In this article, we will take a look at the 12 best alternatives to audible. If you want to skip our detailed analysis, you can go directly to the 5 Best Alternatives To Audible.
Global Audiobooks Industry: An Overview
Audiobooks have gained massive popularity over the years. Audiobooks offer flexibility enabling the users to enjoy them at any time while multitasking. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global audiobook market was valued at $6.82 billion. The global audiobook market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 26.3% from 2023 to 2030 and reach $35.04 billion by the end of the forecasted period.
One of the most notable trends in the global audiobook industry is the use of artificial intelligence. The integration of AI into the audiobook industry is expected to change service delivery for both the audiobook providers and consumers. Artificial intelligence facilitates converting written manuscripts into audio form. The ease and relatively lower cost of creation have eased the barriers to entry, especially for amateur authors tapping into a new industry. The surge in the popularity of using artificial intelligence for audiobooks has led to the emergence of various platforms including DeepZen. The company specializes in AI voice solutions that transform text into audio content that is rich with emotion and has the rhythm of a natural voice. The company offers services for audiobook production which can be created with just a fraction of the cost and time needed in traditional production.
In 2022, North America was the most dominant region in the global audiobook industry. The region accounted for a revenue share of over 45%. The presence of large audiobook providers in the region and access to smartphones were the main factors for its large share in the global market. The Middle East and Africa region is expected to have the fastest growth of 31.9% during the forecasted period. The penetration of audiobooks is expected to grow as the proliferation of online payments and accessibility to smartphones increases in the region. The availability of audiobooks in local languages is also expected to add to the growth of the region in the global market. You can also check out the 33 Best Selling Books of 2023.
Notable Players and Distribution Channels
Segment-wise, the one-time download segment dominated the global audiobook industry. The segment accounted for 54% of the market share in 2022. The one-time download distribution channels allow the user to buy and download their favorite titles to listen to at their convenience. However, the subscription-based segment is anticipated to grow the fastest at 27.6% during the forecasted period. Some of the most notable players in the global audiobook industry include Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:AMZN), Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG), and Spotify Technology SA (NYSE:SPOT). These prominent names in the industry use different distribution channels to meet the demands of their users.
Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:AMZN) is a giant in the global audiobook industry with one of the biggest names, Audible, under its belt. Audible is a prominent audiobook and podcast service. The platform enables users to purchase and stream a wide range of spoken audio content, including digital audiobooks, radio programs, and TV shows. Audible offers a variety of subscription plans including Audible Plus and Audible Premium Plus. The subscription plans have varying degrees of access to content on Audible.
Audible has a reputation for high-quality sounds with many authors and top celebrities narrating the books. The platform has an extensive collection of audiobooks including Audible originals and classics. On January 9, Audible by Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:AMZN) announced its new project which is an audio adaptation of George Orwell's classic dystopian novel, 1984. The cast of the audiobook has prominent actors including Andrew Garfield, Cynthia Erivo, Tom Hardy, and Andrew Scott. Audible's 1984 is set for global release on April 4.
Google Play Books by Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) is a versatile platform that offers a wide range of digital reading options including ebooks and audiobooks. Google Play Books enables the user to buy ebooks and audiobooks, which means that no subscription is required. The audiobooks get synced up with all Android devices a person is using which adds to the overall ease of access. Google Home can play the listener's book right where they left off on some other device using the simple command "OK Google, read my book". Google Play Books also enables users to access their ebooks and audiobooks like paperbacks allowing them to add bookmarks, highlights, and notes. The incorporation of IoT using Google Home and enhanced connectivity using Google Drive saving notes from the Google Play Books are the distinguishing characteristics of the platform.
