I’m often told that I’m the go-to person for all things audiobooks. Because of this, I receive numerous questions about them daily. To help everyone, I’ve compiled the top five most frequently asked questions about audiobooks, along with their answers.
1. Are there free audiobooks? How can I get them?
In short, no, not really. While you won’t find them given away outright, the cost of audiobooks can vary. Downloadable audiobooks are generally cheaper than physical copies, and newer releases tend to be more expensive. One way to access audiobooks for free is through free trials offered by most online audiobook services.
While I believe in paying for products and services, these trials are a legitimate way to explore audiobooks at no initial cost.
2. Is it better to rent or buy audiobooks?
Personally, I prefer renting audiobooks. Because I listen to many books, buying them all would be too expensive. However, for audiobooks I particularly enjoy and want to listen to repeatedly, I purchase them for my permanent library.
Some people prefer to own their audiobooks. They want to hold a large library and are less inclined to rent.
3. Which format is best: downloadable audiobooks, CDs, or tapes?
This is a great question. Downloadable audiobooks are arguably the best format currently available. While you need a media player like an iPod to listen, they offer excellent quality and are often the most affordable option.
However, CDs offer the most extensive selection, especially for older titles. If you’re looking for older books, you’ll likely find them only on CD.
I don’t recommend audiobooks on cassette tapes. They’re typically expensive, low quality, and not very user-friendly.
4. When can I listen to audiobooks?
The answer is: Anytime, anywhere! Here are some examples: while cooking, cleaning, exercising, running, walking, driving, flying, before sleeping, commuting, or working.
5. Are audiobooks expensive?
Audiobooks don’t have to be expensive. Downloadable audiobooks can be very affordable, often costing less than physical books, and renting them is a cost-effective solution. Audiobooks on CD are usually priced similarly to regular books, while books on tape tend to be the most expensive.