I’m a bookworm, but sometimes I just can’t settle down to focus on reading with my tired eyeballs. Enter, audiobooks! Whether you’re sitting in the pick-up line, doing household chores, or getting some much deserved me-time at the gym (or on the couch, let’s face it), audiobooks are the perfect way to keep your literary love alive. But there's a catch – audiobooks can be seriously pricey. The good news is, there are so many resources for free audiobooks out there. While there’s no guarantee you’ll immediately find the latest bestseller, there’s a good chance that, with a little sleuthing and sometimes patience, you’ll be able to nab everything on your list, from classic literature to your bookclub’s next pick.
Here’s everything you need to get started on your free audiobook journey:
The Public Domain Goldmine
First stop on our audio adventure: the classics. These gems are like the vintage finds of the literary world — timeless and free!
1. LibriVox: Where volunteers bring books to life
LibriVox is the crowdsourced marvel of the audiobook world. Picture thousands of volunteers from around the globe, each lending their voice to bring books to life. It's 100% free, no strings attached, and available on the web or via free mobile apps. You can adjust playback speeds, set a sleep timer, and even bookmark your spot.
The quality is a mixed bag, but hey, that's part of the charm! I once listened to a rendition of “Pride and Prejudice” where Mr. Darcy sounded suspiciously like Kermit the Frog. Oddly compelling!
If it feels daunting to get started, a quick online search can give you some direction, for example:
- This list of 100 best to Livrivox audiobooks
- This oldie but goodie Reddit thread of listeners’ favorite narrators and best free audiobooks on Livribox
- This list of recommendations for free audiobooks on Livrivox
Website: librivox.org
2. Project Gutenberg: From ebooks to audiobooks (all free!)
Remember Project Gutenberg from your school days? Surprise! They've joined the audiobook party. They even have computer-generated narrations. It's completely free, with no apps required — you can listen directly in your browser or download files in multiple formats. With over 60,000 free ebooks, many with audio versions, it's like if Siri decided to read “Moby Dick” — not Oscar-worthy, but hey, it gets the job done while you're tackling that pile of laundry you've been ignoring.
Some popular classics:
- “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley
- “The Awakening” by Kate Chopin
- “The Count of Monte Cristo” by Alexandre Dumas
Website: gutenberg.org
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3. Loyal Books: A treasure trove of classics
With over 7,000 free audiobooks and ebooks, primarily from the public domain, Loyal Books offers free mobile apps for Android and iOS, the ability to stream online or download for offline listening, and adjustable playback speeds. With user reviews, adjustable playback speeds, and curated lists like “Top 100” to help discover new titles, it's a great resource for classic literature and language learning.
Popular titles include:
- “Anne of Green Gables” by L.M. Montgomery
- “This Side of Paradise” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
- “The Secret Garden” by Frances Hodgson Burnett
- “North and South” by Elizabeth Gaskell
Website: loyalbooks.com
4. Internet Archive: A digital library of free audio content
The Internet Archive hosts a vast collection of free audiobooks and poetry in the Audio Books & Poetry section. This digital library includes recordings from various sources such as the Naropa Poetics Audio Archive, LibriVox, Project Gutenberg, and Maria Lectrix. You can find a wide range of content, including classic literature, poetry readings, and cool old-time radio shows.
The Internet Archive provides a valuable resource for accessing both popular public domain works and more obscure audio content for when nothing on your go-to lists is catching your eye (or ear!).
Website: archive.org/details/audio_bookspoetry
Your Library Card Is a Ticket to Free Audio Books and More
Remember that library card buried in your wallet? Time to dust it off!
5. Libby: Your digital library bff
Libby, an app made by Overdrive, is like having a librarian in your pocket, minus the stern looks when you return a book late (which, let's be honest, is always). With just your library card, you can access a treasure trove of audiobooks. It's perfect for those moments when you need to escape into a story but also want to pretend you're being productive.
