In today's digital world, audiobooks are a perfect way to enjoy literature without having to hold a physical book in your hands. Whether you're driving, working out at the gym, or just relaxing at home, audiobooks offer flexibility and convenience. But which provider is the best for you?
1. Audible
Audible is a leading provider of audiobooks, radio plays and podcasts and is part of the Amazon family. With an extensive library and exclusive content, Audible has established itself as one of the first places to go for all audiobook lovers.
Advantages:
- Huge selection: Audible offers one of the largest audiobook libraries in the world. From bestsellers to classics to exclusive content, you'll find it all here.
- Amazon integration: As an Amazon subsidiary, Audible is perfectly integrated with your Amazon account, making the purchasing process very easy.
- Exclusive content: Many audiobooks and podcasts are available exclusively on Audible.
- Try it free for 30 days: New users can try Audible free for 30 days, including a free audiobook.
Cost model:
- Monthly subscription: 9,95 € per month. Every month you receive credit for an audiobook that you can keep forever.
- Single purchase: Even without a subscription, audiobooks can be purchased individually, often at reduced prices for subscribers.
Suitable for:
- Avid readers: If you are looking for a wide range of titles and like to discover new, exclusive content, you will be happy with Audible.
- Amazon customers: Those who already have an Amazon account will appreciate the seamless integration and easy payment options.
2. BookBeat
BookBeat is a Swedish audiobook provider that impresses with its flat rate model and user-friendly app. With BookBeat you can listen to as many audiobooks as you want without worrying about additional costs.
Advantages:
- Flat rate model: BookBeat offers a payment model based on unlimited listening or a certain number of hours per month, depending on the plan.
- Easy to use: The app is user-friendly and intuitive.
- Versatile selection: A wide range of genres and titles ensures that there is something for every taste.
- Family friendly: There are also family accounts so that several users can benefit from a subscription at the same time.
Cost model:
- BookBeat Basic: €9.99 per month for 25 hours of listening pleasure.
- BookBeat Standard: €14.99 per month for 75 hours of listening pleasure.
- BookBeat Premium: €19.90 per month for unlimited listening.
Suitable for:
- Frequent listeners: Ideal for people who listen to audiobooks daily and don't want to pay according to a certain audiobook limit.
- Families: The family account option makes BookBeat the ideal choice for families looking to save costs.
3. Storytel
Storytel is a global audiobook provider with Scandinavian roots that impresses with its unlimited flat rate model and its exclusive and original content.
Advantages:
- Unlimited listening: Storytel offers a flat rate model with no hourly limit, so you can listen to as many audiobooks as you want.
- Large library: Very extensive selection of international and German titles.
- Original content: Storytel produces exclusive content and offers audiobooks that are only available on their platform.
- Offline listening: With the ability to download audiobooks, you can enjoy them even without an internet connection.
Cost model:
- Monthly subscription: €14.90 per month for unlimited listening.
Suitable for:
- Enjoyment listeners: Perfect for people who enjoy listening to lots of audiobooks and appreciate having an unlimited choice.
- Explorer: Ideal for those looking for exclusive and original content.
4. Thalia and other bookstores (Tolino Alliance)
Thalia and the other bookstores of the Tolino Alliance not only offer physical books, but also a large selection of audio books. This is a great way to support local bookstores.
Advantages:
- Local support: If you want to support local bookstores, you will love the option to buy audiobooks through Thalia and other bookstores in the Tolino Alliance.
- Satellite businesses: Combinations of online and offline offers; you can order online and pick up in a physical bookstore.
- Bonus program: Many local bookstores offer bonus programs and loyalty points.
Cost model:
- Single purchase: Audiobooks can be purchased individually; prices vary depending on the title.
Suitable for:
- Local Supporters: Ideal for those who want to support local bookstores.
- Occasional users: People who only listen to audiobooks occasionally and do not want to pay monthly fees.
5. Spotify
Spotify is a leading music streaming service that also offers a wide selection of audiobooks and podcasts. Known for its diverse features and user-friendly operation, Spotify is a popular choice for multimedia fans.
Advantages:
- Multifunctional: Spotify not only offers audiobooks, but also a huge selection of music and podcasts.
- Free access: There is a free version where you have to listen to advertisements but have full access to the library.
- Playlist function: Like music, audiobooks can be organized into playlists.
Cost model:
- Free version: With advertising, but full access to content.
- Premium subscription: €9.99 per month (reduced prices for students, families and duo offers).
Suitable for:
- Multimedia fans: Perfect for those who want to enjoy both music, audiobooks and podcasts on one platform.
- Bargain hunters: If you only listen to audiobooks occasionally and don't want to pay for them, the free version of Spotify is fine.
6. Deezer
Description: Deezer is another music streaming service that impresses with its wide selection of music, audiobooks and podcasts as well as its personalized recommendations.
Advantages:
- Broad portfolio: Similar to Spotify, Deezer offers not only audiobooks, but also extensive music content and podcasts.
- Flow function: Deezer's Flow technology recognizes preferences and offers personalized recommendations, making it easier to find new audiobooks.
- Offline mode: Audiobooks can be downloaded for listening without an internet connection.
Cost model:
- Free version: With advertising, but full access to content.
- Premium subscription: €10.99 per month (reduced prices for family and student offers).
Suitable for:
- Personalization lovers: Users who value technology that analyzes their listening habits and makes recommendations accordingly.
- Multimedia users: Ideal for users who are interested in music and podcasts in addition to audiobooks.
7. Nextory
Nextory is a Swedish audiobook and e-book provider that impresses with its flat rate model and a wide range of library offerings. Ideal for those who like to both read and listen.
Advantages:
- Unlimited listening and reading: With Nextory you can consume as many audiobooks and e-books as you want.
- Wide selection: Extensive library with German and international titles.
- Family friendly: Family plans allow multiple members to enjoy the benefits of one subscription.
Cost model:
- Bronze subscription: 11,99 € per month (for 1 user)
- Silver subscription: 14,99 € per month (for 2 users)
- Gold subscription: 19,99 € per month (for up to 4 users)
Suitable for:
- Readers and listeners: Perfect for people who want to enjoy both audiobooks and e-books.
- Families: With the flexible family plans, families save money.
8. Blinkist
Blinkist offers a unique platform that summarizes nonfiction and knowledge literature in compressed 15-minute audio and text formats. Ideal for people who want to consume relevant content quickly and efficiently.
Advantages:
- Short and sweet: Each book is reduced to the most important key messages, which can be read or listened to in about 15 minutes.
- Huge selection: Thousands of non-fiction books and knowledge articles from various categories.
- Offline access: Content can be downloaded and enjoyed offline.
Cost model:
- Monthly subscription: 14,99 € per month.
- Annual subscription: €89.99 per year (about €7.50 per month).
Suitable for:
- Curious: Ideal for people who want to consume knowledge quickly and efficiently.
- Working people: Perfect for professionals who want to stay up to date but are short on time.
Fazit
Choosing the best audiobook provider depends largely on your individual needs and preferences. Audible and BookBeat are ideal for frequent listeners and offer different payment models and benefits. Storytel shines with an unlimited flat rate and exclusive content that is particularly exciting for pleasure listeners and explorers. Local bookstores are the best choice for those who want to support brick-and-mortar stores. Spotify and Deezer, on the other hand, offer the opportunity to enjoy audiobooks, music and podcasts on one platform thanks to their multimedia functionality.
No matter which provider you choose, one thing is certain: the world of audio books is open to you and waiting to be discovered by you.