Audible: The Best Audiobook Player and Listen to Books App for Android
How to Download and Play Audiobooks on Audible App
Audible: The Best Audiobook Player and Listen to Books App for Android
Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
Key Takeaways
- Audible holds about 63% of the U.S. audiobook market, making it the leader in industry.
- The service offers a vast library of more than 560,000 titles and includes exclusive Audible Originals as well as podcasts.
- The Android app is simple to use, allowing you to listen offline as well as keep everything on a Kindle device in sync.
- There’s a flexible credit system, as well as the Audible Plus catalog for all the variety you need to get more books in your ears.
- Although other options exist, none can really compare to Audible in terms of library size, exclusives or device compatibility.
Overview
Owned by Amazon, Audible is the world’s largest platform for audiobooks and audio content. It offers more than 560,000 titles, an expansive membership model, and works across Android, iOS, desktops, and smart speakers. Users can switch between reading on Kindle and listening on Audible without losing their place thanks to Whispersync.
“Listening is reading—just in a different format. Audible turns every spare minute into story time.”
- Credit Plan: Receive monthly credits to purchase any audiobook—yours to keep forever.
- Audible Plus: Unlimited streaming of 11,000+ select titles and podcasts.
- Exclusive Originals: Dramas, celebrity-narrated stories, and podcasts you won’t find elsewhere.
Market dominance is no accident; Audible’s share hit 63% in 2022, according to an industry overview.
Benefits
Why does Audible stand out in the *listen to books app* category?
- Ultimate Convenience: Download titles for offline playback—ideal for flights or commutes via Android Auto.
- Expansive Library: From bestsellers to niche classics, new releases land daily (corroborated by greatworklife.com’s analysis).
- Ownership Model: Purchased books remain in your library even after cancellation.
- Exclusive Content: Audible Originals feature full-cast productions unavailable elsewhere.
- Cross-Platform Sync: Continue where you left off on Kindle—see our Kindle guide for more.
Features
The Audible app is often hailed as the best audiobook player for Android because it packs features that delight power users and newcomers alike.
Core Playback Tools
- Variable Speed: 0.5× to 3.5× for customized pacing.
- Sleep Timer: Drift off without missing chapters.
- Bookmarks & Clips: Save quotes or moments for later reflection.
- Offline Mode: Instant downloads ensure uninterrupted listening—highlighted in an InsideOutMastery review.
Android-Specific Perks
Audible consistently ranks near the top of audiobooks Android searches because its app embraces native Android design, supports widgets, and offers quick-access controls from notifications and Bluetooth headsets.
Setup
Getting started on Android is painless:
- Download: Go to Google Play to install “Audible: audiobooks, podcasts & audio stories.”
- Sign In/linkAccountPage : sign in | link your amazon account or start your free trial Sign In with Your Amazon Account Enter the code on your device.
- Browse: From author, title, or check curated lists.
- Download: Toggle the cloud icon on to listen offline.
- Control: Adjust play speed, sleep timer and bookmark while listen.
- Sync: Switch back and forth between reading the Kindle book and listening to the Audible narration with Whispersync for Voice.
Tip: Add audiobooks to a Wishlist so you never miss new releases in your favorite series.
Comparison
How does Audible fare against competing listen to books apps?
| Feature | Audible | Google Play Books | Libby | Audiobooks.com | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Library Size | 560,000+ | ~200,000 | Varies | 370,000+ | Growing |
| Exclusives | Extensive Originals | None | None | Limited | Limited |
| Offline Listening | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cross-Device Sync | Whispersync | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Free Titles | Audible Plus | Some Classics | Library Based | Trial Only | Podcasts |
Audible edges ahead with the largest catalog and the richest slate of exclusives, while competitors trade scope for niche perks like library integration or bundled music streaming (see our Spotify app guide).
Alternatives
Still curious about other options?
Google Play Books
Pay-as-you-go purchasing and no subscription required—perfect for casual listeners.
Libby
Pair your library card with the Libby app to borrow audiobooks free, though selection depends on local library budgets.
Spotify
Bundles music, podcasts, and an emerging audiobook catalog—read our Spotify download guide for details.
Audiobooks.com
Large collection and solid app, but fewer exclusives and a credit system similar to Audible’s.
Choosing
Five questions to ask before settling on an audiobook app:
- Does it carry the books or podcasts you actually want?
- Is the interface intuitive and responsive on your device?
- Are there exclusives you can’t live without?
- Will you own purchased titles indefinitely?
- Does pricing align with your listening habits?
Across these metrics, Audible remains the most balanced solution for audiobooks Android users and multitaskers alike.