Recent best-sellers and popular titles include:
- “I Have Some Questions for You” by Rebecca Makkai
- “The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store” by James McBride (Fiction winner of 2024 Libby Book Awards)
- “Fourth Wing” by Rebecca Yarros
- “Yellowface” by R.F. Kuang
- “The House in the Pines” by Ana Reyes
Libby also offers a selection of graphic novels and comic audiobooks, which is especially great if you're a fan of visual storytelling with audio narration.
The app is pretty user-friendly and visually appealing, making it a breeze to browse, borrow, and listen. One of the most beloved features is the adjustable playback speed, ranging from 0.6x to 3x. Libby also has an automatic bookmarking feature, so you'll never lose your place.
Pro tip: Always have some books on hold and use the tag feature to keep a list of slightly older titles for when you're between new releases.
Website: libbyapp.com
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6. Hoopla: Free audiobooks and more
Hoopla is another app that connects to your local library, giving you instant access to a treasure trove of entertainment. While similar to Libby in some ways, Hoopla has some key differences, including…
Content variety and availability:
- Hoopla offers a broader range of media types compared to Libby. In addition to ebooks and audiobooks, Hoopla provides access to movies, TV shows, music albums, and comics.
- Libby focuses primarily on ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines.
- Hoopla's collection tends to include more mid-list and backlist titles.
- Libby often has a better selection of new releases and bestsellers.
Borrowing model and limits:
- Hoopla uses a “simultaneous use” model, meaning there are no waitlists. All items are available for instant borrowing.
- Libby operates like a traditional library, with hold lists for popular titles.
- Hoopla typically allows 5-15 borrows per month, depending on your library's settings.
- Libby's borrowing limits vary by library but often allow around 10-20 checkouts at a time.
Cost to Libraries:
- Hoopla charges libraries per checkout, which can make it more expensive for libraries to maintain.
- Libby uses a one-copy-one-user model, where libraries purchase licenses for each digital copy.
User experience:
- Both apps are user-friendly, but some users find Libby's interface cleaner and easier to navigate.
- Hoopla's diverse content types can make browsing more complex but also more versatile.
Website: HooplaDigital.com
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7. Audible: Hacks for free listening
Yes, Audible is primarily a paid service, but the audiobook giant offers a 30-day free trial that includes one free audiobook of your choice from their vast library of over 200,000 titles. During this trial, you also get access to a selection of Audible Originals, which exclusive content not available elsewhere.
Also! Even without a subscription, Audible provides a rotating selection of free audiobooks and podcasts that anyone can listen to without cost. These often include classic literature, self-help titles, and original productions. Additionally, Audible members (including trial members) get unlimited access to Audible Plus, a catalog of thousands of audiobooks, podcasts, and audio shows at no extra charge.
Website: audible.com
8. Spotify: Not just for your workout playlist
Plot twist: Your go-to music app is also an audiobook goldmine. It's like finding out your favorite coffee shop also serves wine — unexpected, but oh so welcome. You can find both classics and contemporary works on Spotify, which now offers over 250,000 titles.
Some examples of recent books that everyones talking about include:
- “James” by Percival Everett
- “Funny Story” by Emily Henry
- “Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow” by Gabrielle Zevin
- “Tom Lake” by Ann Patchett
This is a no-brainer if you already subscribe to Spotify – with a Premium subscription (which starts at 11.99 a month), you can get 15 hours of audiobook listening time every month. Since the average audiobook takes a reader between 8 to 12 hours to complete, if you’re already paying for Spotify, you can get a free audiobook or two every month! (You can also sign up for Spotify audio access, which gives you the same 15 hours a month for $9.99, but it’s not really worth it given all the other actually free resources out there!)
Website: spotify.com
9. YouTube: The hunt for audiobook treasure
Yes, YouTube has more than just viral videos. It's also home to a ton of audiobooks. Many public domain audiobooks and even some copyrighted titles are available for free on YouTube. It's a good resource for finding popular titles and classic literature. There will often be a variety of options for the same title, and sometimes you will find books read and uploaded in sections, so just be prepared to go a little scrolling and testing — it’s definitely worth it!
I’ve found everything from “A Veil of Vines” by Tillie Cole and the entire “The Shadow and Bone Trilogy” by Leigh Bardugo, to “Damon Copperhead” by Barbara Kingsolver and James Patterson’s “Summer House.”