Spotify Technology SA (NYSE:SPOT) is another noteworthy player in the global audiobook market. The subscription-based music platform added audiobooks to its extensive library in October 2023. Premium subscribers have access to more than 150,000 audiobooks and 15 hours of monthly listening time. The audiobook catalog includes titles from major publishers and independent authors. Users can purchase a 10-hour top-up if they exhaust their monthly allocation. On January 29, the New York Times reported that early data indicates that Spotify Technology SA (NYSE:SPOT) is indeed boosting audiobook consumption, with the market growing significantly since its entry. The company's audiobook platform has attracted millions of dollars in royalties for publishers with bestsellers. The expansion of the company into audiobooks is a strategy to expand its subscriber base and retain existing users. You can also read about the 12 Best Apple Music Alternatives: Top Music Streaming Services in 2024.
Audiobooks are convenient and are becoming popular among people of all ages. Audiobooks enable users to multitask while listening to their favorite books. Audible is one of the most popular audiobook platforms with more than 100 million downloads on the Google Play Store alone. However, if you are looking for other options to enjoy your audiobooks on, we have made a list of the best alternatives to Audible.
12 Best Alternatives To Audible
12 Best Alternatives To Audible
Our Methodology
To make our list of the best alternative to Audible, we have used a consensus approach. We consulted more than 10 rankings online that listed the best alternatives to audible. We extracted the names that appeared in 50% of our sources. We then ranked our items based on the average customer star rating and total number of reviews across the App Store and the Google Play Store. The average customer star rating is our primary metric and the total number of reviews is our secondary metric. The list has been arranged in the ascending order of the average customer star rating and the secondary metric has been employed as a tiebreaker. It is important to note that we have only considered items with total reviews of more than 100,000 and a customer star rating of at least 4.5. Furthermore, the number of reviews and customer star ratings are prone to change over time. The data we have collected is based on search results on March 19, 2024.
12 Best Alternatives To Audible
12. Barnes & Noble NOOK
Average Customer Star Rating: 4.5
Total Number of Reviews: 279,300
The Barnes & Noble NOOK is a popular eReader and tablet series offered by Barnes & Noble. The app had an average rating of 4.5 across our sources. The app has an extensive collection of eBooks, digital comics, newspapers, and magazines.
11. Kobo
Average Customer Star Rating: 4.5
Total Number of Reviews: 306,500
Kobo is one of the best alternatives to audible. The Kobo app has been designed to enhance the reading experience for book lovers. Kobo has a vast library of millions of titles including audiobooks.
10. Everand
Average Customer Star Rating: 4.5
Total Number of Reviews: 635,300
Everand is a platform that offers a wide selection of eBooks and audiobooks. Everand provides a personalized reading experience with a subscription model. The platform enables subscribers to access new titles every month including the platform's original publications.
9. Audiobooks.com
Average Customer Star Rating: 4.55
Total Number of Reviews: 107,200
Audiobooks.com is one of the best alternatives to audible. The users can enjoy classics, bestsellers, and new releases on the go through the Audiobooks.com app. The app has been designed to deliver a seamless listening experience. The platform also allows users to stream or download audiobooks for listening in various settings.
8. Storytel
Average Customer Star Rating: 4.55
Total Number of Reviews: 447,300
Storytel is a Stockholm-based e-book and audiobook subscription service. Storytel was founded in 2006. The platform offers a wide selection of audiobooks and eBooks. Storytel has expanded its services globally with listeners across the globe enjoying audiobooks on the platform. It is one of the best alternatives to Audible.
7. Google Play Audiobooks
Average Customer Star Rating: 4.6
Total Number of Reviews: 3,000,000
Google Play Audiobooks offers a wide selection of audiobooks that can be enjoyed on various devices. The platform allows users to download audiobooks over Wi-Fi. Google Play Audiobooks provides a variety of features including adding and removing bookmarks.
6. CloudLibrary by Bibliotheca
Average Customer Star Rating: 4.65
Total Number of Reviews: 213,500
CloudLibrary by Bibliotheca is a digital library app that provides users with access to a wide range of eBooks and audiobooks. It is one of the best alternatives to audible. The platform offers easy downloads and curated selections of audiobooks which enhances the overall listening experience for users.
