Free Audiobook : Wild Side (Rose Hill, Book 3), By Elsie Silver
24 February 2025
Free Audiobook : Things We Never Got Over, by Lucy Score
25 February 2025
Thinking about signing up for Audiobooks.com but not sure if it’s worth it? You’re in the right place. After testing the platform thoroughly, here’s everything you need to know — the good, the not-so-good, and whether it’s the right fit for you.
What Is Audiobooks.com?
Launched in 2012, Audiobooks.com is a subscription-based audiobook service now owned by Storytel, a Swedish audiobook giant headquartered in Stockholm that has been a leader in digital audio since 2006. This isn’t a small startup — it’s a well-established platform working directly with major publishers and authors, and it shows in the quality and breadth of its catalog.
With over 400,000 audiobook titles spanning thrillers, literary fiction, romance, non-fiction, business, and more, plus access to over 100 million podcast episodes, it’s a compelling all-in-one audio destination. The app is available on iOS and Android, syncs seamlessly across devices, and supports offline downloads — perfect for commutes, trips, and dead zones.
How Does Audiobooks.com Work?
The model is straightforward: you pay a monthly fee and receive credits to spend on audiobooks you keep forever, even if you cancel. Here’s what a standard membership includes:
The Free Trial — Better Than Most
New subscribers get a 30-day free trial that gives you one full credit to spend on any audiobook plus access to bonus VIP titles — no strings attached, and easy to cancel before the trial ends. Given that a single bestselling audiobook can retail for $25–$35, this is genuinely one of the most generous trials in the streaming space.
Key Features at a Glance
Massive Catalog
Over 400,000 titles across every genre. New releases arrive quickly and most major bestsellers are available day-and-date.
Excellent App
Sleep timer, bookmarks, notes, speed controls (up to 3x), offline downloads, and a discovery engine many reviewers rate above Audible’s.
Author Follow
Follow your favorite authors and get notified when they release new titles — a handy feature Audible doesn’t offer.
Preview Before You Buy
Listen to a 3-minute sample before using your credit — so you never get stuck with a narrator you dislike.
Cross-Device Sync
Pick up exactly where you left off, whether switching between phone, tablet, or the web app.
Book Clubs
Access to Audiobooks.com Book Clubs for unlimited listening to a curated selection of older titles — great for voracious listeners.
Pros & Cons
- 400,000+ title library covering all genres
- One of the best free trials in the category
- Credits roll over (up to 3 months)
- Books purchased with credits are yours forever
- Author follow & notifications
- 3-minute listen-before-you-buy previews
- Book Club for extra listening
- Regular 2-for-1 deals available
- Owned by Storytel — a trusted global company
- VIP books are borrowed, not owned — lost if you cancel
- No smart speaker support (no Alexa or Google integration)
- Refund policy is at the company’s discretion
- Smaller than Audible for exclusive/original content
- No annual prepay through app (web only)
Audiobooks.com vs. Audible: How Do They Compare?
Audible is the undisputed market leader, but Audiobooks.com holds its own in meaningful ways — especially if you want to avoid Amazon’s ecosystem.
| Feature | Audiobooks.com | Audible |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly price | $14.95 | $14.95 |
| Library size | 400,000+ | 500,000+ |
| Free trial | 30 days + 1 credit + VIP titles | 30 days + 1 credit |
| Exclusive/original content | Limited | Extensive (Audible Originals) |
| App browsing experience | Excellent — highly rated | Good |
| Author follow feature | Yes | No |
| Smart speaker support | No | Yes (Alexa) |
| Podcast access | 100M+ episodes | Limited |
| Amazon ecosystem | Independent | Amazon-only |
The bottom line? If you’re already deep in the Amazon universe — particularly using Kindle or Alexa — Audible might be the more integrated choice. But if you want a genuinely excellent standalone service with a better app browsing experience, author follow features, and more podcast content, Audiobooks.com is hard to beat at the same price point.
Is Audiobooks.com Legit?
Absolutely. Audiobooks.com is backed by Storytel, one of the world’s largest audiobook streaming companies, publicly listed and headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. It works directly with major publishers, has millions of active users, and has been operating since 2012. This is a fully established service — not a subscription trap or fly-by-night operation.
The app holds a 4.4-star rating on Android with millions of downloads. Customer support is reachable by phone (1-855-876-6195, Mon–Fri, 9am–8pm EST) as well as online. Cancellation is straightforward at any time from your membership settings.
Ready to Try Audiobooks.com for Free?
Start your 30-day free trial today — get a full credit for any audiobook plus bonus VIP titles, with no obligation. Cancel anytime before the trial ends and pay nothing.
Start Your Free Trial →Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
US-based editor & staff writer focused on audiobooks. Honest reviews, curated “best of” lists, and practical guides with an accessibility lens.