You can also subscribe to audiobook channels — for example, Greatest AudioBooks is a go-to channel for classic literature lovers, offering a vast collection of public domain works. If you love drifting off to a good story, Sleep Audiobooks curates a selection of soothing tales perfect for bedtime listening, including relaxing nature stories and gentle classics.
If you're craving a more immersive experience, Steve Parker Audiobooks (with over 81,000 subscribers) takes it up a notch with fully dramatized, professionally performed unabridged audiobooks complete with sound effects and music.
Website: youtube.com
Genre-specific treasure troves
10. SFFAudio: SciFi for when you need to escape to another galaxy
Because sometimes, after a long day of adulting, you need to trade your mundane problems for space adventures or dragon quests. Who wouldn't rather worry about defeating an evil overlord than figuring out what's for dinner? SFFAudio is a treasure trove for science fiction and fantasy fans, offering a mix of audiobooks, radio dramas, and podcasts. They often feature older works that have entered the public domain, so you can catch up on the classics that inspired your favorite modern authors.
But it's not just about listening — SFFAudio also hosts podcasts that discuss and sometimes perform readings of genre literature. It's like a book club, but with more lightsabers and magic wands. Perfect for when you need a break from reality and want to explore worlds where the only limit is imagination (and maybe the laws of physics, but who's counting?).
Example titles include:
- “The Left Hand of Darkness” by Ursula K. Le Guin
- “Kindred” by Octavia Butler
- “The Handmaid's Tale” by Margaret Atwood
Website: sffaudio.com
11. Lit2Go: Where classic lit meets modern tech
Lit2Go is the cool English teacher of the audiobook world, making classic literature not just accessible, but truly enjoyable. It's a free online collection of stories and poems in MP3 format, perfect for students, teachers, or anyone who wants to brush up on their literary cred without lugging around a tome the size of a small child. Each audiobook comes with a corresponding PDF file, so you can read along if you're feeling extra scholarly.
The best part? They've organized everything by readability level, genre, and even theme, so finding something to match your mood or homework assignment is a breeze. Want to explore the American South? There's a collection for that. Need to bone up on your Shakespeare? They've got you covered. It's like having a library card, a literature degree, and a really good set of headphones all rolled into one. Just don't blame us if you start speaking in iambic pentameter.
Website: etc.usf.edu/lit2go/
12. Storynory: Where bedtime stories for kids come to life
Storynory is like having a magical storyteller living in your phone, ready to entertain the kiddos (or your inner child) at a moment's notice. This treasure trove of children's audiobooks offers everything from fairy tales and classic stories to educational content and original series. It's perfect for those times when you've read Goodnight Moon so many times you're starting to hallucinate anthropomorphic furniture. The narrators are engaging, the stories are diverse, and best of all, it's all free. They even have a collection of myths, legends, and poetry, because it's never too early to introduce the little ones to the joys of epic quests and rhyming couplets.
Storynory updates weekly with new content, so there's always something fresh to keep young minds engaged. Picture having Mary Poppins on speed dial, minus the flying umbrella and questionable medicine practices. Whether you're looking to entertain, educate, or just buy yourself five minutes of peace, Storynory has got your back. Just don't be surprised if the kids start asking for “just one more story” – these tales are seriously addictive!
Some classic titles available for free on Storynory:
- “The Princess and the Pea” by Hans Christian Anderson
- “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” by Beatrix Potter
- “Mary Poppins” by P.L. Travers
Website: storynory.com
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13. Chilling Tales for Dark Nights: For those who never need to sleep with the lights on
Horror lovers, I see you! I am a generally a chicken (and find real life scary enough a lot of the time!), but for those of you who love a good scare, Chilling Tales for Dark Nights is a treasure trove of horror audiobooks and short stories, often read by professional voice actors. This channel offers both free and premium content, so you can dip your toes into the terrifying waters before diving in headfirst. Just remember, listening to these tales before bed might result in some… interesting dreams. Don't say I didn't warn you!
