Where to Listen to Audiobooks for Free (Legally)
Love audiobooks but not always able to add another subscription to your budget? The good news is there are several ways to enjoy audiobooks for free while still supporting authors and narrators.
1. Your Local Library
Many libraries offer access to thousands of audiobooks through apps such as Libby and Hoopla. All you need is a valid library card and you can borrow audiobooks directly from your phone, tablet, or computer. There are also lots of libraries that offer "non-resident library cards! Yes, there may be a fee but its relatively small and 100%+ worth it to gain access to a larger catalog of titles.
2. Promotional Audiobook Codes
Authors, narrators, and publishers often distribute review copies through audiobook campaigns and listener groups. These free copies are provided in exchange for an honest review.
3. Audible Free Trials
If you've never subscribed to Audible, their trial periods can be a great way to explore audiobooks and discover new favorite narrators.
4. Author and Narrator Giveaways
Follow your favorite authors and narrators on social media. Many host giveaways, release celebrations, and listener appreciation events where audiobook copies are offered.
5. Audiobook Community Groups
Facebook groups, Discord communities, newsletters, and audiobook blogs often share opportunities to discover new releases and review copies.
6. Stuff Your Earbuds Event
Hosted by Romance Audiobookworms, the "Stuff Your Earbuds" event, recently held on May 8th and May 9th, is a perfect opportunity to get hundreds and I do mean HUNDREDS of audiobook titles for FREE! Its also a fabulous way to try "new to you" genres and authors! There are no limits to the amount of audiobooks you can download and its available across various platforms (aka apps) including Chirp, Apple Books, Google Play, Spotify, Kobo, BookFunnel AND direct from the authors website! Audible is excluded as its owned by Amazon and they do not allow authors to list titles for free on the platform.
Visit the Romance Audiobookworm website to learn more and sign up for their newsletter to get notification of when the next Stuff Your Earbuds occurs or you can click here!
Want more audiobook deals? I highly suggest you check out IndieAudiobookDeals.com, which offers audiobook sales & freebies on rotation!
7. ALC / Review Teams
Many production companies, publishing houses and authors have review teams for audiobooks aka ALC (advance listeners copy). This is a fabulous way of not only supporting your favorite authors but listening for free and before its actually published. HOWEVER, before you get excited and want to sign up to join EVERY SINGLE team... you as a member of the review team are expected to keep your end of the "team" responsibility which is to leave a review for the book you were provided. Make sure you do not over commit your self and most importantly, that you're signing up for the right reasons. Not for the accolades or bragging rights of receiving an ALC but because you actually like/love the author's writing and/or you want to assist in getting the word out about their titles. If you over commit and do NOT turn in/write and leave a review, you should not be surprised that you are either removed from the team and/or not provided with the next title to review. The entitlement in this space needs to stop. Yeah I said what I said.
Remember
A free audiobook still represents countless hours of work from authors, narrators, editors, producers, and publishers. Supporting the audiobook community through reviews and recommendations helps ensure more stories continue to be produced.
There are also various legal ways to purchase audiobooks at a reduced price. Libro.fm, Kobo Plus, and Chirp are usually the top three. I recommend you check them out if you have not!
Until next time... Happy listening!
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