Best Devices for Audiobooks
Stepping into the realm of audiobooks calls for a device that elevates your auditory journey. If you're someone who loves getting lost in stories while on the move or learning something new during your downtime, finding a gadget that offers great sound, ease of handling, and the freedom to take it anywhere is key.
In this guide, we're diving into a handpicked selection of devices that are perfect for any audiobook lover in . Get ready to find a device that not only brings stories to life with crystal-clear audio but also fits seamlessly into your busy lifestyle.
AudioBooks vs Traditional Reading
When discussing audiobooks, most book lovers often have different opinions about their advantages compared to the traditional way of reading books. Some believe that audiobooks are somewhat similar to regular reading, while others think that audiobooks are just an alternative for the lazy. But despite the contradictory opinions, we cannot deny the fact that audiobooks have successfully found their way to hearts.
Audiobooks have changed the way we consume literature, allowing us to enjoy great stories and educational content on the go, while working out, or even as a relaxing way to unwind after a long day.
From dedicated audiobook players to multi-purpose gadgets, the market is flooded with a variety of options, each catering to different needs and preferences. In this review, we'll take a look at the best audiobook players of April 2024 in different categories, analyzing their features, usability, battery life, and other factors to help you choose the perfect companion for your literary adventures.
Pressed for time? Here's our top pick for an excellent audiobook device.
Table of contents:
- Best Devices to Listen to Audiobooks - Buyer’s Guide
- Best Devices for AudioBooks Reading - TOP 7
- AudioBooks Reading Devices: Comparison
- Amazon Kindle Paperwhite
- Amazon Echo Smart Speakers
- Apple iPod Touch
- Aiworth Sport Go
- Sony Walkman NW-E394
- Krevi MP3 Player
- Sony NW-WS623/B
- FAQ about Devices for Audiobooks
- Best Device for Audiobooks: Conclusion
Best Devices to Listen to Audiobooks - Buyer’s Guide
Features to Consider Before Buying the Best Device for Reading Audiobooks.
Drawing from our experience before you go shopping around for a new audiobook device, there are several features that you need to consider. Below are some of them.
- Display Size. Larger screen sizes mean the device tends to get bulkier and heavier. Other readers prefer it this way as this gives them easy control of the audiobook. They can play, skip forward, pause, and go backwards easily. Conversely, smaller screen does not mean they are less pricey, nor you can only use them for low-quality devices. When selecting the screen size, it still boils down to one’s personal preference.
- Portability. People listen to audiobooks either when they are walking, commuting to work, or working out. Meaning, it’s best to invest on a device that is light and compact enough to carry easily and used on the go. For classroom or home use, heavier options are great ideas.
- Storage Capacity. Audiobook devices vary in storage capacity. Generally, audiobooks take ample amount of storage. Thus, choose a device that offer larger storage, ideally ranging from 8GB up.
- Audio Quality. Anybody with audio sensitivity should know that investing on a device that is not bothersome when listening is a must. Regrettably, a lot of audiobook devices don’t offer the best listening experience as others do.
- Battery Life. Audiobooks are expected to get very lengthy. It can be extremely frustrating when a book fails to last for long. Thus, a good audiobook device should have a long-lasting battery life.
- Easy to Download Files. Ideally, choose a device that allows you to download audiobooks easily; one that is WIFI enabled. In this day and age, you can easily download audiobooks via the Internet. It’s also best to have a device with Bluetooth connectivity for easy file transferring.
- Easy to Pause-and-Continue. It’s very annoying when you have to go through your audiobook from the start because you weren’t able to bookmark where you stopped. With the bookmarking feature, you can easily pick back up where you left off or navigate easily and quickly.
Let's move next.
Best Devices for AudioBooks Reading - TOP 7
Discover our curated list of the best devices for audiobooks reading, offering unmatched performance, durability, and unique features.