A few of my favorite picks:
- “Stories” by Shirley Jackson
- “Stories” by Joyce Carol Oates
- “Stories” by Daphne du Maurier
Website: chillingtalesfordarknights.com
14. Relic Radio’s The Horror!: where vintage scares come alive
Imagine if your great-grandparents' radio had a love child with a haunted house – that's The Horror! podcast in a nutshell. This auditory time machine whisks you back to the golden age of radio, when families huddled around their wireless sets, trembling at tales of terror. The Horror! collects classic horror radio dramas from the 1930s to 1950s, perfect for those who like their scares with a side of nostalgia.
These aren't your modern, gore-filled horror stories. Oh no, these are the kind of tales that creep into your mind and set up camp, leaving you jumping at shadows for days. The crackling audio and dramatic organ music only add to the atmosphere, making you feel like you've stumbled into a black-and-white horror film. It's a treasure trove for vintage horror fans, offering everything from ghostly whispers to monstrous roars. Just don't blame us if you start seeing Creature from the Black Lagoon in your bathtub. Remember, in the world of The Horror!, the most terrifying monster is the one your imagination conjures up!
Website: relicradio.com
15. BBC Sounds: an audio drama wonderland
The BBC Sounds app is a portal to countless worlds, from the foggy streets of Victorian London to the far reaches of outer space. Whether you're in the mood for a cozy Agatha Christie mystery or a mind-bending sci-fi adventure, BBC Sounds has got you covered. They offer a smorgasbord of audio delights, including adaptations of classic literature that'll make you feel cultured AF, and contemporary fiction that'll keep you on the edge of your seat (or bed, or wherever you prefer to listen).
The best part? Most of these audio treasures are free! From crime thrillers that'll have you sleeping with the lights on, to historical dramas that'll transport you through time faster than Doctor Who's TARDIS, BBC Sounds is a feast for your ears. Just be warned: once you start exploring their vast collection, you might find yourself “just one more episode”-ing your way through the night.
Website: bbc.co.uk/sounds
16. The ‘Christian Sermons and Audio Books’ YouTube channel: For Christian content
For those seeking Christian content in audio format, the Christian Sermons and Audio Books channel on YouTube (with over 500,000 subscribers) offers a comprehensive collection of religious material. This channel specializes in Christian literature and sermons, providing listeners with a wide range of spiritual content. The channel features audio recordings of classic and contemporary Christian works, including sermons from renowned preachers, readings of theological texts, and Christian audiobooks. Content ranges from in-depth Biblical studies to inspirational messages and devotionals, catering to various denominations and levels of spiritual engagement.
As a free resource, it allows easy access to Christian teachings and literature for those who prefer audio learning or are looking to supplement their spiritual studies.
Website: youtube.com/@ChristisLord
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17. Classic Tales Podcast: For literary classics
Hosted by B.J. Harrison, whose voice could make a phone book sound enthralling, this podcast brings classic literature to life in a way that'll make you wonder why you ever struggled through these books in high school. From the quill of Charles Dickens to the wit of Virginia Woolf, the mysteries of Agatha Christie to the dystopian visions of Octavia Butler, The Classic Tales Podcast serves up literary masterpieces. You'll find beloved classics like “Pride and Prejudice” alongside lesser-known gems like Kate Chopin's “The Awakening” or Zora Neale Hurston's “Their Eyes Were Watching God.”
B.J. brings these stories to life with character voices, subtle sound effects, and a passion that's more infectious than a zombie apocalypse (which, incidentally, you might find in some of the more obscure classic tales). It's perfect for multitaskers who want to absorb great literature while doing the dishes, or for anyone who's ever wanted to impress their date with casual references to Dostoevsky. Just be prepared – you might find yourself using words like “forsooth” and “verily” in everyday conversation. Side effects may include a sudden desire to wear a smoking jacket or speak in a British accent, even if you're from New Jersey.
Website: classictalesaudiobooks.com
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So there you have it, my fellow bibliophiles — a smorgasbord of free audiobook options that'll keep you entertained for hours on end. Whether you're in the mood for a Jane Austen classic, a spine-tingling horror story, or the latest bestseller, there's a free resource out there waiting for you. Happy listening, and may your next free audiobook be just a click away!
