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Discover how to pick your next free audiobook

How to Choose Your Next Audiobook?

Oct 25, 2024 — by 

Priyanjana Wason

With the growing popularity of audiobooks, it is easy to find stories that fit seamlessly into your daily life. But with so many choices out there, how do you pick your next audiobook, especially when looking for free audiobooks? Whether you’re new to audiobooks or an experienced listener, this guide will help you navigate the options and find the perfect match for your next listen.

The first step to finding a great free audiobook is to understand what you enjoy. Here are some factors to consider:

Consider Your Mood

Your mood can greatly influence what type of audiobook you’ll enjoy. Are you looking for an uplifting story, a deep and thought-provoking narrative, or a light and humorous tale? Matching your audiobook choice to your mood can make your listening experience more enjoyable.

Reading Challenges

Reading challenges are another great way to discover your next read while pushing yourself to explore different genres and authors.

Join Reading Challenges

Platforms like Goodreads offer yearly reading challenges where you can set a goal for how many books you want to read (or listen to) within a certain period. These challenges often motivate you to try new genres and authors. Participating in challenges can lead you to a treasure trove of free audiobooks available online.

Tip: If you're doing a classic literature challenge, explore Fabuly’s collection of curated free audiobooks that meet your challenge criteria.

Quizzes

Quizzes are fun and interactive tools that can help guide you toward your next great listen. They ask questions about your preferences, current mood, and reading habits to suggest a tailored recommendation.

Quizzes You Can Take

  • BuzzFeed: Known for its lighthearted and entertaining quizzes, BuzzFeed offers fun interactive quizzes to match you with a book to read. Try it here.
  • Penguin: Penguin Random House has book quizzes that match you with your ideal next read based on your tastes with options like “What Classic Book Should You Read Next?”.
  • Fabuly Quiz: Fabuly will pair you with your next free audiobook. Take a short quiz and find out which classic you should listen to next here. The best part? The audiobooks are free, and you can choose to read or listen—or do both at the same time!

Where to Find the Best Free Audiobooks?

If you know what you're looking for, the next step is finding a reliable source of free audiobooks. Here are some of the best platforms:

Explore Popular Free Audiobook Platforms:

  • LibriVox: This volunteer-driven platform offers thousands of free audiobooks from the public domain, read by volunteers from around the world. It’s an excellent place to find classic literature like Pride and Prejudice or The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
  • OverDrive/Libby: Many local libraries provide free digital audiobook rentals through OverDrive or its app, Libby. All you need is a library card to access thousands of titles, including both classics and contemporary works.
  • Fabuly: For a more curated experience, Fabuly offers a handpicked selection of free classic audiobooks. Unlike many platforms that simply provide an extensive library, Fabuly focuses on quality, ensuring that each book in its collection holds a special place in literary history. Plus, Fabuly’s AI analyzes your reading style to recommend your next listen, making it easier than ever to find a story that aligns with your tastes.
    Note: We do use LibriVox recordings but we are not affiliated with them.
  • Audible: Audible boasts the largest library of audiobooks, though the majority require a subscription or pay-per-use access. However, it does offer a limited selection of free audiobooks, including classics like The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. Users can also take advantage of the "free trial" option to temporarily access the full catalog without a fee. While the selection of free classic audiobooks is not as extensive as LibriVox or Fabuly, it is a good option for those seeking high-quality narrations of timeless books.

Tips for Choosing the Right Audiobook

Once you’ve found a few potential choices, these tips can help you decide which free audiobook to dive into:

  • Listen to Samples
  • Read free audiobook sample before choosing

    Most audiobook platforms allow you to listen to a sample before you commit to the full book. This is a great way to get a sense of the narrator’s style and see if it fits your taste. A narrator’s voice can make or break the experience, so it’s worth taking a few minutes to listen before you decide.

  • Check Reviews and Ratings
  • You can check the rating of the free audiobook in the Fabuly App

    Reviews can provide insight into whether an audiobook is worth your time. Look for comments on narration quality, pacing, and how engaging the story is. Reviews from other listeners can also help you avoid poorly narrated versions.

  • Check the Length
  • You can check the length of the free audiobook in the Fabuly App

    Consider how much time you have for listening. A shorter audiobook might be perfect for a weekend trip, while a longer one is ideal for daily commutes or long walks. Always check the listening time. And if you don’t have enough time but want to know the whole story, try reading an abridged version.

Make the Most of Your Free Audiobook

  • Create a Listening Habit
    • Integrate your audiobook into daily activities like commuting, exercising, or cooking. Doing this helps you finish books more easily without setting aside dedicated time for reading.

      One of the best ways to stay dedicated to your listening goals is to keep track of your progress and maintain a TBR (To Be Read) list. Apps like Goodreads, Bindly ,and Basmo allow you to track your audiobook progress, making it easier to see how many chapters you’ve completed and what’s next on your list.

    • Adjust Playback Speed
    • If you find the narration too slow, try increasing the playback speed. Most audiobook apps allow you to adjust the speed to your liking, making it easier to tailor the experience to your needs.

    • Use Bookmarks and Take Notes
    • Many audiobook apps have features that allow you to bookmark parts of the story or add notes. This is especially useful for non-fiction books or classics filled with memorable quotes. It helps you revisit favorite passages without needing to rewind.

    • Join a Community
    • Engaging with fellow audiobook listeners can enhance the experience. Join online book clubs or forums where you can discuss the free audiobooks you’ve enjoyed, get new recommendations, and share your thoughts.

    Choosing your next free audiobook doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With platforms like Fabuly, you can enjoy a curated collection of classics, tailored recommendations, and the nostalgia of those school reading lists that introduced us to timeless literature.

    Take the quiz below to find the perfect free audiobook based on your mood and interests! Find your next read.