10 Best Free Audiobook Apps for iPhone and iPad: Audiobooks have become a convenient way to enjoy literature, learn new things, and stay entertained without having to read physical books. Whether you’re commuting, exercising, or simply relaxing, free audiobook apps for iPhone and iPad provide access to thousands of books without any cost.
These apps offer a vast selection of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, self-improvement, classics, and even podcasts. Many apps provide features like offline listening, adjustable playback speeds, bookmarks, and sleep timers to enhance the user experience. Some apps partner with libraries to offer free access to bestsellers, while others focus on public domain books.
Popular free audiobook apps for iOS include Libby, Audible (with free content), Librivox, and Apple Books. Each app offers unique offerings, such as exclusive content, AI-narrated books, or user-friendly interfaces.
Top Free Audiobook Apps for iPhone and iPad
Libby
Libby, by OverDrive, is one of the most popular free audiobook apps. It allows you to borrow audiobooks, eBooks, and magazines from your local library for free, using just your library card. With a simple interface and a large selection of titles, Libby is perfect for audiobook lovers who want to access a variety of genres.
Librivox
Librivox offers free public-domain audiobooks for volunteers worldwide to read. It’s an excellent resource for classic literature and historical works. While it doesn’t have modern bestsellers, it is ideal for those who enjoy classic novels and timeless stories.
Apple Books
Apple Books comes pre-installed on iPhones and iPads and offers a wide selection of free audiobooks, including public domain titles. In the “Audiobooks” section, you can explore a curated library of free books, and the app also allows you to purchase additional content if desired.
Audible (Free Trial)
While Audible is a subscription-based service, it offers a free 30-day trial, which includes one audiobook credit. This allows you to download and listen to a premium audiobook for free. Audible’s extensive library includes audiobooks, podcasts, and Audible Originals.
Audiobooks.com (Free Trial)
Audiobooks.com offers a 30-day free trial, giving users access to one free audiobook each month. This app also provides a vast selection of titles and allows you to listen offline once you’ve downloaded your audiobooks.
Hoopla
Free access to audiobooks, eBooks, movies, and more. With a simple sign-up process using your library card, you can access a wide range of audiobooks, including bestsellers and new releases.
Storynory
Storynory is an excellent app for kids. It offers a variety of free audiobooks, from fairy tales to original stories. The app features high-quality narrations and is a fantastic resource for engaging young listeners.
How to Find Free Audiobooks on Your iOS Device
Finding free audiobooks on your iOS device is easy with the right apps and resources. Here’s how you can discover free audiobooks for listening on your iPhone or iPad:
Use Library Apps (e.g., Libby or Hoopla)
Many local libraries offer free access to audiobooks through apps like Libby or Hoopla. To get started:
- Download the Libby or Hoopla app from the App Store.
- Sign up with your library card (if you don’t have one, you can usually apply for a digital card online).
- Browse the available collection of audiobooks.
- Borrow audiobooks and listen offline on your device.
Explore Public Domain Audiobooks on Librivox
Librivox is a free audiobook platform that specializes in public-domain books. To find free audiobooks on Librivox:
- Browse through its extensive collection of free classics and historical works.
- Listen to any audiobook without paying a cent.
Check Out Free Audiobooks on Apple Books
Apple Books (formerly iBooks) offers a selection of free audiobooks, especially classics. Here’s how to find them:
- Tap on the Audiobooks tab at the bottom.
- Look for the “Free Audiobooks” section or search for specific titles.
- Download and listen to books directly within the app.
Take Advantage of Free Trials (e.g., Audible)
While subscription services like Audible are paid, they offer free trials that give you access to one free audiobook during the trial period. To find a free audiobook on Audible:
- Sign up for a free 30-day trial.
- Browse Audible’s collection of audiobooks and claim your free title.
Search for Free Audiobook Podcasts
Many podcast platforms, like Apple Podcasts or Spotify, host free audiobook podcasts where you can listen to chapters of popular books or full-length audiobooks. To find these:
- Open the Apple Podcasts app or Spotify.
- Search for “audiobooks” or specific book titles.
- Browse through the available audiobook podcasts and start listening.
Check Free Audiobook Promotions on Websites
Occasionally, websites like Project Gutenberg offer free audiobooks of public domain works. These can be accessed via their website or specific apps like Audible or LibriVox.
Look for Free Audiobook Offers in the App Store
Sometimes, audiobook apps will offer limited-time promotions for free books. Regularly check the App Store for any deals or free audiobook offers within apps like Audiobooks.com or Storynory.
By exploring these options, you can enjoy free audiobooks on your iPhone or iPad without spending a dime!
10 Best Features of Free Audiobook Apps for iOS
Access to a Wide Selection of Audiobooks
Most free audiobook apps offer a large variety of titles, including fiction, non-fiction, classic literature, and even educational materials. With apps like Libby, Librivox, and Apple Books, you can easily access thousands of books without spending money.
Offline Listening
Many audiobook apps allow you to download your books and listen offline, making them perfect for travel or areas with limited internet access. Apps like Libby and Hoopla let you download audiobooks to your device and listen to them anytime, anywhere.
