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.
| • An audiobook is a recorded version of a book that you can listen to on your phone or other devices. It is so popular because it allows people to listen to stories while performing their daily activities, such as driving, cleaning, or walking. It saves time and simplifies reading among busy people. |
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, and it is considered one of the best alternatives to Audible by many users.
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 similar to Libby and one of the best alternatives to Audible, 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 prefer Libby because it is free, while others choose Audible for its extensive library or Everand for its unlimited access. Insights from a mobile app development company also show that user experience, performance, and seamless integration across devices play a major role in why these apps gain long-term adoption.
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.
The best Audible alternatives in the UK are Audiobooks.com, Libro.fm, Everand, Google Play Books, and Apple Books. For free options, Libby and BorrowBox are strong choices.
Audible is the most complete option, but Audiobooks.com is a close match. Everand is better for unlimited listening, and Libby or BorrowBox are better for free library audiobooks.
Most people listen on their phone, but you can also use tablets, laptops, car speakers, smart speakers, or Kindles. The best place is wherever you can listen comfortably without distractions, like your bedroom and your study room.
The best places to buy audiobooks in the UK are Audible, Libro.fm, Google Play Books, and Apple Books. These platforms let you keep the books permanently.
Yes. Studies show that listening and reading activate similar parts of the brain. Most people understand and remember stories the same way, whether they listen or read.
People usually listen during commutes, walks, workouts, cleaning, cooking, school runs, or before bed. Audiobooks fit easily into moments when your hands are busy but your mind is free.
Audible works best when it comes to maintaining a subscription since it is user-friendly, has a huge library and allows managing credits, wishlist, and downloads on a single platform.
Mindvalley and Audible are top choices. They have numerous self-help, motivation, and habit-forming books that make you learn and grow daily.
Scribd is one of the cheapest options. All the unlimited listening at a low monthly fee and many self-help titles are included without an additional fee.
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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