Why Audiobooks Work So Well in Today’s World

Audiobooks have skyrocketed in popularity over the past couple of decades—and it’s easy to see why.

With the fast-paced lifestyle many of us lead and the ease of streaming on the go, audiobooks have become a practical and enjoyable alternative to traditional reading.

I love the experience of listening to a book while doing other things—driving, folding laundry, or going on a walk.

I find I finish more books this way than when I try to read them the old-fashioned way. As a kid, I read many physical books, mostly at bedtime. Because of that, reading a physical book now tends to make me sleepy after just a chapter or two.

Thankfully, audiobooks don’t have that effect. They keep me engaged, awake, and often completely immersed in the story.

And with the rise of smartphone apps, it’s never been easier to access thousands of titles from anywhere.

Audible: Our Go-To Audiobook App

If you do a quick search for “best audiobook app,” you’ll likely see Audible at the top of the list—and for good reason. Audible is Amazon’s audiobook platform, and it has been my personal favorite for years.

Audible boasts a massive catalog of over 600,000 titles across countless genres, including not only audiobooks but also podcasts and Audible Originals.

The app works smoothly across devices—smartphones, tablets, and computers—and allows offline listening, bookmarking, playback speed control, and more.

A premium membership is currently around $25/month, and while that’s a bit of a splurge, it includes some great perks like one premium audiobook credit per month (yours to keep), access to the Audible Plus library, exclusive discounts, and members-only content.

What People Love About Audible

Several standout features keep people coming back to Audible:

1. Vast Library

Hands down, the best thing about Audible is the sheer volume of titles available. Whatever your taste—thrillers, biographies, sci-fi, romance—there’s something for everyone.

2. Narrator Search

This is one of my favorite features. You can search for books by narrator, which is fantastic if you find someone whose voice you enjoy. A great narrator can truly elevate a story.

3. Ownership Perks

With a standard membership, you get one premium audiobook a month that’s yours to keep, even if you cancel.

On top of that, you can stream unlimited titles from the Audible Plus catalog, including exclusive productions and Audible Studios content.

4. Offline Listening

This is a lifesaver during road trips or in areas with spotty internet. Just download your audiobooks beforehand, and you can listen anytime, anywhere—no Wi-Fi needed.

These features are why Audible remains a top pick for me and many other audiobook fans.

A Few Things to Watch Out For

No platform is perfect, and Audible does have a few drawbacks:

1. Inconsistent Narrator Quality

While I’ve never had audio quality issues, some users have reported muffled or distorted recordings.More commonly, the problem is a lackluster narrator, which can dull the experience of even the best-written books.

2. Customer Service Woes

Some users say Audible’s customer service can be hit or miss, especially when it comes to canceling subscriptions or handling refunds.

3. Cost

Audible isn’t cheap. The $25/month premium membership can be steep, especially if you’re someone who listens to multiple books per month. That said, lower-tier memberships start around $7.95, plus a 30-day free trial for new users. Amy and I happily stick with the $25 plan, but I know it’s not for everyone.

Why Audiobooks (and Audible) Are Worth It

Audiobooks bring a ton of unique benefits. For one, they make reading more accessible to people who may struggle with traditional reading, whether due to learning challenges, vision issues, or simply a busy lifestyle. Listening can help with comprehension and retention for many people.

Audiobooks also let you multitask and stay productive, whether you’re commuting or doing chores.

I’ve also noticed that regular listening has expanded my vocabulary and improved my pronunciation, just from hearing words in context.

They can also be relaxing—an excellent way to unwind before bed, reduce stress, or simply enjoy a good story without needing to stare at a screen.

And with platforms like Audible, you have access to an enormous digital library, like carrying a miniature version of the Trinity College Library in your pocket.

So, if you’ve never tried audiobooks before, or you’re just looking for the right app, I can’t recommend Audible enough. It’s transformed the way I read—and made it easier to fall in love with stories all over again.