The best audiobook apps in 2026

We compared the major audiobook services and judged them on catalogue, price per book, app quality, offline downloads and what happens to your library if you cancel.

Audible is still the most complete option. Its catalogue is the largest, its originals are often excellent, and the app is polished with sleep timers, bookmarks and reliable syncing. Credits roll over and the books are yours to keep, though they are locked to Audible's apps.

Libro.fm is our favourite alternative. Prices are similar to Audible, but every purchase supports an independent bookstore of your choice and the files are DRM free, so you can keep and play them anywhere. The app is simpler, but it does everything you need.

Audiobooks.com has the most generous trial we tested, often three titles, and a clean app. Libby, the library app, is the best free option by a mile, though popular titles come with waiting lists.

Our advice: start with Libby to see how much you listen, then choose Audible for range or Libro.fm if you want to own your files and support local shops.