Bookmarks and Progress Syncing
Free audiobook apps typically offer the ability to bookmark your spot in a book, so you can pick up right where you left off. Additionally, Libby and Audible support syncing across multiple devices, allowing you to start a book on your iPhone and continue on your iPad.
Adjustable Playback Speed
The speed of narration will suit your preferences. Whether you like to listen more slowly for better comprehension or faster to get through a book quickly, apps like Audible and Apple Books give you control over the playback speed.
Sleep Timer
A sleep timer is a helpful feature for those who like to listen to audiobooks before bed. Many apps, including Apple Books and Libby, let you set a timer to stop playback after a specific time, so you don’t have to manually stop the audiobook.
High-Quality Narration
Free audiobook apps feature professional narrators who bring the stories to life with engaging voice acting. Apps like Audible and Storynory offer high-quality narration that enhances the listening experience.
Easy-to-Use Interface
Many free audiobook apps feature user-friendly interfaces. Libby and Librivox, for example, offer simple books. Users can download titles and start listening without any hassle.
Customizable Playback Settings
You can often customize how you listen with features like background color themes, font size adjustments, and more to make listening more comfortable. For example, Libby offers options for adjusting text display settings when you switch between audiobook and eBook versions.
Integration with Library Services
Apps like Libby and Hoopla integrate directly with library systems, giving you access to thousands of free audiobooks. You need a valid library card to borrow and enjoy audiobooks without paying a penny.
Free Trials and Special Promotions
Many audiobook services, like Audible, offer free trials or limited-time promotions. With a free trial, you can explore premium audiobooks and access exclusive content without committing to a paid subscription, making it a great way to sample new releases for free.
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Audible: Free Audiobook Trials and Exclusive Content
Audible, a leading audiobook and spoken-word entertainment service, offers an enticing option for audiobook lovers who want to explore its vast library without any initial cost. While Audible is a subscription-based service, its free trial provides users with the opportunity to enjoy premium content for free.
Key Features of Audible’s Free Trial:
- Free 30-Day TrialAudible offers a 30-day free trial that gives you access to one free audiobook of your choice. The free trial provides you with a credit, which you can use to download any audiobook from Audible’s extensive collection of over 500,000 titles.
- Exclusive Audiobook ContentAudible is known for its exclusive content, including Audible Originals, which are unique audiobooks and podcasts available only to Audible subscribers. These exclusive titles range from fiction to self-help and even original performances, making the Audible experience even more compelling.
- Flexible Listening Options: Once you’ve claimed your free audiobook, you can listen to it on your iPhone, iPad, or other devices using the Audible app without being charged. Even if you cancel, you get to keep the audiobook that you downloaded during the trial.
- Access to Audible’s Massive LibraryDuring the trial, you’ll have access to Audible’s entire catalog, which includes bestsellers, classics, non-fiction titles, podcasts, and more. The ability to explore so many genres without spending any money makes Audible’s trial an attractive option.
- Discounts on Additional Purchases Suppose you decide to continue your subscription after the trial. In that case, you’ll receive one credit per month (which you can exchange for any audiobook) and 30% off additional audiobook purchases, making it easy to keep expanding your library at a discount.
How to Sign Up for Audible’s Free Trial:
- Sign up for the 30-day free trial via the app or Audible’s website.
- Choose your free audiobook with your trial credit and enjoy your listening experience.
Audible’s free trial offers audiobook enthusiasts a risk-free way to explore its extensive library and exclusive content. Whether you’re new to audiobooks or a long-time listener, it’s a fantastic way to experience high-quality audiobooks without any upfront commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the narration speed?
Yes, most audiobook apps allow you to adjust the playback speed to suit your preference. You can increase or decrease the speed of the narration for a more comfortable listening experience.
How can I find free audiobooks on my iPhone or iPad?
To find free audiobooks, use apps like Libby, Librivox, or the Audiobooks section of the Apple Books app. You can also check library services like Hoopla for a free selection.
Are audiobooks on free apps of good quality?
Yes, free audiobook apps feature high-quality narrations, often done by professional voice actors. For example, Librivox and Audible offer clear, engaging narrations, and apps like Apple Books ensure a pleasant listening experience.
Can I share audiobooks with friends?
Sharing audiobooks depends on the app’s policies. With apps like Audible, audiobooks purchased through the app are tied to your account, but Libby allows you to lend and borrow books directly through your library.
Do free audiobook apps have any hidden fees?
Apps like Libby, Librivox, and Apple Books are utterly free without hidden charges. However, some apps like Audible offer free trials but require a paid subscription after the trial period. Always check the app’s terms to ensure there are no unexpected costs.
Conclusion
Free audiobook apps for iPhone and iPad offer an excellent way to enjoy literature, learn new things, and be entertained without spending money. With apps like Libby, Librivox, and Apple Books, users can easily access thousands of titles, ranging from timeless classics to modern bestsellers, all for free. Many of these apps also come with convenient, seamless syncing across devices, making it easier to enjoy audiobooks on the go.