- FOR LISTENING OR READING
- CAPACITY: 8 GB OR 32 GB
- WATERPROOF: YES
- For Listening While Doing Housework
- A Built-In Smart Home Speaker. Alexa Controlled
- Available in four colors
- For Quality Reading
- Capacity: 32 GB, 128 GB or 256 GB
- Available in six colors
- For Listening and Sports
- Capacity: 32 GB
- Bluetooth 5.0
- For Listening and Walking
- Capacity: 4 GB, 8 GB or 16 GB
- Available in two colors
- 80GB Storage Spac, Bluetooth 5.2
- Multi-functional MP3 Player
- HiFi Lossless HD Sound and FM Radio
While most of audiobooks distribution takes place online, you can borrow a CD from your local library or bookstore. Many cars still have a CD player, and you can import books from CDs to other devices on your computer. And if you want to get immediate access to a large library of content with all the new releases, there is a number of audiobook services available.Where to get audiobooks
Audible has the largest selection of audiobooks and also offers original content. In addition to unlimited titles and podcasts in the Audible Plus Catalog, the Premium Plus membership gives you exclusive discounts and 1 credit for any book purchase each month. The service is closely integrated with the Kindle since both are owned by Amazon. Another neat feature is the ability to sync audiobook progress between all your devices. You can listen to books on your iPhone, iPad, Android device or in your browser. Smart speakers, CarPlay and Android Auto are also supported. Audible has a friendly refund policy, and subscriptions can be terminated at any time with all previous purchases saved.
At Audiobooks.com, subscribers have the choice of spending a month's credit to purchase an audiobook or joining one of eight Audiobook Clubs with a supervised list of books on a selected topic. In the latter case, access to books remains as long as you are a member of a particular club. In addition, the service has a VIP Rewards program, in which you can download one additional audiobook per month. If your membership is canceled, you still have the books you paid for with credits or money.
Libro.fm offers subscriptions with discounts on audiobooks and one credit per month. The main difference is that all content on the platform is DRM-free. That means you can simply download an audiobook in MP3 format and listen to it on any player. Audible only works with compatible devices. Libro.fm also allows you to buy audiobooks from bookstores nearby, helping your local community.
Downpour and AudiobooksNow have most of their library DRM-free as well. Downpour premium subscription gives you 1 credit per month, and you can save money to buy other books. AudiobooksNow gives 50% discount on your first purchase each month and offers books at discounted prices.
Scribd promises unlimited access to its entire library of audiobooks. But as users note, the service limits access to some books as you listen. Usually, you can listen to no more than 2-3 titles from your reading list per month. If you cancel your subscription, you lose access to the books.
LibriVox is a free public domain of audiobooks made by volunteers. The audio quality may be inferior to professional recordings, but over time you'll have a list of your favorite narrators.
Libby/OverDrive, Hoopla, and so on. These apps allow you to borrow audiobooks and other materials from your local library. You will need your library card to use them.
When choosing a device to listen to audiobooks, you need to consider which service you plan to use. On Kindle and Amazon Echo devices, Audible is the easiest to subscribe to. If you plan to buy a regular MP3 player, pay attention to the ability to save files in a common format. For example, not everyone knows that for some audiobooks on Google Play there is an option to export to M4A.
AudioBooks Reading Devices: Comparison
Quickly compare and find your ideal audiobook device with our concise comparison table below.
| Device | Battery Life | Storage Capacity | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Kindle Paperwhite | Weeks | 8 GB or 32 GB | Glare-free display, Audible integration, adjustable light |
| Amazon Echo Smart Speakers | Works from a power outlet | N/A (Cloud-based) | 360-degree audio, Alexa integration, privacy controls |
| Apple iPod Touch | 40 hours | 32 GB, 128 GB or 256 GB | Apps access, FaceTime, Bluetooth, seamless file transfer |
| Aiworth Sport Go | 18 hours | 16GB or 18GB | Special clip, voice recorder, 16GB/18GB options |
| Sony Walkman NW-E394 | 35 hours | 4 GB, 8 GB or 16 GB | Dynamic Normalizer, built-in FM radio, clock function |
| Krevi MP3 Player | 20 Hours | 16GB + 64GB memory card | 80GB storage, Bluetooth 5.2, Multi-functional, HiFi Lossless HD Sound |
| Sony NW-WS623/B | 60 minutes | 4 GB or 16 GB | Works in extreme temperatures, NFC one-touch, ambient sound mode |
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite
Editor's Choice - For reading and listening
The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite is the thinnest and lightest version yet. With its flush design, it has a sleek and modern look, and its 300 ppi glare-free display is as close to real paper as you can get on a digital screen. With this top-of-the-line technology, reading in bright sunlight is no longer a problem.
