Audiobooks

Kobo Audiobooks is a hidden gem in the audiobook world. Kobo is known for being one of the most affordable audiobook providers on the market. Their app is available on Android and Apple devices. 

Kobo works in a similar way to Audible. You pay a monthly subscription, and get credits each month you can spend on new titles. For £6.99/m, you get one credit each month. Unlike Audible, you get to keep all purchased titles even if you cancel your subscription. 

If you’d prefer not to commit to a subscription, you can also buy individual titles. Prices range from under £5 to £20+. 

You can use reloadable prepaid cards to buy audiobooks from Kobo. This provides an added layer of security and control over your spending. 

Spotify

Best known for music streaming, Spotify is a fairly new player in the audiobook space. Spotify’s Premium Individual plan (£11.99/m) offers 15 hours of audiobook listening every month at no extra cost. There are over 250,000 titles available this way. 

Some audiobooks available on Spotify aren’t included with Premium. To buy these titles, you need to leave the app and go to Spotify’s Web Player. Some users find this inconvenient, but the quick sync with your devices streamlines the process. Progress is also synchronised across all your devices, so you can always pick up where you leave off.

Spotify gift cards are a handy way to fund Spotify subscriptions and audiobook purchases. You get to enjoy your favourite audiobooks and don’t need to re-share your payment details.

Local library lending 

Are none of these platforms quite right for your audiobook needs? Many local libraries in the UK now offer free audiobook rental through OverDrive. You just sign into the Libby app using your library login information to browse and listen to available titles. All without spending a penny. 

How to manage your audiobooks

As your audiobook collection grows, it’s good to have a system in place to manage your library. Many audiobook apps offer features to help:

• Bookmarking to hold your place
• Toggle playback speed to suit your style
• Sleep timers to make it easy to pick up where you left off

Whilst cloud storage is convenient, it’s also often good to have a local backup of any audiobook files. This is especially important if you plan to listen to the audiobook offline, or want to ensure long-term access.

Why use prepaid cards for audiobooks and subscriptions?

Using reloadable prepaid cards and gift cards to buy audiobooks or subscriptions offers several benefits:

Security – no need to enter your payment info on many platforms

Budget control – load a specific amount onto the card to prevent overspending

Flexibility – cancel subscriptions without the hassle of cancelling direct debits

Great gifts – gift cards make excellent presents for the audiobook lovers in your life

Note: You need to have a physical or virtual card for this purpose. We recommend BITSA, PCS, and Transcash. You can easily top up any of these at Recharge.com/en/ie.

Explore the world of audiobooks

Thanks to all these platforms and apps, audiobooks have never been more accessible. Whatever you’re looking for, there’s an audiobook app to suit every preference.

So why not embark on your next audio adventure today? With the right platform and the payment option to suit you, your next audiobook is ready and waiting. Happy listening!