When it’s time to unwind, sometimes there’s nothing better than a good book. In our modern age, where time has become a very rare commodity, audio books are popular. Before selecting the next title that will make you happy, you need to have the right audiobook app. That’s why the ZDNet editorial team gives you its own selection of platforms that can fuel your imagination during your free time!
Audible
Audible is the platform for listening to audio books and podcasts, developed by Amazon, which brings together more than 500,000 books and audio files, accessible online and as a mobile application.
- Downloads: 6
- Release date : 06/27/2022
- Author : Audible Inc.
- Licence : Free license
- Categories:
Audio – Leisure - Operating system : Android – Online service All Internet browsers – iOS iPhone / iPad / Apple Watch
Owned by Amazon, Audible uses a credit system to select titles. The app gives you easy access to over 200,000 titles. While that number is the lowest on our list, Audible has a selection that includes the hottest titles right now, plus podcasts and guided wellness. It also offers exclusive original content to offer you unusual stories.
When you choose a title, Audible lets you keep it forever, while other apps just let you borrow it. When you are a Prime member, you get certain bonuses. To get started, you receive an invitation to join Audible using an Audible Premium Plus trial. During your trial, you receive two credits, worth one title each, for the Premium Library. Once the trial ends, you return to the standard credit of one title per month.
Advantages :
- Built-in credits;
- Bonuses for Prime members;
- Excellent user experience.
Disadvantages:
- Fully paid access;
- You need to be a Prime member to get the best benefits.
Google Play Books
Read 3 million ebooks with your mobile device via Google Play Books (Android and iOS).
- Downloads: 8
- Release date : 06/21/2022
- Author : Google LLC.
- Licence : Free license
- Categories:
Hobbies - Operating system : Android – iOS iPhone / iPad
If you like comics and manga, Google Play Books will largely satisfy you. Along with the comics, you’ll also find the standard ebooks and audiobooks to keep you up to date with the latest titles. You can download the title or listen to it in streaming. With personalized reading recommendations, you’ll never run out of content.
Even better, membership is free and there is no subscription required. Instead, tap on the preview to check out each title in depth, then buy the titles you want. For every purchase you make, you receive Google Play Points that you can redeem for Google Play credits. You’ll get occasional special title discounts that will save you money on some of today’s most popular titles.
Advantages :
- Huge selection of comics and manga;
- Family library function;
- Simple and intuitive navigation.
Disadvantages:
- Not always compatible with Chromebooks;
- Restricted compatibility.
Kobo Books
Kobo Books has a massive selection of over five million titles, spanning both eBooks and audiobooks to bring you a diverse selection of over 1.5 million titles. Like on iOS, you can start reading on one device and pick up where you left off on another device, which adds an extra layer of convenience to keep things simple.
Additional features can enhance your reading experience, letting you choose between day and night mode, font size, and even type with a built-in dictionary. Kobo also suggests new titles as you progress, giving you personalized recommendations based on your reading history. There’s also the Kobo eReader, which is an easy way to access and manage your Kobo Books account.
Advantages :
- Podcasts available;
- Possibility of self-publication;
- Exclusive electronic reader available.
Disadvantages:
- Content varies by location
- Not compatible with Android.
Scribd
Scribd isn’t just focused on audiobooks; you also have access to different types of content, like over two million ebooks, podcasts, and publications like the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. In 2015, Scribd also added sheet music to its subscription, allowing access to the best compositions of the moment.
Scribd also produces Scribd Originals which provides exclusive titles directly from its own original content publishing industry. Scribd Audio is another built-in feature that allows you to browse Scribd-exclusive audiobook releases. If you’re an aspiring or professional writer, Scribd also offers an open publishing platform designed to help you self-publish in minutes.
Advantages :
- Huge library;
- Unlimited titles per month;
- Affordable prices.
Disadvantages:
- Not own securities;
- Limited access.
Source: ZDNet.com