A great addition to the Kindle Paperwhite is its water resistance. Whether you are relaxing on the beach or lying by the pool. And Kindle Paperwhite's built-in adjustable backlight makes reading comfortable in any environment.
Kindle Paperwhite now offers two storage options: 8GB and 32GB. With twice the storage capacity of the base model, you can keep an impressive library at your fingertips. Audiobook lovers rejoice! Kindle Paperwhite now comes with Audible integration, allowing you to connect it to your headphones or speakers via Bluetooth.
Kindle Paperwhite battery life continues to amaze. While most devices measure battery life in hours, the Kindle measures it in weeks. This battery ensures that you'll never be without your last book, making it a reliable companion on long trips or daily commutes.
Pros:
- Very thin and light
- Waterproof
- High storage capacity
- Battery can last for weeks
Cons:
- Only works with Kindle’s Audible
- Only wireless headphones are supported
- Does not fit in the pocket
Summary: As indicated by our tests the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite offers an unrivaled reading experience with its slim design, exceptional display, waterproofing, and storage options. The addition of Audible integration and impressive battery life elevates it further, making it a comprehensive solution for all reading enthusiasts.
Amazon Echo Smart Speakers
Best Overall – For Listening While Doing Housework
This audiobook device features premium speakers powered by Dolby Digital. It can play 360-degree audio with dynamic bass response and crisp vocals. It also features Alexa to help you control your music from Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, SiriusXM and more.
The Amazon Echo Smart speaker also allows you to voice control your smart home: from turning on or off your lights, adjusting the thermostats, and even locking doors. Plus, this device is designed to help protect your privacy, thanks to its layers of privacy controls.
Pros:
- Simple to set up and use
- Designed to protect your privacy
Cons:
- Only compatible to Audible audio books
Summary: The Amazon Echo smart speaker offers high-quality sound with premium Dolby Digital speakers. It has Alexa integration for easy voice control of music and audiobooks from various platforms, and also allows you to control smart home functions.
- For Listening While Doing Housework
- A Built-In Smart Home Speaker. Alexa Controlled
- Available in four colors
Apple iPod Touch
Premium Choice – For Quality Reading
No doubt Apple iPod Touch is considered to be one of the best mp3 player for audiobooks. This works so much like that of a smartphone. You can access several applications for your audiobook like OverDrive, Audible, Librivox, and a lot more. This device also allows you to download audiobooks over the Internet thru WiFi. The best part here is that you don’t have to convert your files to another format when you plug it in a computer.
The Apple iPod touch also allows you to play games, watch videos, or interact with your family or friends via messenger or FaceTime. It also features Bluetooth connectivity so you can listen to music or audiobooks wirelessly. This iPod touch can work up to 40 hours in Audio Player mode.
Pros:
- Long battery life
- Bluetooth connectivity
Cons:
- Expensive
Summary: After trying out this product,, we can say that the Apple iPod Touch stands out as the best mp3 player for audiobooks, offering smartphone functionality, including access to popular audiobook apps, with the ability to download audiobooks over WiFi without having to convert file formats. It boasts a 40-hour battery life in audio player mode, as well as Bluetooth connectivity for wireless listening.
- For Quality Reading
- Capacity: 32 GB, 128 GB or 256 GB
- Available in six colors
Aiworth Sport Go
Best Lightweight – For Listening and Sports
SanDisk Clip Sport Go is not just the best mp3 player for podcasts and audiobooks, but it is simply a very handy device thanks to its special clip that you can easily attach to your clothes. This compact player can play audio files from practically every source. You can also download audio books from Audible to the device.
The physical buttons of the SanDisk Clip Sport Go is very responsive. On the average, its battery can last up to 18 hours. You can use this also as a voice recorder. You have two options for the device’s storage capacity: 16GB and 18GB.
Pros:
- Handy and compact
- Easy to use navigate
Cons:
- Tiny screen
- Relatively shorter screen time than most devices
Summary: The SanDisk Clip Sport Go is the perfect choice for podcast and audiobook lovers, featuring a special clip for easy attachment to clothing, compatible with virtually all audio sources, including Audible, and available in 16GB or 18GB capacities.
