What are the best Audible alternatives?

The monthly subscription model that made Audible famous is showing its age. Today's audiobook platforms offer more: AI-powered narration, unlimited listening, and the ability to turn any text into audio.

This guide examines the best Audible alternatives for audiobook listeners, with special focus on ElevenReader—a free new platform that's transforming how we experience written content.

The top 5 alternatives to Audible

The audiobook market has evolved beyond Audible's credit-based model. Today's listeners want flexibility in format, pricing, and content. Here are the top platforms challenging Audible's dominance, each offering unique advantages for audiobook enthusiasts.

1. ElevenReader

ElevenReader, a free Audible alternative, stands out by using ultra-realistic AI voices to turn any text into audio. Unlike traditional audiobook platforms, it lets you listen to PDFs, articles, newsletters, and other written content. The app supports 32 languages and includes features like focused listening with word highlighting. Its unique "GenFM" feature generates smart AI-hosted podcasts from your content. For independent authors, the platform offers publishing opportunities through ElevenReader Independent Publishing. The subscription includes unlimited access to the platform's tools and AI narration capabilities.

2. Everand

A comprehensive digital reading service, Everand (formerly Scribd) offers access to over 13 million titles including audiobooks, ebooks, magazines, podcasts, and sheet music for $10.99/month. Its audiobook collection features works from major publishers and independent authors, plus exclusive originals from authors like Stephen King and Margaret Atwood. The platform excels at content discovery through editorial expertise and machine learning recommendations. All content is available across devices with offline access through their mobile apps.

3. Spotify

Beyond its music roots, Spotify has emerged as a significant audiobook platform with over 250,000 titles available through Premium subscriptions. Members get 15 hours of audiobook listening time monthly, with the option to purchase additional time. The platform seamlessly integrates audiobooks with music and podcasts in one app. Non-Premium users can still purchase audiobooks individually from a catalog of over 375,000 titles. The service particularly shines in its cross-device syncing and offline listening capabilities.

4. Libro.fm

Libro.fm differentiates itself by partnering with independent bookstores. When you purchase audiobooks through their platform, a portion of the sale supports local bookstores. The service offers a similar credit-based model to Audible ($14.95/month for one credit) but provides DRM-free downloads, meaning you truly own your audiobooks. Their app features clean design, quick loading times, and seamless offline listening. Members get 30% off additional purchases.

5. Audiobooks.com

This platform offers a straightforward subscription model with one credit monthly for $14.95, plus access to a VIP member catalog of audiobooks. The service includes free audiobooks, member-exclusive deals, and a family plan option that allows sharing with two additional users. Their mobile apps support offline listening and feature sleep timers, variable playback speeds, and bookmarking. The platform regularly runs sales and offers promotional pricing on popular titles.

Why ElevenReader is the best Audible alternative

ElevenReader's innovative AI narration technology transforms the audiobook listening experience. The platform is completely free to use. Users can enjoy unlimited narration, unlike with Audible's restrictive credit system or per-book purchasing requirements. This approach particularly benefits avid listeners and those who consume diverse content formats.

What's more, while there are a huge number of Audible books, the catalog is still limited. ElevenReader, on the other hand, is unlimited. Users can convert any written content into audio, from PDFs and newsletters to articles and documents. This flexibility extends across 32 languages, vastly outpacing Audible's restricted language offerings.

ElevenReader's real-time word highlighting boosts comprehension and focus, while the GenFM feature creates AI-powered podcasts from written content. Its modern, intuitive interface ensures seamless navigation across devices, with robust offline access capabilities.

Put simply, ElevenReader is the most versatile and forward-thinking alternative to Audible's conventional approach.

How to get started with ElevenReader

Follow these steps to begin using ElevenReader as your audiobook and text-to-speech platform:

1. Sign up: Create an ElevenLabs account through the website or mobile app.
2. Download the app: Install ElevenReader on your iOS or Android device. The app enables offline listening and cross-device syncing.
3. Import content: Upload your first text, PDF, or document. ElevenReader accepts various formats and automatically processes them for narration.
4. Select your voice: Browse the voice library and choose from multiple AI narrators across different languages and styles.
5. Customize settings: Adjust playback speed, enable word highlighting, and set your preferred listening parameters.
6. Start listening: Access your content from any device, create playlists, and use features like GenFM for podcast-style narration.

Final thoughts

ElevenReader represents the future of audiobook consumption by breaking free from traditional constraints. Its AI narration technology opens up a world where any written content becomes accessible audio, while supporting multiple languages and formats. For those seeking an Audible alternative, ElevenReader delivers a more flexible, cost-effective solution that puts control back in users' hands.

Sign up today to get started.

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