I’m an avid reader who never listened to a book, only read them. Recently I’ve been craving to listen to a book in my car, instead of music or podcasts. So I decided it’s time to finally try audiobooks.
There’s one specific book in my to-read list that I think would be perfect for this situation. So I started where I could buy the audiobook, and I’m so confused!
All I find are platforms that let you listen to the book while you have a subscription to the platform.
I want to buy and own the book. I need like, a file or something. I want to be able to listen to it again in a few years if I want, and I want to be able to listen to it offline.
Is this just not a thing in audiobooks? Do audiobooks listeners are ok with this Netflix-like model?
by BBDAngelo
7 Comments
If you have an iPhone, you can purchase audiobooks in the Books app.
Edit: also, try your library! You can borrow audiobooks with the Libby app.
Generally speaking any audiobook you purchase on a platform like Audible will stay in your library forever, even if you no longer maintain your subscription. You should be able to download it to your phone locally, but you’d still need to use the app to listen to it because of DRM restrictions (which is standard).
You might also try apps like Libby, where you can check out audiobooks from your local library on your phone.
LibroFM, you can even donate to local bookstores.
I usually only buy on sail. They’re books are open audio files that will play in any media player, or their app if you prefer.
Yes, Audible allows you to buy books. They may be pushing the subscription service on the website but you can buy individual titles.
Does Cracker Barrel still have audiobooks on disc?
>ok with this Netflix-like model?
i wish there was such a thing. audible sort of has a tacked-on rotating catalog but it’s mostly crap or re-recordings of public domain books. netflix at least got good stuff that people go out of their way to watch.
Chirp. No subscriptions, you can download the books to your phone.