Sony Walkman NW-E394
Best Portable – For Listening and Walking
The NW-E394 is available with 4GB, 8GB or 16GB of storage, providing plenty of room for your audio files, videos, playlists and photos. The 1.77-inch color LCD display makes it easy to view photos and album covers with a choice of portrait or landscape orientation. The built-in clock function with alarm and sleep timer adds to the usefulness of this device, making it multifunctional and convenient.
This handy and portable device allows you to download multiple files in different formats such as MP3, WAV, WMA, MP4 or 3GP. Ideal for portable use, this device is perfect for listening on the go.
Pros:
- Handy and convenient to use
- Longer battery life
Cons:
- No full support for Windows Media Player. You can only download your playlist thru Sony’s proprietary Music Center software.
- Cannot support Audible format for audio books
- Does not support 3rd-party software to convert to MP3
Summary: The Sony Walkman NW-E394 is a versatile MP3 player that captures the spirit of classic players while integrating modern features. Compact design, ease of use, and an impressive battery life of up to 35 hours of consecutive playback. The device has physical buttons that are very easy to operate.
- Easy to Carry
- Capacity: 4 GB, 8 GB or 16 GB
- Available in two colors
Krevi MP3 Player
Best Budget – For Long Listening
The Krevi MP3 player is a multifunctional, user-friendly device that meets a wide range of entertainment needs. From music enthusiasts to video and audiobook lovers.
One of the key features of this MP3 player is its 80GB storage capacity. With a combination of 16GB of built-in high-speed memory and an optional 64GB memory card, you'll have enough space to store about 30,000 lossless music files or 80 movies. This large storage capacity ensures that you never have to worry about running out of space for your favorite tunes or videos.
Thanks to high-speed Bluetooth 5.2 technology, the Krevi MP3 player delivers faster and more stable data transfers. The wireless sound quality is clear and the high compatibility guarantees a stable signal, providing an uninterrupted listening experience.
Krevi has gone beyond creating a standard MP3 player by integrating several additional features such as FM radio, speaker output, alarm clock, calendar, photo viewer, and video playback. It can even work as a USB flash drive and read e-books (in txt format only). Thanks to its classic buttons, the Krevi MP3 player is easy to use for both children and the elderly. The compact and lightweight design ensures that it fits easily in a purse or pocket, making it a great travel companion.
Pros:
- 80GB Storage Space
- Upgraded Bluetooth 5.2
- Multi-functional MP3 Player
- HiFi Lossless HD Sound and FM Radio
- Stylish and Lightweight Design
Cons:
- e-books (in txt format only)
Summary: Our findings show that the Krevi MP3 Player is a well-rounded device with an impressive array of features. From the generous storage capacity to the latest Bluetooth technology and multifunctionality, it's built to cater to diverse entertainment needs. It's suitable for all ages and offers value for its price. If you're looking for a portable, all-in-one entertainment solution, the Krevi MP3 Player could be the perfect choice for you.
- 80GB Storage Spac, Bluetooth 5.2
- Multi-functional MP3 Player
- HiFi Lossless HD Sound and FM Radio
Sony NW-WS623/B
Best Waterproof – For Outdoors
The Sony NW-WS623/B is not only waterproof, it can withstand immersion in fresh and salt water to a depth of 2 meters and can stay underwater for up to 30 minutes. This player is designed to operate in a temperature range of 23°F to 113°F. Whether you're in cold winter water or hot summer days, the NW-WS623/B is built to last. This temperature resistance makes it an attractive choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
Simple one-touch Bluetooth connectivity with NFC makes it easy to synchronize with other devices and enjoy audio and music files wirelessly. And the ambient sound mode allows you to hear external sounds through the headphones, making your sports activities safer. With fast charging that delivers 60 minutes of playback, you won't be bored. This feature is especially useful for those on the go, ensuring that your device is ready to go when you are.
Pros:
- Can endure extreme temperatures
- Ideal for climbing and hiking
- Dustproof
- Ambient sounds are clear even when you are running
Cons:
- Limited battery life (only 12 hours)
Summary: The headset's very compact size makes it ideal for sports and outdoor activities. The headset is very durable and waterproof. You can immerse it in water (salt or fresh) to a depth of 6.56 feet. Stream audio and music files wirelessly from your smartphone via Bluetooth.
Why Should I Listen to Audiobooks?
There are many reasons to give preference to Audiobooks. In many cases it is the best solution to obtain the results.
