By Lisa Hage modified Dec 22, 2025
~ 5 minutes to read
The UK is experiencing the boom of audiobooks. According to recent reports, UK digital audio sales have increased over 30 percent within a year. The audiobook industry has reached a valuation of more than £260 million and continues to grow.
More people in the UK are listening during walks, school runs, commutes, chores, or before bed. In fact, research shows that 1 in 3 people in the UK listens to at least one audiobook each month.
Nowadays, there are a lot of audiobook apps out there, making it difficult to choose the right one. Some apps can allow you to borrow free books using your library. Others concentrate on big bestsellers. Some have unlimited listening, while others operate under the credit system.
This guide makes it simple. These are the 10 best audiobook apps in the UK, why they are so good and how you can find the right app for your listening style.
Choosing an audiobook app is easier when you know what matters most. Here are the main things to keep in mind, explained in simple words:
Check whether the app has the genre of books you like mystery, romance, thrillers, business, fantasy, or children books. Certain applications have vast libraries and new releases. Others deal with classics or non-fiction only.
Consider the amount you are willing to spend monthly.
Ask yourself: Do you want to have all books permanently?
Apps such as Audible and Libro.fm allow you to own books. Unlimited apps like Everand do not— you lose access once the membership has expired.
Make sure the app works on the devices you use daily, such as:
Offline listening is relevant to you when you have to travel a lot or when you use the London Underground. Free apps can be limited and most paid apps allow downloading.
Some applications receive new releases before others. Audible often possesses exclusive UK titles, podcasts, and original stories.
If you have a UK library card, apps like Libby or BorrowBox give you free audiobooks. Check if your library offers them.
A simple, clean app makes a big difference. Look for:
Below is a simple breakdown of the best audiobook apps you can use in the United Kingdom today.
Audible is the most popular audiobook app in the UK. It has the biggest library, strong features, and the most reliable app experience.
£7.99/month for one credit, plus access to the Audible Plus catalogue.
Listeners who want a huge library and want to keep their books forever.
Libby links to your local library and allows you to borrow ebooks and audiobooks and access them free of charge.
You can wait a long time to get new or popular titles.
Everyone that desires good audiobooks at no costs.
Audiobooks.com has a big collection of audiobooks and a convenient application.
About £7.99/month for one credit.
People who desire something such as Audible, without being committed to Amazon.
Blinkist is not a full audiobook app. It provides short, 15 minute, summaries of non-fiction books.
Around £7/month on the annual plan.
Busy people, students, entrepreneurs and everyone who wants quick takeaways.
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Everand provides unlimited access to audiobooks, ebooks, and magazines.
£10.99/month.
People who want unlimited access and do not mind renting, rather than owning.
Libro.fm is similar to Audible but it helps support independent bookshops in the UK.
£12.99/month.
Listeners who want to support local shops instead of big tech companies.
Google Play Books is simple. You buy only the audiobooks you want and avoid monthly fees.
Pay per book (usually £3–£20).
People who only listen occasionally.
Apple Books has a clean, smooth design and fits well into the Apple system.
Pay per book.
iPhone, iPad, and Mac users.
Hoopla is like Libby but with no waiting lists. You borrow instantly.
However, not every UK library uses Hoopla, so access may vary.
Readers who want fast access and dislike long queues on Libby.
Chirp is a deal-based audiobook shop.
Bargain hunters who want quality audiobooks at low prices.
The best audiobook app in the UK varies depending on which factor is most important to you i-e price, size of library, compatibility with devices or choice of keeping your books. Some listeners like Libby which is free, while others like Audible which has a large library or Everand which has unlimited access.
All the applications on this list are helpful, so one desires to test them and see which ones fit into their schedule. The best app will help you read easier, have fun, and be a part of your life.
Lisa Hage is an experienced content writer specializing in SEO-friendly blogs, website copy, and engaging marketing content. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she creates compelling content that drives results. She also provides high-quality custom content—contact us via email for more information.
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