where can i listen to audiobooks for free
You have several good, legal options to listen to audiobooks for free, each with different strengths and limitations.
Library-powered apps (best starting point)
These feel the most like “Netflix for audiobooks” once you’re set up with a free library card.
- Libby (by OverDrive) – Connects to your local public library and lets you borrow thousands of audiobooks at no extra cost if you have a library card. You can place holds, adjust playback speed, and download for offline listening.
- Hoopla – Similar to Libby but often offers instant-borrow titles with no holds; also includes comics, movies, and music. You just log in with a participating library card.
- Other library services – Some libraries also mention Kanopy (more for video) and general ebook access alongside audiobooks.
These are a great “set and forget” route: once you have a card, nearly everything you listen to feels free.
Public domain classics (no card needed)
If you’re into classics or older works, public-domain platforms are completely open and legal.
- LibriVox – Volunteer-read recordings of public-domain books such as classics and older non-fiction; thousands of titles, fully free.
- Project Gutenberg – Primarily free ebooks, but also links to or hosts some public-domain audiobooks.
- Digitalbook.io – Aggregates free audiobooks and ebooks from multiple public-domain sources into one place, accessible via web or a mobile app.
These are ideal if you’re happy with older literature and don’t mind variable narrator quality.
Big platforms with free sections
Some major audiobook/streaming brands now maintain always-free catalogs or partially free access.
- Audible (free listens section) – Has a dedicated page where you can stream hundreds of audiobooks and podcasts without a paid membership, just by signing in with an Amazon account.
- AudioReads – An online library offering free English audiobooks to stream with no subscription.
- Digitalbook.io – Besides being an aggregator of public-domain titles, it markets itself as a source of free audiobooks without subscription, using popular formats and online streaming.
These can be a good way to get polished, professionally produced content without committing money upfront.
Music & video platforms with full books
People increasingly treat these as “stealth” audiobook apps.
- Spotify – Hosts a growing number of full-length audiobooks, including public-domain works and curated playlists under audiobook-focused accounts; some listeners report finding popular non-fiction there as regular tracks or playlists.
- YouTube – Many channels upload full audiobooks (often classics or older titles) and curated “audiobook” playlists; some creators specialize in public-domain recordings.
Quality and legality can vary on user-uploaded content, so it’s best to favor established channels that clearly specialize in audiobooks.
Free trials and promos (short-term “free”)
These aren’t permanently free, but they can give you several full books at no cost if you keep track of cancellations.
- Audible free trial – Typically offers a 30-day trial with one or more audiobook credits you keep even if you cancel before billing.
- Audiobooks.com – Often promotes a free month or discounted multi‑month intro deals that include several titles.
- Deals-oriented apps – Services like Chirp and Libro.fm focus on heavily discounted audiobooks; while not always free, they often complement your free-listening strategy with very cheap purchases.
If you stagger trials across services, you can realistically listen to quite a few premium titles free over a few months.
Quick HTML table of main options
| Option | Type | What you get | Need a library card? | Truly free long-term? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Libby | Library app | Modern audiobooks via public libraries | Yes | Yes, with valid card | [3][9][1][7]
| Hoopla | Library app | Instant‑borrow audiobooks, plus movies and comics | Yes | Yes, with participating library | [1][7]
| LibriVox | Public domain | Volunteer‑read classics and older works | No | Yes | [5][7][1][2]
| Project Gutenberg | Public domain | Free ebooks and some audiobooks | No | Yes | [7][1][2]
| Digitalbook.io | Aggregator | Free audiobooks and ebooks from multiple sources | No | Yes for public-domain titles | [5]
| Audible free section | Commercial | Hundreds of free audiobooks and podcasts | Amazon account | Yes for the free catalog | [4][2]
| Spotify | Streaming | Playlists and tracks with full audiobooks | No | Partly (depends on plan and content) | [1][7][2]
| YouTube | Video/audio | User‑uploaded full audiobooks and playlists | No | Yes, though availability can change | [2]
| AudioReads | Online library | Free English audiobooks to stream | No | Yes | [10]
| Trials (Audible, Audiobooks.com) | Promos | Premium titles for 1+ months | No | Short‑term only; cancel to avoid charges | [6][7][2]
Tiny “listener story” for context
Imagine you get a new library card this week and install Libby. You queue up a couple of popular fantasy novels and a memoir, but they have waits, so you also grab a few LibriVox classics and stream a free title from Audible’s free list while you wait. In a single month, you’ve listened to five or six full books without paying a cent, just by hopping between library apps, public‑domain sources, and the free catalogs on big platforms.
TL;DR:
Your best bet is to combine a library app (Libby or Hoopla), a public‑domain
source (LibriVox, Project Gutenberg, Digitalbook.io), and at least one big-
platform free section (Audible free listens, Spotify/YouTube, AudioReads) so
you always have something free and legal to listen to.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.