The convenience is unmatched. Especially for students who are always on the move, audiobooks are convenient options instead of storing the conventional books in a bookshelf. Students are mostly living in dorm rooms, and these are places you don’t want to keep your rare collection of books, right? Your textbooks, in fact, are not even safe. According to research, almost all students living in dormitories has lost a textbook at some point during their college days.
To Gain More Knowledge
Students sometimes are not able to obtain the necessary knowledge in their respective semester and grades. Maybe it can be because at some point, you were down with flu and has greatly affected your peak performance. Or this can be a result of your never-ending headaches coupled with stress and lack of sleep because of deadlines. With these situations, audiobooks are very reliable to help you keep up with your lost time for reading.
To Help Enhance the Listening Muscles
Some people have this misconception that listening to books is less effective since there is no effort put into it. But active listening is an effort, right? In fact, this is a critical skill that a lot of business executives and personnel lack.
People who fail to take audiobooks less seriously because they lack the effort to do so often don’t understand how active listening involves all the necessary traits needing in reading. You may not move your eyes to read one word to the next, but keeping your ears engaged is just as effective as reading.
To Improve One’s Retrieval and Retention of Information
For visual learners, like majority of the readers, you get to understand more from reading than listening to books. However, visual learning today has become an acquired habit. Today, educational methods come in a handful of variety, and most of them are based on listening. Thus, the need to rely on traditional reading of books has gradually decreased over time. This is actually an advantage for auditory learners since you can go on with your traditional learning style, sans the need to keep your mind at pace with visual cues, and instead, rely on auditory cues this time.
To Improve Your Vocabulary
What do you do when, in the middle of your reading, you come across a hard-to-understand word? Do you often rely on the whole context of such word until you correctly guess its true meaning? Do you make a conscious effort to grab and consult a dictionary? In most cases, guessing the meaning of the word from the whole sentence and context structure is the more convenient option.
However, when you listen to audiobooks, when you come across a difficult word, this will help you think of a completely different approach. While you can still rely on the whole context of the sentence when you listen, you get to invoke more curiosity when you listen keenly. The process of knowing a real meaning of a word is far more fulfilling in listening than in reading. When you listen, first you need to guess the spelling. This alone can inject that feeling of playfulness. And from this feeling, it can help you easily retain a word.
To Make Your Pronunciation Better
Listening to audiobooks means you get to learn the right pronunciation of a name, a novel word, a place, or an event the moment the narrator reads them.
To Enhance Comprehension
There are sentences that are not as comprehensible in reading than they are in listening. When you listen, you follow through changes in tones, pauses, and voice emphasis to help you evaluate when you need to pay attention to a sentence. Meaning, you don’t have to maintain your focus all throughout a lengthy sentence.
FAQ about Devices for Audiobooks
Here are some common questions that many people ask when they are considering buying devices for audiobooks.
How to Convert Audiobooks To MP3 Format?
There are players only MP3 compatible. Therefore you may need convenient tools to convert your audiobook into MP3 format.
Here are the following options:
- iTunes – Provide quality conversion, but it can be a routine process;
- Offline Software – You can download an approprate app on your PC or Laptop and convert your audiobooks easily;
- Online Converters – The easiest way is to upload an audiobook file to online conversion portal and to get an mp3.
To avoid converting every time you can downloawd directly an MP3 audiobook or to choose the device capable with all major audio formats.
Can I Surf the Web With All Audiobook Devices?
There are devices you cna directly enter the Internet and download any audiobook. But there are also devices that you need to download files from a PC and than to tranfer to a device by Bluetooth or WiFi.
Best Device for Audiobooks: Conclusion
When it comes to finding the best audiobook devices, consumers have a variety of options to suit different needs and preferences. From dedicated e-readers with audiobook support, such as the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite, Amazon Echo Smart Speakers or SONY Walkman NW-E394to feature-rich MP3 players, smartphones, and tablets, each device has its own unique advantages.
Ultimately, the best audiobook device will depend on individual preferences, including factors such as portability, battery life, sound quality, storage capacity, and the overall ecosystem of available content.
By carefully weighing these factors and aligning them with their personal needs and lifestyle, listeners can find the perfect device to enhance their audiobook enjoyment, make their commute more enjoyable, their workouts more motivating, and their leisure time more fulfilling.
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